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Physical Sciences

Physical Sciences Major (HBSc)

Program Overview

The Physical Sciences Major is intended for students desiring a general background in the physical sciences with emphasis in the area of astronomy, physics and physical chemistry. It is intended for students who want to combine physical skills with work in other subjects, and those who do not intend to pursue graduate studies.
 

Complementary Programs: Major programs in Mathematical SciencesChemistryBiochemistry

Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:

Competencies & Skills
  • Apply physical principles to problems and formulate solutions
  • Integrate theoretical approaches
  • Mathematical and computational modelling
  • Design and execute experiments
Careers for Graduates
  • Researcher in Academia or Industry
  • Financial Industry
  • Data Science
  • Education
  • Policy and Data Analyst in Government
Further Education
  • Teacher Education
  • Finance
  • Engineering
  • Nuclear Medicine

Program Pathway

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career

Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
  • Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
  • Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
  • Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.


Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
  • Take an elective course to expand your academic horizons and skills.
  • Contact professors about summer research opportunities.
  • Attend the department’s iSPEAC seminar series where invited guests share their cutting-edge research.

Apply Theory to Practice
  • Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groupsDSL and the AA&CC.

 


Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career

Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
  • Consider an independent research project with a faculty member (PHYD01 PHYD72).
  • Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
  • Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
  • Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
  • Apply for the Academic Travel Fund through DSL to conduct research, present at a conference, or engage with the academic community internationally.
  • Consider research courses in physics (or other disciplines).

Apply Theory to Practice
  • Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for summer and full-time positions relevant to your field.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
  • Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning into the work field or further education.

Plan for Your Future Career
  • Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
  • Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course” and for access to full-time job listings.
  • Discuss grad school plans early with staff at the AA&CC and your professors; get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.

Glossary

  • AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
  • CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
  • CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
  • CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
  • DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
  • EPSA - Environmental and Physical Sciences Students Association (https://www.myepsa.ca)
  • ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
  • iSPEAC - invited Speakers in Physics Environmental science And Chemistry (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/physsci/ispeac)
  • SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)


Contacts

  • Departmental Contact
    Prof. Hanno Rein
    hanno.rein@utoronto.ca
    https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/physsci/welcome-physical-environmental-sciences
  • Physical Sciences Librarian
    Sarah Guay
    sarah.guay@utoronto.ca
    HL337
    416-287-7497
  • Academic Advising & Career Centre
    AC213
    416-287-7561
    https://utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/
  • Department of Student Life
    SL157
    416-208-4760
    https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife/
  • Environmental & Physical Sciences Students’ Association (EPSA)
    https://www.myepsa.ca/
  •  

Did You Know?


This is a highly flexible program that gives students opportunities to engage in physics, chemistry, and astronomy.