Study the very big to the very small. This math is universal.
Look for answers to the universe’s largest questions and launch a dynamic career.
Discover the mathematical and theoretical underpinnings of the laws of nature. From the foundations of quantum theory and its applications in nanotechnology to the structure of spacetime and cosmology, fluid mechanics, and atmospheric physics, Mathematical Physics will give you the advanced mathematical problem-solving skills needed for a wide range of careers.
You’ll get hands-on experience in the lab, and dig deep into mechanics, electricity and magnetism, computer programming, optics, and more. Learn from some of the leading mathematical minds at our Faculty of Mathematics, the largest in Canada.
Interested in the extra-terrestrial? Explore astrophysics with the Department of Physics and Astronomy, one of Canada’s most innovative. Don’t forget to check out the Gustav Bakos Observatory atop the Physics building.
With a background in mathematical physics, your career possibilities are infinite (figuratively, of course.).
What courses will you take in Mathematical Physics? (Faculty of Science)
First-year courses
In your first year, you'll take a mixture of Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science courses to give you the foundations for your upper-year classes. After first year, most of your classes will be Physics and Mathematics courses.
September to December
- CHEM 120/120L – General Chemistry 1/Laboratory or EARTH 121/121L – Introductory to Earth Sciences/Laboratory or 100- or 200-level BIOL with lab (if applicable)
- CS 114 – Principles of Computing for Science
- PHYS 10 – Physics Seminar
- PHYS 121/121L – Mechanics/Laboratory
- MATH 136 – Linear Algebra 1 for Honours Mathematics
- MATH 137 – Calculus 1 for Honours Mathematics
January to April
- CHEM 123 – General Chemistry 2 or EARTH 122/122L – Introductory Environmental Sciences, or 100- or 200-level BIOL with lab (if applicable)
- PHYS 10 – Physics Seminar
- PHYS 122/122L – Waves, Electricity and Magnetism/Laboratory
- PHYS 124 – Modern Physics
- MATH 138 – Calculus 2 for Honours Mathematics
- ENGL 193/COMMST 193 – Communication in the Sciences
After first year
About half of the classes you’ll take will be Physics courses, with roughly the other half being Applied Mathematics and Math courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.
Types of courses you'll take
This is a general guideline. The ratio of courses may change slightly from year to year.
Skills you'll develop with this major
- Advanced mathematical skills
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis
- Systemic, rigorous, and flexible problem solving
- Applied programming and data analysis
- Creative application of knowledge to design new technologies
This isn't an exhaustive list – rather a glimpse into the skills a Mathematical Physics 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 add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students.
Once you're a student, advisors can help you explore which minors or specializations may fit into your plans.
Faculty:
Faculty of Mathematics or Faculty of Science
Degree:
Bachelor of Mathematics or Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Physics
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
No
Make friends for life. Plan to live in residence? Live in a Science Living Learning Community and meet other first-year Science students. Form a study group or walk to class together with your new classmates.
Learn from top researchers. Catch a lecture at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, just south of campus, or spend a research term at Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing.
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
- Design engineer-quality assurance
- Project engineering support
- Performance engineering co-op student
- Science math peer tutor
- Undergraduate research assistant
- Application programmer
- Quality assurance analyst
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.
Your first work term will be after first year if you choose to study through the Faculty of Mathematics (May to August 2026).
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Co-op |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Co-op | Study |
| Fourth | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
Or halfway through second year if you choose to study through the Faculty of Science (January to April 2027).
| 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 | Co-op | Study |
| Fourth | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
Admission requirements
Apply to Mathematics or Physical Sciences and choose Mathematical Physics as your major.
Choose your focus
You can earn your Mathematical Physics degree through the Faculty of Mathematics or the Faculty of Science. What's the difference?
- While most of your first-year courses will be similar, you'll take more science or math courses in your upper years depending on which entry program you choose.
- The degree you earn will be either a Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath) through the Faculty of Mathematics or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) through the Faculty of Science.
- Depending on your interests and whether you'd like to earn a math or science degree, you'll apply to one of two entry programs: Mathematics or Physical Sciences (which have different admission requirements).
- You'll then choose Mathematical Physics as your major within one of these entry programs.
- The courses required to earn your degree will focus more on math or science.
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Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact Evan Chang, our Faculty of Mathematics recruitment coordinator or the Science recruitment coordinator, who can answer any questions you have.