Physics
Credentials available
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Arts & Science
- Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Education
- Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Management
Campus
- Lethbridge
Intake
Program description
Physics is the study of matter and energy at all scales, from the sub-nuclear to the dimensions of the universe. It is the fundamental science — all other sciences and technologies rely on the principles of physics.
Physics involves observing and understanding natural phenomena. It is evident in the world around us in everything from the seasons, the motion of objects, the flight of birds, the night sky and the weather, to lasers, electronics and the technology we rely on today.
Physics is very much a “hands-on” science, so the most effective way for you to learn the subject is to actually do physics. Astronomy teaches you how to study objects at a distance and interpret the information gathered. This helps us begin to understand the universe we live in. The skills you will learn in astronomy are also applicable to remote sensing and its application to environmental problems.
The department offers a comprehensive physics major. The foundation of this program is built in the first two years, as you study mechanics, waves, electricity and magnetism, optics, thermal physics and modern physics.
In your third and fourth years, you will gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals and delve into more advanced and specialized areas. Specialized topics may include the research interests of department faculty members, as all faculty members are involved in rigorous research programs.
Faculty members also ensure you are provided with a wide view of physics, exposing you to all areas of the subject and describing a wide variety of applications. This enables you to make informed decisions when choosing the areas you may wish to pursue in the future.
Physics club | Through the Physics Club, you can volunteer to take part in community outreach activities and physics demonstrations in local schools. Not only do these popular events kindle the interest of younger students, they also provide you with a valuable educational experience.
Concentrations (Optional) | Students in the BSc and BASc in physics degree programs may declare a concentration in theoretical physics.
Minors | Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest. It is generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional. Pursue a second passion by adding a minor to your degree.
Honours thesis | If your GPA is high enough entering your final year, you can opt to complete an undergraduate thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree; as well as obtain extensive research experience.
Experience learning | Our students have a number of experiential learning opportunities available to them including co-operative education, international exchanges, independent and applied studies as well as volunteer opportunities. uLethbridge is the only university in Alberta to offer co-operative education to all majors in the arts & sciences, at both the undergrad and grad level.
Skills acquired | In addition to developing exceptional communication skills, you will develop critical and analytical problem solving skills, research and information management skills, and improve your attention to detail. You will leave the program with a strong ability to summarize research findings, excellent fieldwork and risk assessment techniques, as well as an in-depth knowledge of environmental issues.
Possible careers
Major Branches of Physics. For those who will ultimately pursue a physics career, the major branches of physics include:
- Acoustics
- Archaeometry
- Astrophysics
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Biophysics
- Chemistry
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Cosmology
- Geophysics
- High-energy Physics
- Medical Physics
- Nanoscience
- Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Soft Matter Physics
Here are just a few of the options that may be open to you once you’ve earned your degree or with further training:
- Condensed Matter Physicist
- Medical/Health Physicist
- Biophysicist
- Research or Computer Scientist
- Atomic & Molecular Physicist
- Nuclear & Particle Physicist
- Consultant
- Nanoscientist
- Astrophysicist
- Geophysicist
- Teacher
- Meteorologist
- Archaeometrist
- Applied Physicist
- Environmental Physicist
- Neurophysicist
Professional disciplines & graduate studies | Your undergraduate degree in physics provides an excellent foundation for education (high school and university), engineering, medicine and dentistry. Graduates from this discipline have also gone on to work in law, journalism and management. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers programs at the master's and doctoral levels spanning over 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at uLethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.
