Department of Applied Mathematics
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3G1
Fax: 519-746-4319
PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader
Advanced mathematical methods are important in the entire spectrum of physics, from basic research into the fundamental laws of nature to the development of new types of technologies. The Department of Applied Mathematics, in collaboration with the Department of Physics and Astronomy, is therefore offering a program entitled, "Mathematical Physics." The program offers an integrated set of courses in mathematics and physics and leads to the Bachelor of Mathematics honours degree. It is a challenging program which requires high mathematical ability and strong physical intuition.
The program is flexible and students interested in a career in industry may broaden their background by including courses, for example, in computational mathematics or computer science. There are currently positions, for example, in the energy sector, in the semi-conductor industry, in the field of telecommunication and in medical technology. Students who wish to move on to graduate studies are being particularly well prepared by this program. It is important to note that a career at the forefront of industrial research, e.g. in quantum optics or nanotechnology, often requires a graduate degree. A career in academic research always requires a PhD, as well as several years of mobility in so-called postdoctoral work at universities or other research institutes before settling into an academic position. Many of those who start an academic career eventually move to industry. In industry, mathematical physicists, in particular those with a graduate degree, possess a reputation as being particularly able to solve complex real world problems and are, therefore, sought after for high level positions even in unrelated fields such as finance, software or management consulting.
University of Waterloo's Faculty of Mathematics is unique, with over 200 professors. If it is math, we probably have an expert in it. We attract Canada's best students in mathematics.
Waterloo has two large research institutes for physics:
All this means that, at University of Waterloo, you may, for example, attend some of the many regular seminars by international researchers, perhaps work in a co-op term at the IQC or at PI, or apply for a summer research scholarship to take part in research in quantum gravity.
Ms. Helen Chen (Undergraduate Secretary): amug@math.uwaterloo.ca
Prof. Achim Kempf, for general advise and regarding links with the Institute for Quantum Computing and Perimeter Institute.
Prof. Marek Stastna, Undergraduate Officer): mmstastna@math.uwaterloo.ca
Department of Applied Mathematics
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3G1
PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.