Program Overview

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Physics and Astronomy Degree

The Physics and Astronomy degree at the University of Waterloo is designed to foster curious minds and provide students with a strong foundation in physics and astronomy. The program is offered as a co-op or regular program, allowing students to gain valuable work experience and build their skills in research, data analysis, and problem-solving.

Program Overview

The Physics and Astronomy degree is a four-year program that combines foundational studies in physics and math with courses in astronomy. Students will have the opportunity to explore research areas such as astrophysics, cosmology, and theoretical physics, and will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

First-Year Courses

In the first year, students will take a mixture of physics, computer science, and chemistry courses to provide a solid foundation for their upper-year classes. The courses include:

• CHEM 120/CHEM 120L – General Chemistry 1/Laboratory or EARTH 121/121L – Introductory Earth Sciences, or 100- or 200-level BIOL with lab (if applicable)
• CS 114 – Principles of Computing for Science
• MATH 127 – Calculus 1 for Sciences
• PHYS 10 – Physics Seminar
• PHYS 121/PHYS 121L – Mechanics/Laboratory
• ENGL 193/COMMST 193 – Communication in the Sciences

Upper-Year Courses

In the upper years, students will take a range of physics and math courses, including:

• PHYS 375 – Stars
• PHYS 474 – Galaxies
• PHYS 475 – Cosmology
• PHYS 476 – Introduction to General Relativity

Skills and Specializations

The Physics and Astronomy degree will provide students with a range of skills, including:

• Applied programming and data analysis
• Image analysis and manipulation
• Building and working with detector technology
• Statistical analysis techniques applicable to a wide range of disciplines
• Telescope operation
• Physical reasoning and model building

Students can also specialize in areas such as astrophysics or biophysics, or add additional areas of interest from across campus by including a minor or option as part of their degree.

Co-op Program

The co-op program in Physics and Astronomy provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and build their skills in research, data analysis, and problem-solving. Students will alternate between school and work every four months, integrating their classroom learning with real-world experience.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the Physics and Astronomy degree include:

• Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses, including English, Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, and two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, or Physics
• A minimum final grade of 70% in English, Advanced Functions, and Calculus and Vectors
• Admission averages: Low 80s

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Physics and Astronomy degree can pursue careers in a range of fields, including:

• Astronomer
• Aerospace scientist
• Researcher in theoretical physics, astrophysics, or data analysis for space and atmospheric institutes
• Hazard analyst/modeller

The program will provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in these careers, and will prepare them for further study in graduate programs or for direct entry into the workforce.