Admission requirements for Physics
For admission, Canadian high school students in Alberta must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
This course is required:
- English Language Arts 30-1
Three of these courses are required:
- Aboriginal Studies 30
- Art 30 or Art 31
- Biology 30
- Chemistry 30
- Choral Music 30, General Music 30, or Instrumental Music 30
- Dance 35
- Drama 30
- Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
- Mathematics 31
- Physics 30
- Science 30
- Social Studies 30-1 or Social Studies 30-2
- Five credits in Advanced-level CTS Computer Science (CSE)
- One or more distinct languages at the 30 level
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 30 level
- Must be worth at least five credits (multiple courses worth a total of five or more credits can be used)
- Cannot be a Special Project
For admission, Canadian high school students in British Columbia must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
One of these courses is required:
- English 12
- English First Peoples 12
Three of these courses are required:
- One or more distinct languages at the 12 or 12A level
- Human Geography 12 or Physical Geography 12
- BC First Peoples 12 or Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12
- Political Studies 12
- Law Studies 12
- Comparative Cultures 12
- Asian Studies 12
- 20th Century World History 12
- Social Justice 12
- One of Pre-Calculus 12 or Foundations of Mathematics 12
- Calculus 12
- Anatomy & Physiology 12
- Chemistry 12
- Physics 12
- Composition 12
- Creative Writing 12
- New Media 12
- Spoken Language 12 or Literary Studies 12
- Geometry 12
- Statistics 12
- Computer Science 12
- Environmental Science 12
- Specialized Science 12
- Economic Theory 12
- Geology 12
- Studio Arts 3D 12,Studio Arts 2D 12, or Art Studio 12
- Dance Foundations 12, Dance Company 12, Dance Conditioning 12, or Dance Technique and Performance 12
- Drama 12
- Choral Music: Chamber Choir 12, Composition and Production 12, or Instrumental Music: Orchestra 12
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 12 level
- Must be worth at least four credits
For admission, Canadian high school students in Manitoba must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
One of these courses is required:
- Comprehensive Focus 40S
- Literary Focus 40S
- Transactional Focus 40S
Three of these courses are required:
- Biology 40S
- Chemistry 40S
- Computer Science 40S
- Current Topics in FNMI Studies 40S
- Drama 40S or Drama 45S (maximum one credit)
- Global Issues 40S
- History: Western Civilization 40S
- Interdisciplinary Topics in Science 40S
- Pre-Calculus Mathematics 40S or Applied Mathematics 40S
- Advanced Mathematics 45S and Calculus 45S
- Music 40S or Music 45S (maximum one credit)
- Physics 40S
- Visual Arts 40S or Visual Arts 45S (maximum one credit)
- Geography: World Human 40S
- One or more distinct languages at the 40S or 30S (min. 4yr) level
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 40 level
- Must be designated S, G, or U
- Must be worth at least one credit (two half-credit courses may be used)
For admission, Canadian high school students in New Brunswick must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
One of these courses is required:
- English 121
- English 122
Three of these courses are required:
- Biology 121 or Biology 122
- Calculus 120
- Canadian Geography 120
- Canadian History 120 or Canadian History 122
- Chemistry 121 or Chemistry 122
- Intro to Environmental Studies 122
- One of Foundations of Math 120 or Pre-Calculus A120 and Pre-Calculus B120 (counts as one course)
- Music 120 or Music 122
- Physics 121 or Physics 122
- Science 120
- Theatre Arts 120
- Three Dimensional Studies 120
- Visual Arts 120 or Visual Arts Portfolio 122
- World Issues 120
- One or more distinct languages at the 121 or 122 level
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 120, 121, or 122 level
- Must be worth at least one credit
For admission, Canadian high school students in Newfoundland & Labrador must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
This course is required:
- English 3201
Three of these courses are required:
- Art and Design 3200
- Biology 3201
- Calculus 3208
- Chemistry 3202
- Earth Systems 3209
- Advanced Mathematics 3200 or Mathematics 3201
- Applied Music 3206 or Ensemble Performance 3105
- Physics 3204
- Theatre Arts 3220 or Musical Theatre 3221
- World Geography 3202 or World Geography 3208
- World History 3201 or Histoire Mondiale 3231
- One or more distinct languages at the 3200 level
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 3000 level
- Must be worth at least two credits
For admission, Canadian high school students in Northwest Territories must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
