Science at Waterloo is located on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnawbe, and Haudenosaunee peoples and we are committed to reconciliation through our research, learning, teaching and community building.
As an integral part of Canada’s most innovative university, the Faculty of Science is a global leader and a preferred destination for those seeking to engage in world-class basic and applied research and learning. The discoveries of our faculty, staff and students are leading to disruptive ideas and innovations that will ensure a healthy and sustainable future.
Innovative and disruptive science is only possible through a diversity of ideas and perspectives. Science at Waterloo is committed to providing and promoting a safe and inclusive environment in the classroom, the laboratory and in the field.
Learn more about Science at Waterloo through our professional schools - the School of Optometry and Vision Science and the School of Pharmacy, and our four departments- Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Physics and Astronomy.
* Statistics current as of 2020/2021 academic year.
Research excellence
The Faculty of Science has internationally renowned researchers including Nobel Laureate Donna Strickland, two Canada Excellence Research Chair Laureates, 14 Canada Research Chairs, and multiple recipients of the Order of Canada and Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada.
Waterloo Science research has been featured by local, national and global media, including CBC’s Quirks and Quarks and Scientific American.
Our researchers are always on the cutting edge of new and unique discoveries! Read more about their latest research findings in our research highlights.
Education excellence
The Faculty of Science offers 17 undergraduate degree programs including interdisciplinary programs such as Science and Business and Science and Aviation.
Our world-class School of Optometry and Vision Science and School of Pharmacy offer professional Doctor of Optometry (OD) and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs.
Graduate students have a selection of 13 different graduate degree programs at the masters (MSc) and doctoral (PhD) levels of study, including specialized programs in Nanotechnology, Quantum Information and Water, in partnership with our research institutes.
We provide quality hands on experience to our students in a variety of ways, including labs, field courses, cooperative education and work placement opportunities, international exchanges, and clinical rotations.
Beyond the Lab Experiences
The Faculty of Science fosters a culture of scientific innovation and entrepreneurship by providing the tools and lab space they need to take their ideas and turn them into reality through programs and collaborations including the Science Innovation Hub, iGEM, Velocity Science and St. Paul's Greenhouse.
Award winning community outreach programs encourage an understanding of science in out community, and inspire the next generation of scientists. These programs include our Earth Science Museum, the annual Science Open House, Let’s Talk Science Waterloo K-12 program, tours of the Gustav Bakos Observatory, and Open Courseware covering high school science topics.