For current contact information and a list of faculty and administration related to this program, please visit the Physics department website.
To reach your academic advisor, please visit FMS Academic Advising.
The department offers four-year programs of study leading to a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours in Physics, with possible Concentrations in Quantum Materials, Theoretical Physics, Astrophysics, and Applied Physics. We also offer a BSc Honours Co-op option in Physics, a BSc with Major Physics and a three-year BSc Pass degree program. Students may choose to take a combined major with Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science or Mathematics.
The core of the program is designed to provide an understanding of the principles and fundamental interactions of classical and quantum physics as well as many applications in technology and everyday life. It is possible for non-Physics degree students to take advanced courses, provided they have the physics and mathematics required as outlined in the year 1 Physics program. For Honours majors, research projects in experimental or theoretical Physics will provide a capstone learning experience in the fourth year.
A concentration in Quantum Materials equips students with the knowledge to explore cutting-edge technologies such as superconductors, quantum computers, and advanced semiconductors. It also provides strong preparation for both research careers and industry roles in emerging fields of energy, computing, and nanotechnology.
A concentration in Theoretical Physics trains students to use mathematical models and abstract reasoning to uncover the fundamental laws of nature. It builds versatile problem-solving skills that are valuable for research, advanced studies, and a wide range of careers requiring analytical thinking.
A concentration in Astrophysics allows students to apply physics to understand celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and the evolution of the universe. It also develops strong analytical, computational, and observational skills that prepare graduates for research, space science, and technology-driven careers.
A concentration in Applied Physics bridges fundamental physics with practical technologies, enabling students to tackle real-world challenges in areas like materials, optics, and renewable energy. It also equips graduates with versatile problem-solving and technical skills that are highly valued in both industry and research.
Physics and Co-op
The Physics Co-op program combines academic and work terms over a four and one-half year period. Students spend two years in an academic setting, where they acquire the necessary background prior to taking the first work placement. In addition to the current fees for courses in academic study terms, Physics Co-op students are assessed an annual administrative fee (see the Schedule of Fees ).
Eligibility to continue is based on the student’s major average and non-major average. A student with a minimum 70 percent major average and a minimum 60 percent non-major average will be permitted to continue. A student with a major average lower than 70 percent will not be permitted to continue in the Physics Co-op program, but may continue in the Physics stream.
All students in the Co-operative Education program are required to read, sign and adhere to the terms of the Student Regulations Waiver and Co-op Student Manuals (brocku.ca/co-op/current-students/co-op-student-manuals) as articulated by the Co-op Programs Office. In addition, eligibility to continue in the co-op option is based on the student’s major average and non-major average, and the ability to demonstrate the motivation and potential to pursue a professional career.
Each four-month co-operative education work term must be registered. Once students are registered in a co-op work term, they are expected to fulfill their commitment. If the placement accepted is for more than one four-month work term, students are committed to complete all terms. Students may not withdraw from or terminate a work term without permission from the Director, Co-op Program Office.
The Physics Co-op program designation will be awarded to those students who have honours standing and who have successfully completed a minimum of twelve months of Co-op work experience.
Minor in Physics
The department also offers a Minor in Physics program. The goal of this program is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of various branches of physics and their applications. The selection of courses is tailored to the needs and interests of individual students with diverse backgrounds (philosophy, classics, business and finance, mathematics and other science programs). Students should consult one of the Undergraduate Student Advisors of the Physics Department ([email protected] or ext. 3412) to plan the sequence of courses most suited to their background and needs.
Program Notes
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Students are encouraged and welcome to consult a department or faculty advisor when planning years 3 and 4 of the BSc programs or year 3 of the BSc Pass program.
Students considering a Concentration should consult a faculty advisor as early as possible in year 1, to ensure that a pathway to years 3 and 4 is clear, and all the necessary pre-requisites are met.
- CHEM 1P91 , MATH 1P05 and MATH 1P11 expect a certain level of achievement on relevant high-school courses and conduct placement tests early in the term. Students who do not meet the preparation requirements are able to enroll in alternate courses: CHEM 1P00 (required for CHEM 1P91 ), MATH 1P20 (required for MATH 1P05 ), MATH 1P12 (alternative for MATH 1P11 ), before continuing in the courses required for their program. As a result, the students may take more than four years and 20.0 credits to graduate. Students should contact an Academic Advisor for their program.
- In 20 credit degree programs a maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above; at least three credits must be numbered 3(alpha)90 or above; and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.
In 15 credit degree program a maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above; and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.
In some circumstances, in order to meet university degree and program requirements, more than 15 or 20 credits may be taken.
- All students must take three context credits: one Humanities context credit, one Social Sciences context credit and one Sciences context credit. Two credits must be used to satisfy context requirements by the end of year 2 and the third context credit must be completed no later than the end of year 3. Typically, the two first-year Physics courses count as the Science context credit.