This course is required:
- English Language Arts 30-1
Three of these courses are required:
- Aboriginal Studies 30
- Art 30 or Art 31
- Biology 30
- Chemistry 30
- Choral Music 30, General Music 30, or Instrumental Music 30
- Dance 35
- Drama 30
- Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
- Mathematics 31
- Physics 30
- Science 30
- Social Studies 30-1 or Social Studies 30-2
- Five credits in Advanced-level CTS Computer Science (CSE)
- One or more distinct languages at the 30 level
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 30 level
- Must be worth at least five credits (multiple courses worth a total of five or more credits can be used)
- Cannot be a Special Project
For admission, Canadian high school students in Nova Scotia must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
One of these courses is required:
- English 12 (Academic)
- English 12 (Advanced)
- English 12 African Heritage
Three of these courses are required:
- Biology 12
- Calculus 12
- Chemistry 12
- Drama Theatre Arts 12
- Film and Video Production 12
- Geology 12
- Global Geography 12
- Global History 12
- Global Politics 12
- One of Pre-Calculus 12, Mathematics 12 (Advanced), Mathematics 12 (Academic), or Mathematics Foundations 12
- Music 12
- Physics 12
- Visual Arts 12
- One or more distinct languages at the 12 level
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 12 level
- Must be worth at least one credit
For admission, Canadian high school students in Nunavut must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
This course is required:
- English Language Arts 30-1
Three of these courses are required:
- Aboriginal Studies 30
- Art 30 or Art 31
- Biology 30
- Chemistry 30
- Choral Music 30, General Music 30, or Instrumental Music 30
- Dance 35
- Drama 30
- Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
- Mathematics 31
- Physics 30
- Science 30
- Social Studies 30-1 or Social Studies 30-2
- Five credits in Advanced-level CTS Computer Science (CSE)
- One or more distinct languages at the 30 level
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 30 level
- Must be worth at least five credits (multiple courses worth a total of five or more credits can be used)
- Cannot be a Special Project
For admission, Canadian high school students in Ontario must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
One of these courses is required:
- Anglais (EAE4U)
- English (ENG4U)
- Studies in Literature (ETS4U)
Three of these courses are required:
- Biology (SBI4U)
- Chemistry (SCH4U)
- Canada: History, Identity, and Culture (CHI4U) or World History: The West and the World (CHY4U)
- Canadian and International Law (CLN4U)
- Canadian and World Politics (CPW4U)
- Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U)
- Computer Science (ICS4U)
- Dance (ATC4M)
- Drama (ADA4M)
- Earth and Space Science (SES4U)
- Issues of Indigenous Peoples in a Global Context (NDW4M) or Aboriginal Governance (NDG4M)
- Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Foundations for College Math (MAP4C), Math for College Technology (MCT4C), or Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U)
- Media Arts (ASM4M)
- Music (AMU4M)
- Physics (SPH4U)
- Science (SNC4M)
- Visual Arts (AVI4M)
- World Geography: Human Patterns and Interactions (CGU4U) or Canadian and World Issues (CGW4U)
- One or more distinct languages at the 4U, DU, or NL5 level
- Any other 4U level course
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 4U or 4M level
- Must be at least 1.0 credits
For admission, Canadian high school students in Prince Edward Island must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
One of these courses is required:
- English 611A
- English 621A
Three of these courses are required:
- Biology 621A or Biology 611A
- Chemistry 611A or Chemistry 621A
- Dramatic Arts 621A
- Environmental Science 621A
- Geography 621A: Global Issues
- History 621A: Canadian History or History 621B: Prince Edward Island History
- Mathematics 611B (Calculus)
- Mathematics 621B or Mathematics 621A
- Music 621A
- Oceanography 621A
- Physics 621A
- Visual Arts 621A
- One or more distinct languages at the 621 level
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 600 level
- Must be worth at least one credit
For admission, Canadian high school students in Quebec must have completed 10 of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
Two courses from the
- English Literature 603 series
Eight of these courses are required:
- Art 520
- Biology 101
- Chemistry 202
- Drama 560
- Geography 320
- History 330
- Mathematics 201
- Music 550
- Physics 203
- Français 601 or French as a Second Language 602
- One or more distinct languages at the 607 to 616 level
A completed CEGEP diploma (DCS or DEC) may qualify the applicant for advance credits.
