The study of physics allows us to understand how the universe works—from the fundamental forces of nature to their effects on matter and the environment around us.
This knowledge enables the development of future technologies and provides a deeper insight into nature. The reasoning, mathematical, experimental and computer skills acquired while earning a physics degree empower our graduates to pursue careers far outside the traditional boundaries of physics—or even science—including medicine, dentistry, business and law. Typically, physics students enjoy scientific experiments, computation and mathematics, as well as solving complex problems and developing new, innovative ideas.
All physics streams are flexible enough to cover the requirements for admission into professional schools in Canada and the United States.
Program Description
Physics and High Technology is designed for students interested in applying their training in physics to the high-tech needs of society or for students fascinated by science and technology who are not necessarily interested in pursuing a career as a scientist.
Physics and High Technology opens the way to exciting career opportunities by enriching the physics curriculum with courses in business and computer science to make our graduates especially attractive to high-tech industries specializing in such areas as electronics, optics, and computers.
The development of strong communication skills allows careers in technical journalism, law, technical sales, and government.
The Honours Physics and High Technology stream fits naturally into our internationally renowned Physics Department. Students in this stream take many of the traditional courses in physics and supplement these with courses in engineering, computer science, business and mathematics. It is designed to prepare students for leadership positions in both industry and academia.
The Physics and High Technology stream may be taken with or without a thesis option. A co-op option is also available to add real-world work experience.
Program flexibility allows for Minors in Computer Science, Mathematics and Business as well as double majors that allow you to focus on your interests and strengths.
Experiential Learning
Our undergraduates gain valuable research/work experience by getting involved in Physics research as early as their first year. Students have experiential learning opportunities through co-op placements in Windsor and across Canada and US, the university’s Outstanding
Scholars program, thesis courses for credit, summer placements and volunteer activities.
Our students work with experts in such diverse fields as: acoustic microscopy and materials characterization; nanoscale electronics; quantum control and quantum computing; atomic, molecular and optical physics; biophysics and medical physics, including magnetic resonance imaging.
Student Support
Our close-knit, collegial student body organizes and leads our Physics Club, where students get together to promote interest in physics, help each other through their studies and socialize outside of the classroom setting. Our Science Resource Centre provides free tutoring for first-year courses.
Career Paths
Recent graduates have developed careers such as nuclear safety analyst, optical engineer, technical editor, quantitative finance analyst, high school teacher, medical physicist, actuary and research scientist, both in Canada and abroad.
Other careers include:
- Industrial and academic R&D
- Government and clinical laboratories
- Technical journalism
- Technical sales and service
- Governmental policy consulting, politics
- Computer programming/software development
- Financial services
- Entrepreneur, business
- Education (with additional studies)
- Law (with additional studies)
Admission Requirements
All physics programs have a mean admission average of 89% and a minimum admission average of 75% + 70% second science/math. ENG4U, MHF4U and SPH4U are required. MCV4U is strongly recommended and SCH4U is recommended.
