Physics is the study of matter and energy; it describes the universe at various levels (nuclei, atoms, solids, liquids, living objects, planets, the universe), and challenges and extends one’s ideas about all existing things.
- Three or four-year (honours) programs lead to a bachelor of science in applied physics
- Three-year program includes a biomedical physics option
- Physics faculty members play a key role in the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory, a world-class research facility that helps scientists understand the origins of nature of the universe
- Students have the opportunity to participate in the Canadian International Model United Nations yearly at the Government Conference Centre in Ottawa
- Interested students can include 12 credits of health physics courses and complete a fourth-year undergraduate thesis in this area
- Also available: bachelor of science in radiation therapy and master of science in applied physics
Prospects: environmental science, fundamental physics, graduate studies, lasers and optics, medicine, non-traditional careers such as business, finance and law, nuclear science, space science, professional programs...
Offered in English but some courses are available in French. See "Physique" on French side of Calendar.
Admission requirements
Ontario secondary schools
- 1 grade 12 4U English
- 1 grade 12 4U mathematics
- 1 grade 12 4U science
- 1 other grade 12 4U mathematics or science
- 2 other grade 12 4U/M courses
See Admissions for other requirements
It is recommended that secondary school students include the following courses in their program at the U level: algebra, geometry, calculus, chemistry and physics. Students without U level calculus or chemistry are required to take an upgrading course before enrolling in the required 1st year calculus or chemistry course. Students with the required credit in calculus, but with a grade less than 60%, are strongly advised to take MATH 1912 as a refresher course before proceeding to MATH 1036. Students without U level physics must take PHYS 1206 instead of PHYS 1006.
General Information
The Department offers 3-year, 4-year, B.Sc., Honours diploma and graduate M.Sc. programs with core physics courses and applications to sub fields that reflect the current state of knowledge and techniques.
The biomedical physics program prepares students for medical-related professional programs or careers.
The B.Sc. program in Radiation Therapy, offered in partnership with the Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences, prepares radiation therapists for certification and careers in this high-demand area. The degree requirements include courses in physics, mathematics, biology, anthropology, chemistry and electives from other units at Laurentian University; a practical component drawn from specialized courses of the Michener Institute available by distance education or at the Toronto campus; and an intensive clinical component available during placements in northern cancer centres, primarily at the Regional Cancer Centre of the Sudbury Regional Hospital.
In 2nd year, students have 8 weeks of clinical placement during May and June. In 3rd year, the clinical placement is throughout July and August. The final year includes 32 weeks of clinical placement between September and April.
Programs
Some upper-year courses are cycled and are offered in alternate years. Students should consult their academic advisor.
Even though a course description may not include a regularly scheduled laboratory, many of these courses include laboratory experiments that are scheduled based on the availability of the appropriate equipment.
Course descriptions
See appropriate sections for courses not listed here