Program description
Physics is the science which explores and identifies basic principles governing the structure and behaviour of matter, the generation and transfer of energy, and the interaction of matter and energy. Knowledge of physics is essential in other natural sciences, such as chemistry and geology, and to professions such as engineering, medicine, and dentistry.
Medical physics is the application of physics to medicine. It generally concerns physics as applied to medical imaging and radiotherapy, although a medical physicist may work in many environments.
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
Visit Programs in Science to learn about more program options.
Interesting courses and unique opportunities
Interesting courses
- Electromagnetic Theory
- Classical Mechanics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
- Mathematical Physics
- Medical Physics
- Optics and lasers
- Nuclear Physics and Applied Nuclear Science
- Stars and Phenomenology of Galaxies
- Computational Physics
Professional opportunities
- Research Scientist
- Teacher/Instructor
- Medical Physicist
- Industrial Development
- Engineer (process and instrumentation development, software development)
- Quantitative Analyst (finance / banking)
- Computer scientist
- Management and Administration
Students who go on to complete Ph.D. studies aim eventually to become professors at universities or researchers in industrial and government laboratories or hospitals.
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?
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) and the Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP), the International Astronomical Society, 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 subatomic and atomic regimes, through large biological molecules to macroscopic, highly correlated systems, mathematical physics and medical physics.The department of Physics and Astronomy offers its undergraduate students the opportunity of having summer research positions starting in the second year so that students can participate in summer research projects under the supervision of professors. This is a unique opportunity for students to have early exposure to a research experience.
Important links
Faculty of Science
Programs in Science
Physics and Astronomy
Graduate Programs
Canadian Association of Physicists
Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists
