Physical Sciences

student looking at a string

Discover how the world works by investigating the natural laws and processes of non-living matter

Explore, investigate, and discover the natural laws and processes of non-living matter. Apply to Physical Sciences and choose one of these eight majors starting in first year. Each major is available through the co-op as well as regular system of study with the exception of Medicinal Chemistry, which is co-op only.

Get tips on how to choose a program within the Faculty of Science.

Faculty:
Faculty of Science

Degree:
Bachelor of Science in your chosen major

Choose from eight majors

A student in the Life Physics program at the University of Waterloo

Biological and Medical Physics

Harness the power of physics and apply it to biological systems.

Learn more about Biological and Medical Physics →

A student in the Mathematical Physics program speaks with a professor

Mathematical Physics

Apply your love of mathematics to the understanding of how the natural world works.

Learn more about Mathematical Physics →

A student performs an experiment in a chemistry lab

Chemistry

Study everything from organic chemistry and analytical chemistry to polymer chemistry, nanoscience, and more.

Learn more about Chemistry →

A medicinal chemistry student in a lab coat and goggles speaks to another student

Medicinal Chemistry

Want to create the life-saving drugs of tomorrow? Earn a chemistry degree with a difference.

Learn more about Medicinal Chemistry →

A student in the Earth Sciences degree program hugs a big rock while wearing an orange coat.

Earth Sciences

Learn about the fascinating and complex world under your feet by exploring topics such as geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and hydrogeology.

Learn more about Earth Sciences →

Physics student working on a project

Physics

Study the most fundamental aspects of nature in one of Canada’s largest and most innovative physics departments.

Learn more about Physics →

Materials and Nanosciences student working in a classroom

Materials and Nanosciences

Dive into the world of nanoparticles and learn about the properties of materials, such as superconductors, insulators, and biomaterials, and how they are designed and synthesized.

Learn more about Materials and Nanosciences →

A telescope in a box

Physics and Astronomy

Study our vast universe, from subatomic particles to planets, stars, and galaxies, as well as the origin, evolution, and fate of the whole cosmos.

Learn about Physics and Astronomy →

Tuition fees for programs in the Faculty of Science

First-year tuition

Type of fees Tuition (8 months of school)
Domestic (Ontario residents) $9,000
Domestic (Out of province students) $9,000
International (visa students) $52,000
     
  • Estimated amounts listed include incidental fees. Fees based on 2024-25 tuition rates.
  • Visit our financing page to learn about scholarships, estimate your total expenses, and see how co-op can help pay for your education.
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Admission 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 directly to this program and indicate the major that interests you.

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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.