Physics – Energy and Environmental Physics specialization

General information

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics provides a basic foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science and a solid education in classical and modern physics.

The program meets the rapidly increasing demand for graduates with knowledge and skills in technology-oriented fields such as energy, materials science, microelectronics, health, photonics and communication technologies and astrophysics.

The Physics program offers specializations in Astrophysics , and Energy and Environmental Physics , as well as a general Physics degree (Physics – Comprehensive ).

The Faculty of Science offers separate Honours Bachelor of Science degrees in Applied and Industrial Mathematics and in Physics . Students with interest in both disciplines may wish to complete the academic requirements of both programs and be awarded a single degree, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied and Industrial Mathematics and Physics. Eligibility requirements and academic information can be obtained from the academic advisor.

Energy and Environmental Physics specialization

This specialization is designed to meet the urgent demand for graduates with the knowledge and skills to address global issues of escalating energy consumption and declining resources. It emphasizes alternative and conventional energy. Students will learn the scientific principles underlying the development of novel, and economical means of generating and harvesting energy, while simultaneously minimizing the environmental impact.

In addition to the regular program, a co-op program is also available. Students in Energy and Environmental Physics interested in the co-op program , should contact the Faculty of Science Co-op Coordinator as early as the fall of their second year.

Admission requirements

Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.

Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U), and two of Biology (SBI4U), Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), or Physics (SPH4U). In addition, a combined minimum 70 per cent average in math and science courses is required. It is recommended that all four MCV4U, SBI4U, SCH4U and SPH4U be taken. All other applicants should refer to admissions for the requirements for their specific category of admission.

Program details and degree requirements

Although reasonable efforts will be made to adhere to the following program map, course requirements and term offerings may change.

Year 1

Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

CHEM 1010U – Chemistry I
CSCI 1040U – Introduction to Programming for Scientists
One of:
BIOL 1010U – Biology I: Molecular and Cellular Systems ⁺ or
BIOL 1011U – Introductory Cell and Molecular Biology
One of:
MATH 1000U – Introductory Calculus ⁺⁺ or
MATH 1010U – Calculus I ⁺⁺
One of:
PHY 1010U – Physics I ⁺⁺ or
PHY 1030U – Introductory Physics ⁺⁺

Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

MATH 1020U – Calculus II
MATH 2050U – Linear Algebra
PHY 1020U – Physics II
PHY 2060U – Modern Physics
One of:
BIOL 1020U – Biology II: Diversity of Life and Principles of Ecology ⁺or
BIOL 1021U – Introduction to Organismal Biology and Ecology or
CHEM 1020U – Chemistry II
⁺Students who wish to take upper-year Biology courses must take BIOL 1010U and BIOL 1020U .

⁺⁺All students who have completed Grade 12 Advanced Functions (MHF4U) and Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) should take MATH 1010U and PHY 1010U . Students without one of these high school courses or equivalent are directed to take MATH 1000U and PHY 1030U .

Year 2

Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

Year 3

Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

Elective*
PHY 3020U – Quantum Mechanics I
PHY 3040U – Mathematical Physics
PHY 3050U – Waves and Optics
One of (offered in alternating years):
ENVS 3020U – Introductory Energy Science or
PHY 4040U – Solar Energy and Photovoltaics

Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

Elective*
ENVS 3110U – Economics and Politics of the Environment
PHY 3010U – Statistical Mechanics
PHY 3030U – Electronics
One of (offered in alternating years):
PHY 4050U – Emerging Energy Systems or
PHY 4080U – Hydrogen-Based Energy Systems and Fuel Cells

Year 4

Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

Elective*
PHY 3080U – Electricity and Magnetism II
PHY 4020U – Quantum Mechanics II
One of (offered in alternating years):
ENVS 3020U – Introductory Energy Science or
PHY 4040U – Solar Energy and Photovoltaics
One of:
PHY 4410U – Physics Thesis Project I ** or
Senior Science elective**

Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

Two electives*
PHY 4010U – Condensed Matter
One of (offered in alternating years):
PHY 4050U – Emerging Energy Systems or
PHY 4080U – Hydrogen-Based Energy Systems and Fuel Cells
One of:
PHY 4420U – Physics Thesis Project II ** or
Senior Science elective**

Notes:

No more than 42 credit hours may be taken at the first-year level.

*Electives and breadth requirements

Students must complete 18 elective credit hours. Students not accepted to take PHY 4410U and PHY 4420U must take an additional two Senior Science electives for a total of 24 elective credit hours. At least 6 elective credit hours must be in courses offered by the Faculty of Science. The additional two Senior Science electives required for students who are not enrolled in thesis cannot be used to meet this requirement. In order to satisfy breadth requirements, no more elective credit hours may be in Physics (PHY) courses; at least 12 elective credit hours must be in courses outside the Faculty of Science.

**Thesis Project or Senior Science electives

Students in clear academic standing who have completed 90 credit hours of their program and six third-year required PHY courses may optionally apply to take a two-course sequence consisting of PHY 4410U – Physics Thesis Project I and P PHY 4420U – Physics Thesis Project II . Students not accepted to take the thesis courses must complete two additional Senior Science electives instead. A Senior Science elective is defined as any 3000- or 4000-level science course not specified in the program map, excluding SCIE and ENVS courses. A student meeting the above requirements who does not take PHY 4410U and PHY 4420U may optionally apply to take PHY 4430U – Directed Studies in Physics as one of the required Senior Science electives. Opportunities for the Thesis Project and Directed Studies options are limited; students must apply through Science Advising by March 30 following completion of the first three years of the program.

Recommended Senior Science electives that students in Physics – Energy and Environmental Physics program may choose to take include: