Life Physics

Rocket science, meet medical science

If you enjoy biology and physics and want a career in medical technology or health research, Life Physics at Waterloo is for you.

Run by the Department of Physics and Astronomy — one of the largest and most innovative physics departments in Canada — this flexible and interdisciplinary program is based on a solid foundation of physics, chemistry, and biology.

You’ll enjoy small classes, hands-on labs, and the opportunity to get involved in research and teaching.

When you graduate, you can put your knowledge to work in cancer treatment centres, pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies, university research labs, and many other settings.

About the Life Physics program

Specializations: Biophysics or Medical Physics

Offered through the Faculty of Science

Waterloo is ranked top 150 in the world for physics

Life Physics admission requirements

• Apply to Physical Sciences and select Life Physics as your major in first year.

Careers in Life Physics

Graduates of Life Physics often pursue work in fields such as medicine, radiation oncology, and medical imaging. 

Possible career fields

• Senior Scientist, Drug Discovery, Merck Canada
• Medical Physicist, Cancer Centres
• Health and Safety Officer, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
• Customer Support, Scientific instrumentation, Olympus
• Product Developer, Christie Medical

First-year courses

If you're considering the Biophysics specialization, you should select MATH 114 as a first-term elective. If you're considering the Medical Physics specialization, select PHYS 124 as your elective in winter.

What other courses will you take?

• About half of the classes you’ll take will be Physics courses with some Biology Courses. With your remaining classes you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas.
• You can also add additional areas of interest and expertise by including a minor/minors or a specialization as part of your degree. Specializations are listed above.
• View a list of all the courses required for your degree.

Gain relevant work experience through co-op

By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.

Learn more about Life Physics

• Email our Science Recruitment Team, who can answer any questions about Life Physics
• Visit the Life Physics website