Program Requirements

Notes on Course Requirements

• The course sequences below are designed for a four-year program. Students who anticipate taking longer than four years should consult the undergraduate adviser. Students in the Co-op program will take longer than four years and should consult the Co-op coordinator.
• Physics 12 and Mathematics 12 are required for entry into the Physics and Astronomy undergraduate programs. For all sequences, PHYS 120 is intended for students planning a career in Physics or Astronomy and who have attained at least a B standing in each of Physics 12 and Mathematics 12.
• Those with less than a B standing and planning a career in Physics or Astronomy, or those planning a career in some other Physical Science (such as Chemistry or Earth and Ocean Sciences), should take PHYS 110 and 111.
• Students planning to take Honours programs should normally also have completed Chemistry 11 and 12. Advanced placement is available for students with high standing in both Mathematics 12 and Physics 12.
• Students should consult the timetable or the department to confirm which courses are offered in any particular term.
• Where consent of the department is specified as a course prerequisite, this consent must be obtained from the department Chair or the Chair’s nominee.

Honours Programs: General Regulations

• Admission to the third and fourth years of the Honours programs requires the permission of the department.
• Admission to the Combined Honours Physics and Mathematics program requires the permission of both the department of Physics and Astronomy and the department of Mathematics and Statistics.
• Admission to the Combined Honours Physics and Earth Sciences (Geophysics) Program, and the Combined Honours Physics and Ocean Sciences (Physical Oceanography) Program requires the permission of both the department of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences (SEOS).
• Admission to the Combined Honours Physics and Biochemistry Program requires the permission of both the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Biology and Microbiology.
• Students in the Honours programs will be required to maintain a GPA of at least 3.5.

Major Programs: General Regulations

For any Major program in the department, the course grades used in calculating the GPA on which the type of degree is based must include those for all courses (including departmental electives) numbered 300 and above that are specified by the department.

Physics Programs: Course Requirements

Honours Program in Physics

1. ASTR 150, 250, 255, PHYS 210, CSC 115, 225, 230 are recommended.

2. Electives chosen from Physics and Astronomy courses (or other approved courses) numbered 300 or higher (at least 3 units of which must be in Physics courses). These electives must be chosen in consultation with the Department.

Major Program in Physics

1. Three units of Chemistry are recommended in this program. ASTR 150, 250, 255, PHYS 210, CSC 115, 225, 230 are also recommended.

2. Electives chosen from Physics and Astronomy courses (or other approved courses) numbered 300 or higher (at least 3 units of which must be in Physics courses).

3. One of PHYS 460 and ASTR 460 is recommended for third- and fourth-year students.

General Program in Physics

1. Three units of Chemistry are recommended in this program. ASTR 150, 250, 255, PHYS 210, CSC 115, 225, 230 are also recommended.

2. Chosen from Physics and Astronomy courses numbered 300 or higher.

Minor Program in Physics

A student may complete a Minor in Physics by fulfilling the requirements of an Honours, Major, or General degree in another discipline together with either the requirements of the General Program in Physics or the following:

The 9.0 units numbered 200 or higher cannot also be used to fulfill the requirements of a student’s Honours, Major or General program, or Option. Any course disqualified from the Minor program by such overlap may be replaced by another PHYS course at the same level or higher. Students should note that most PHYS courses have MATH pre- and corequisites. Students who believe they are appropriately prepared for a PHYS course without having completed the listed prerequisites may apply to the department for permission to take it.

Astronomy Programs: Course Requirements

Honours Program in Astronomy

1. PHYS 210, CSC 115, 225, 230 are recommended.

2. Electives chosen from Physics and Astronomy courses (or other approved courses) numbered 300 or higher. These electives must be chosen in consultation with the Department.

Major Program in Astronomy

1. Three units of Chemistry are recommended in this program. PHYS 210, CSC 115, 225, 230 are also recommended.

2. One of PHYS 460 and ASTR 460 is recommended for third- and fourth-year students.

Minor Program in Astronomy

A student may complete a Minor in Astronomy by fulfilling the requirements of an Honours, Major, or General degree in another discipline together with the following:

The 9.0 units numbered 200 or higher cannot also be used to fulfill the requirements of a student’s Honours, Major or General program, or Option. Any course disqualified from the Minor program by such overlap may be replaced by another PHYS or ASTR course at the same level or higher. Students should note that most ASTR courses have PHYS and MATH pre- and corequisites. Students who believe they are appropriately prepared for an ASTR course without having completed the listed prerequisites may apply to the department for permission to take it.