Physics

Become the next Einstein. Wild hair optional.

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

Physics at Waterloo offers award-winning teaching, 20 months of optional co-op experience, and partnerships with some of the biggest institutes in the world working at the forefront of physics research.

Choose from a broad range of courses in applied physics, astrophysics, biophysics, chemical physics, mathematical physics, and quantum computing. Then supplement your learning with hands-on labs and tutorials.

Over the course of your degree, you’ll develop the strong quantitative and analytic skills that industry is looking for. You’ll graduate well prepared for a career in engineering, biotechnology, medicine, or astronomy — or for graduate studies where you can delve deeper into the world of research.

You might take a class from Physics and Astronomy professor Donna Strickland, who was awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics for her groundbreaking inventions in laser physics. 

Choose to focus your studies in applied physics, astrophysics, biophysics, chemical physics, mathematical physics, or quantum computing.

About the Physics program

Waterloo is affiliated with the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics

Available as a major and minor

Physics admission requirements 

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

Careers in physics

Common careers for Physics graduates include biomedical research and design, research and development, financial analysis and forecasting, nuclear power research and operation, modelling, computer hardware and software development, and more.

Recent graduates

• Physics teacher, Waterloo Region District School Board
• Systems Integration Specialist, University of Waterloo
• Postdoctoral Researcher, BC Cancer Agency Radiation Therapy

First-year Physics courses

Customize your Physics degree

Within the program, you can focus on applied physics, astrophysics, biophysics, chemical physics, mathematical physics, or quantum computing. You can also add additional areas of interest from other subjects by including a minor as part of 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 Physics

• Email Jenn Czekus, our Science recruitment co-ordinator, who can answer any questions about Physics
• Visit the Physics website
• Related programs: Life Physics, Mathematical Physics, Physics and Astronomy