Physical Sciences

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 Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry

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

3.5 credits as follows: PHYA10H3, PHYA21H3, CHMA10H3, CHMA11H3, MATA30H3, MATA23H3, [MATA36H3 or MATA37H3].
Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
Use Degree Explorer and the UTSC Calendar to plan your courses and program.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Attend Facilitated Study Groups.
Use the Physics Aid Centre for support.
Schedule an appointment with your Program Librarian for in-depth library research assistance.
Writing support is available at the Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL) Writing Centre.

Apply Theory to Practice

Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Join the Environmental and Physical Sciences Students’ Association (EPSA) and get involved in their activities.
Volunteer in DSL’s Alternative Reading Week program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development.

Plan for Your Future Career

Volunteer with organizations to explore your interests; check listings on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program to explore opportunities.

Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely

2.5 credits from: PHYA10H3, PHYA21H3, PHYB52H3, PHYB54H3, PHYB56H3, MATB24H3, MATB41H3, MATB42H3, MATB44H3, ASTB23H3, CHMB20H3, CHMB21H3, STAB22H3.
Use Degree Explorer and meet with your Program Advisor to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Check the Research Catalogue and jobs on CLNx for possible research opportunities.
Drop by the Math & Statistics Learning Centre to have your course-related questions answered.

Apply Theory to Practice

Check out Global Research Abroad opportunities through the International Student Centre (ISC) to gain valuable international and research experiences.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Look into ISC’s Global Learning opportunities, such as the Summer Abroad, Explore, or Student Exchange Programs.
Consider volunteering for science events, such as the Scarborough Science Fair and Science Literacy Week.

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

2.0 credits from (taken in year 3 to 4): ASTC25H3, MATC34H3, MATC46H3, PHYC50H3, PHYC56H3, PHYC11H3, PHYC54H3, PHYD37H3, PHYD38H3, PSCB57H3, PSCD02H3, PHYD26H3, PSCD50H3, [PHYD01H3 or PHYD72H3].
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

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 groups, DSL and the AA&CC.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Consider running for an elected position in EPSA or another campus club.
Become a tutor at the Physics Aid Centre.

Plan for Your Future Career

Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.

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)