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 one of the world's leading institutes for research and training in foundational theoretical physics.

Join a program that fosters curious minds to question the smallest particles, the largest forces, and everything in between. Where you'll get the support you need to succeed (and maybe win a Nobel Prize like Waterloo professor Donna Strickland or be part of a team to take the first image of a black hole, like professor Avery Broderick).

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.

Program highlights

• Learn from top physicists. Be sure to take advantage of public lectures at the nearby Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, located just south of campus.
• Do scientific research. In your fourth year, you can undertake a cutting-edge research project to explore your interests in physics — perhaps at Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing.

• Available as a regular or co-op program 
• Available as a major and minor
• Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Physics
• Offered by the Faculty of Science

What will you learn?

What's the difference between Physics, Mathematical Physics, and Physics and Astronomy?

In Mathematical Physics, you'll take more math courses and will not be required to do labs after first year so this program is good if you’re interested in theoretical (math-based) physics. In Physics and Astronomy, you’ll have observational astronomy labs, astronomy courses such as Stars and Galaxies, and have fewer required math courses. This program is good if you’re interested in the observational side of space research. Physics continues with labs throughout the degree and is the most general physics program. It's good if you’re interested in experimental or applied physics or if you're unsure where your interests lie in physics.

"In my first co-op term I learned about laser, holography, and motorized stages. I even coded programs that tied everything up to automate the system! The experience reassured me that I made the right decision by studying Physics at Waterloo."Saral (he/him), Physics (co-op), student

Related programs

• Biological and Medical Physics
• Materials and Nanosciences
• Mathematical Physics
• Physics and Astronomy