Study the most fundamental aspects of nature in one of Canada’s largest and most innovative physics departments.

Physics at Waterloo offers award-winning teaching, 20 months of optional co-op experience, and partnerships with some of the biggest institutes in the world working at the forefront of physics research.

Choose from a broad range of courses in applied physics, astrophysics, biophysics, chemical physics, mathematical physics, and quantum computing. Then supplement your learning with hands-on labs and tutorials.

Over the course of your degree, you’ll develop the strong quantitative and analytic skills that industry is looking for. You’ll graduate well prepared for a career in engineering, biotechnology, medicine, or astronomy — or for graduate studies where you can delve deeper into the world of research.

Co-op

By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.

Sample co-op job titles

• Ultrasound image reconstruction specialist
• Defence analytics research assistant
• Software developer
• Undergraduate research assistant
• Science & math peer tutor
• Modelling support technician

What can you do with a degree in Physics?

Common careers for Physics graduates include biomedical research and design, research and development, financial analysis and forecasting, nuclear power research and operation, modelling, computer hardware and software development, and more.

Recent graduates

• Physics teacher, Waterloo Region District School Board
• Systems Integration Specialist, University of Waterloo
• Postdoctoral Researcher, BC Cancer Agency Radiation Therapy