Honours Physics (Co-op and Regular)
- About
- Specializations
- First-year courses
- Upper-year courses
- Co-op
- Beyond University of Waterloo
- Important information
About
Waterloo's Physics program is one of the largest and most innovative in Canada. With over 20 of the 40 courses you'll take focusing on Physics, you'll graduate with an exceptionally strong background in this science.
Specializations
As a physics major, you can choose to focus your studies in applied physics, astrophysics, biophysics, chemical physics, mathematical physics, or quantum computing.
First-year courses
Beginning in first year, you'll have access to a large number and variety of state-of-the-art labs. Informal seminars and research lab tours can keep you current with the latest research being conducted by your professors.
| fall term | winter term |
|---|---|
| CHEM 120/120L Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter / Lab PHYS 121 Mechanics and Waves 1 PHYS 10 Physics Seminar PHYS 131L Mechanics and Waves Laboratory 1 MATH 114 Linear Algebra MATH 127 Calculus 1 One elective (dependent on option selected) |
CHEM 123/123L Chemical Reactions, Equilibria and Kinetics / Lab |
First-year courses you will take are listed in the undergraduate calendar.
Upper-year courses
Here is a list of some of our upper-year courses in physics.
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Geometrical Optics
- Quantum Physics 1
- Classical Mechanics and Special Relativity
- Astrophysics 1 -- The Solar System
- Thermodynamics
- Statistical Mechanics
- Molecular Biophysics
- Solid State Physics
- Electromagnetic Theory
Physics course descriptions and requirements, are found in the undergraduate calendar.
Co-op
What is co-op?
In the second term of your second year, you are able to begin a co-op job. You will complete 4 months of co-op, then return for 4 months of school. This pattern will continue the rest of your stay at University of Waterloo.
For more information visit the Co-operative Education website.
Co-op students at work
- Optical Biomedical Research Assistant, Ontario Cancer Institute
- Loudspeaker Designer, Canadian Speakertech Inc.
- Nuclear Analyst, Ontario Power Generation Inc.
- Ice Model Research Assistant, Environment Canada
- Geophysical Operator, Lamontagne Geophysics Ltd
Co-op earnings
| work term | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| earnings/week (avg $) | 545 | 585 | 619 | 661 | 673 |
Beyond University of Waterloo
Because our Physics program emphasizes research and computer skills, employers find that our students are valuable team members who quickly learn new techniques and who are able to quickly problem solve.
What our grads are doing now
- Reactor Physics Analyst, AECL Candu
- Astronomer, Harvard Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics
- Software Developer, Waterloo Maple Inc.
- Executive Director, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
- Bio-Physicist, Toronto Western Hospital
- Astrophysics Research, University of Waterloo
Other careers students are following can be found in our careers in Science website.
Important information
Information on admission requirements, financing and housing, is found in our admission website.
