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 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
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
Year 3
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 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
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)
Contacts
- Departmental ContactProf. Hanno Reinhanno.rein@utoronto.cahttps://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/physsci/welcome-physical-environmental-sciences
- Physical Sciences LibrarianSarah Guaysarah.guay@utoronto.caHL337416-287-7497
- Academic Advising & Career CentreAC213416-287-7561https://utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/
- Department of Student LifeSL157416-208-4760https://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.