Physics courses in Canada

Physics is considered the fundamental natural science, covering a wide range of subfields such as mechanics, quantum physics, thermodynamics and electricity, to name only a handful. The developments in physics are central to the other natural sciences and it is relevant to all fields of science.

Canada has a rich history in physics, having produced a number of famous physicists including Nobel Prize winners Richard Taylor and Arthur Schawlow. Canada remain at the forefront of physics research, with the University of Toronto serving as only one example of the scope of investigation taking place at the moment.

What topics are covered during a Physics course in Canada?

University of Toronto's diverse research projects cover areas in geophysics, atmospheric physics, experimental particle physics, theoretical high energy physics, condensed matter physics, quantum optics, biological physics and physics education. They also collaborate with a host of research organisations including the Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Control, Institute for Optical Sciences, Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA), IsoTrace, Institute for Aerospace Studies and others besides.

What is it like to study for a Physics course in Canada?

Students studying for a degree in physics at Canadian institutions have access to this wide field of experts and the most up to date technology and equipment, as well as the opportunity to engage in a host of diverse research programs. In Canada you can either study physics as an honours program or major in it in a joint program. The honours undergraduate degree is an intensive and complex program reserved for outstanding students. It is an extremely specialised degree formed of a range of complex courses including maths and physics.

Students on the honours program also have to complete a thesis based on their independent proposal and research.  The honours program prepares students for postgraduate study and research, forming the basis of their academic careers.  Physics can be studied in conjunction with a range of other subjects, such as mathematics and chemistry.

Career prospects after a Physics degree in Canada

Physics graduates are in high demand.  Not only are they well respected academics but their qualifications demonstrate their flexibility in solving problems and thinking outside of the box.  Careers open to physics graduates include education, high-tech industry, finance, research and journalism.  Based on the Highly Qualified Personnel Study the level of unemployment amongst physics graduates is 2-3%, with most graduates gaining employment in research, development and education.