Program description
Astronomy and astrophysics examine the universe, galaxies and stars as well as phenomena such as the birth of stars, how explosions of stars create fast moving cosmic ray particles and pulsars, and how the rotation of a galaxy reveals the presence of dark matter. A planetarium and two astronomical observatories enhance this program.Program options
Degree options
B. Sc. Bachelor of Science, Honours Physics and Astronomy – 4 years
B. Sc. Bachelor of Science, Major Physics and Astronomy – 4 years
B. Sc. Bachelor of Science, General - Physics & Astronomy – 3 years
Program options
B. Sc. Joint Honours Programs:
Physics/Chemistry
Physics/Computer Science with Co-op option
Physics/Mathematics
B.Sc. Double Honours:
Physics/Biochemistry
Other Double Honours options are available. Please consult with the Department of Physics and Astronomy for more information.
Visit Programs in Science to learn about more program options.
Interesting courses and unique opportunities
- General Astronomy I & II (surveys of the universe)
- Perspective on the Universe (for those with few math skills)
- Observational Astronomy (hands-on telescope experience)
- Stars
- Phenomenology of Galaxies
- Astronomy Project
Professional opportunities
- Engineer (process and instrumentation development, software development)
- Telescope Operator
- Data Analyst
- Quantitative Analyst (finance / banking)
- Computer scientist
- Teacher / Instructor
- Science Journalist (Astronomy writer)
- Science policy-maker
- Manager
- Administrator
Students who go on to complete Ph.D. studies aim eventually to become professional astronomers engaged in research (pure or applied) in Government facilities and Universities
Admission requirements & prerequisites
Direct entry option
- Manitoba high school graduation, with five full credits at the Grade 12 level, in courses designated S, G or U.
- A minimum 85% average over the following, with no less than 60% in each course:
- English 40S
- Pre-Calculus Mathematics 40S (recommended) or Applied Mathematics 40S and
- One of: Biology 40S; Chemistry 40S; Computer Science 40S; or Physics 40S
This entry option is open to high school students or high school graduates who have not completed any university or college courses. Specific program requirements will vary; details of these requirements are available on each program’s application page.
Advanced entry option
24 credit hours in U1 (or an approved bachelors program)
This entry option is open to students who have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of university level study. Specific program requirements will vary; details of these requirements are available on each program’s application page.
High school prerequisites
High school prerequisites: Depending on major, may include Biology 40S, Chemistry 40S, Physics 40S, Pre-Calculus Math or Applied Math 40S
Many programs will require or recommend specific high school courses over and above their admission requirements. These high school prerequisites are not always required to enter the program, but they must be completed to enrol in certain university courses within it. If a student does not have a particular prerequisite when they enter the program, they may complete an equivalent upgrading course at university that will satisfy the prerequisite requirement.
More details on admission requirements, application dates and the application process are available on the Faculty of Science apply for admission page.
What is unique about this program at the U of M?
Beyond first year the classroom sizes are intimate, allowing superb training of our students in a collegial atmosphere. Our hands-on observing course occurs earlier in the program than is typical and our telescopes are supported by a planetarium on campus, which is rare. Many of our students find exciting summer astronomy research jobs in our department.
The Physics and Astronomy Department, which celebrated its centenary in 2004, is a medium-sized research intensive department. Graduates from its various programs currently hold prestigious positions in institutions in North America and Europe. The expertise of its 22 full-time faculty members is recognized by the role they play in numerous committees of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) and the granting arm of NATO, and those of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP), the International Astronomical Union, and the Canadian Astronomical Society (CASCA). At present they attract in excess of $2.5 million in annual funding from a variety of sources including NSERC, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI), both the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Canadian Space Agency among others. These funds help underwrite the support offered to graduate students in numerous areas, both experimental and theoretical, ranging from studies in the star and planet formation regimes, through the high energy physics of stellar explosions and the acceleration of cosmic rays, and galaxy evolution.
Important Links
Faculty of Science
Programs in Science
Physics and Astronomy
Graduate Programs
