Tiny subject matter. Huge opportunities.
Discover how to manipulate individual atoms and molecules in Materials and Nanosciences at Waterloo. As one of the top nanoscience programs in Canada (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023), this program has lots to offer, including paid co-op opportunities.
You’ll learn the ins and outs of designing composite materials, ceramics, semiconductor materials, fuel cells, energy storage devices, solar cells, and more. And thanks to small classes, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to connect with other students and professors.
Materials and Nanoscience is a mix of chemistry, physics, and math. You’ll also take materials science courses where you learn about what makes a substance unique. For example, if you arrange atoms in a certain way, why does the material have stability and strength rather than flexibility? In upper years, you can choose to take more chemistry or physics. It all depends on what aspects of materials science you enjoy.
What courses will you take in Materials and Nanosciences?
First-year courses
Programs/majors in the Faculty of Science start right in first year. To select your program with confidence, here’s some handy info to get you started.
September to December
January to April
- CHEM 125/125L – Chemical Reactions, Equilibria and Kinetics/Laboratory
- MATH 128 – Calculus 2 for the Sciences
- MNS 10 – Materials and Nanosciences Seminar
- MNS 102 – Techniques for Materials and Nanosciences
- PHYS 122/PHYS 122L – Waves, Electricity and Magnetism/Laboratory
- ENGL 193/COMMST 193 – Communication in the Sciences
This a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.
After first year
About half of the classes you’ll take will be Materials and Nanosciences courses with about the other half being Chemistry, Math and Physics courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.
View a list of all the courses required for your degree.
Types of courses you'll take
This is a general guideline. The ratio of courses may change slightly from year to year.
Sample upper-year courses
MNS 211 – Chemistry and the Solid State
MNS 322 – Polymer Materials
AMATH 250 – Introduction to Differential Equations
CHEM 209 – Introductory Spectroscopy and Structure
Skills you'll develop with this major
- Advanced chemical/physical research and development applications
- Fundamental laboratory techniques including synthetic methods and use of modern analytical instrumentation
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Oral and written communication
This isn't an exhaustive list – rather a glimpse into the skills this major can provide.
Your experience will be unique, and the skills you develop will depend on your goals; which courses you take; and your involvement with any clubs, jobs, or research projects.
Customize your degree
You can include one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students.
Faculty:
Faculty of Science
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Materials and Nanosciences
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
No
Build an awesome résumé. Conduct research in our world-leading Quantum-Nano Centre, or join Waterloo's Nanorobotics Group. If you opt for co-op, you’ll gain valuable skills during your five work terms.
Meet other nano-geeks. The student-run Materials and Nanoscience (MNS) Society hosts lab events, social outings, and professional development workshops to equip you with the tools for success.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!
Sample co-op job titles
- Materials lab associate
- Nanoscale optics and photonics research assistant
- Software developer
- Science math peer tutor
- Undergraduate research assistant
- Quality assurance technician
- Product development assistant
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fourth | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
Your first work term will be halfway through second year (January to April 2027).
Admissions requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, or Physics
Admission averages: Low 80s
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply?
Apply to Physical Sciences and select Materials and Nanosciences as your major.
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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact our Faculty of Science recruitment team who can answer any questions you have.