Life Physics (Regular and Co-op)
- About
- First-year courses
- Upper-year courses
- Specializations
- Co-op
- Beyond University of Waterloo
- Important information
About
Waterloo's Physics department is one of the largest and most innovative in Canada. Life Physics provides a solid foundation in basic physics, chemistry and biology while allowing a flexible, interdisciplinary and integrative approach to the study of the life sciences. While emphasizing physics, through appropriate selection of electives, this program prepares students for careers which require a broad scientific knowledge including programs in biophysics, medical physics, optometry, medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, forensics, and radiotherapy. According to Ontario Job Futures “The biotechnology and health sectors ... will become a growing source of new employment opportunities” with “the best opportunities for ... for those who can work across disciplines.”
First-year courses
Beginning in first year, you'll have access to a large number and variety of state-of-the-art labs. Phys 10 with seminars and research lab tours can keep you current with the latest research being conducted by your professors, as well as career prospects.
| fall term | winter term |
|---|---|
|
PHYS10 Physics Seminar BIOL 130/130L Introductory Cell Biology/Lab PHYS 121 Mechanics 1 OR PHYS 111Physics 1 PHYS 131L Mechanics Laboratory ORPHYS 111L CHEM120/120L Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter/Lab |
PHYS10 Physics Seminar BIOL 239 Genetics (currently listed as BIOL 139) PHYS 122 Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism 2 OR PHYS 112 Physics 2 PHYS 132L Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism 2 Laboratory OR PHYS 112L CHEM123/123L Chemical Reactions, Equilibria and Kinetics/Lab |
Upper-year courses
Here is a list of some of the upper-year courses in Life Physics.
- Electricity and Magnetism for Life and Medical Physics
- Modeling Life Physics
- Geometrical and Physical Optics
- Introduction to Biophysics
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics
- Biophysics of Therapeutic Methods
- Biophysics of Imaging
- Special Topics in Life, Medical and Biophysics
- Principles of Human Physiology
- Basic Organic Chemistry
- Introductory Biochemistry
Additional courses are chosen from the following list with some additional required courses if you choose to specialize in either Medical Physics or Biophysics.
- Modern Physics
- Quantum Physics
- Classical Mechanics and Special Relativity
- Thermal Physics
- Statistical Mechanics
- Medical Physics
- Fundamentals of Microbiology/Laboratory*
- Principles of Molecular Biology
- Human Anatomy
View the full course progression for the Life Physics Major
Specializations
Medical Physics Specialization course progression
The Medical physics specialization requires additional courses also taken by honours physics students, and medical physics courses, in preparation for a graduate level program in medical physics, leading to certification or for work in medical physics. Medical physicists then take licensing exams to become health professionals, working primarily in cancer diagnosis and treatment or diagnostic imaging. Graduates from the Medical physics specialization can also pursue careers in radiation safety/health physics, go into industry in biomedical instrumentation and technology development or continue to graduate school in other medical/health sciences areas.
Biophysics Specialization course progression
The biophysics specialization increases the depth and breadth of physics and biology courses at an honours level, to allow strengthening of areas of interest and as preparation for graduate level study as well as diverse Biophysics careers; including work in industry. Graduates will be stellar candidates for these positions due to their multidisciplinary training. The specialization allows for in depth studies in molecular, cellular or organ biophysics, biophotonics or imaging.
Co-op
Life Physics and it's specializations are available in both co-op and regular streams
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 with two or more 4 month terms and one 8 month term. For more information on co-op, visit the co-op website.
As students begin to explore co-op, the following positions may interest them:
- Research Assistant, National Research Council of Canada
- Medical Associate, Antibody Healthcare Communications
- Research Assistant, PET Imaging, Triumf
- Medical Device Design Assistant, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
- Bioinformatics Researcher, Ontario Cancer Institute
- Research Assistant, University of Waterloo
Co-op earnings (Physics students)
| work term | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| earnings/week (avg $) | 545 | 585 | 619 | 661 | 673 |
Beyond University of Waterloo
As students graduate from the Life Physics programs, they may consider these careers:
- Medical Physicist, Cancer Centres
- Health and Safety Officer, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
- Customer Support, Scientific instrumentation, Olympus
- Product Developer, Christie Digital
- Research Assistant, Neuraxon Inc
- Senior Scientist, Drug Discovery, Merck Frosst Canada
Important information
Information on admission requirements, financing and housing, is found in our admission website.