For admission, Canadian high school students in Saskatchewan must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
One of these courses is required:
- English Language Arts A30, English Language Arts B30, or English Language Arts 30
Three of these courses are required:
- Arts Education 30 or Visual Art 30
- Band 30, Choral 30, or Instrumental Jazz 30
- Biology 30
- Calculus 30
- Chemistry 30
- Computer Science 30
- Dance 30
- Drama 30
- Earth Science 30
- Geography 30
- History 30: Canadian Studies
- One of Pre-Calculus 30 or Foundations of Mathematics 30
- Native Studies 30: Canadian Studies
- Physics 30
- Social Studies 30: Canadian Studies
- One or more distinct languages at the 30 level
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 30 level
- Must be worth at least one credit
For admission, Canadian high school students in The Yukon must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
One of these courses is required:
- English 12
- English First Peoples 12
Three of these courses are required:
- One or more distinct languages at the 12 or 12A level
- Human Geography 12 or Physical Geography 12
- BC First Peoples 12 or Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12
- Political Studies 12
- Law Studies 12
- Comparative Cultures 12
- Asian Studies 12
- 20th Century World History 12
- Social Justice 12
- One of Pre-Calculus 12 or Foundations of Mathematics 12
- Calculus 12
- Anatomy & Physiology 12
- Chemistry 12
- Physics 12
- Composition 12
- Creative Writing 12
- New Media 12
- Spoken Language 12 or Literary Studies 12
- Geometry 12
- Statistics 12
- Computer Science 12
- Environmental Science 12
- Specialized Science 12
- Economic Theory 12
- Geology 12
- Studio Arts 3D 12,Studio Arts 2D 12, or Art Studio 12
- Dance Foundations 12, Dance Company 12, Dance Conditioning 12, or Dance Technique and Performance 12
- Drama 12
- Choral Music: Chamber Choir 12, Composition and Production 12, or Instrumental Music: Orchestra 12
One additional requirement from this list:
- That has not already been used
- May be from the list above
- Must be at the 12 level
- Must be worth at least four credits
This program also requires
Two of the courses you include must be:
- Mathematics 30-1
- Mathematics 31 (optional but recommended)
This program also requires
Two of the courses you include must be:
- Pre-Calculus 12
- Calculus 12 (optional but recommended)
This program also requires
Two of the courses you include must be:
- Pre-Calculus 40S
- Advanced Mathematics 45S and Calculus 45S (optional but recommended)
This program also requires
Two of the courses you include must be:
- Pre-Calculus 120A and 120B
- Calculus 120 (optional but recommended)
This program also requires
Two of the courses you include must be:
- Mathematics 3200
- Calculus 3208 (optional but recommended)
This program also requires
Two of the courses you include must be:
- Mathematics 30-1
- Mathematics 31 (optional but recommended)
This program also requires
Two of the courses you include must be:
- Pre-Calculus Mathematics 12
- Calculus 12 (optional but recommended)
This program also requires
Two of the courses you include must be:
- Mathematics 30-1
- Mathematics 31 (optional but recommended)
This program also requires
Two of the courses you include must be:
- Advanced Functions MHF4U
- Calculus and Vectors MCV4U (optional but recommended)
This program also requires
Two of the courses you include must be:
- Mathematics 621B
- Mathematics 611B (optional but recommended)
This program also requires
Two of the courses you include must be:
- Linear Algebra 201-NYC or Calculus I 201-NYA or Calculus II 201-NYB
- Calculus I 201-NYA or Calculus II 201-NYB (optional but recommended)
This program also requires
Two of the courses you include must be:
- Pre-Calculus 30
- Calculus 30 (optional but recommended)
This program also requires
Two of the courses you include must be:
- Pre-Calculus 12
- Calculus 12 (optional but recommended)
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here
First year cost estimator
for Physics
Let us help you understand your tuition and fees for your first year at the University of Lethbridge.
For the past five years, I have been pursuing a major in physics at the University of Lethbridge. Throughout this time, I’ve had the privilege of making many strong connections with both the faculty of the University and many community members here in Lethbridge. Some of those connections led me to an internship with the Astronomical Instrumentation Group, where I have had a part in developing innovative techniques in cryogenic instrumentation and high-resolution spectroscopy. I’m very thankful to have had these opportunities, which have made my university experience so much more than just an education. - Alicia (BSc '20) Physics - Current MSc student
Sample classes
Course selections for the program will vary, but may include:
- Introduction to Physics I, II, & III
- Waves, Optics & Sound
- Quantum Mechanics I, II, & III
- Electricity & Magnetism
- Introduction to Experimental Physics
- Mechanics
- Nuclear & Particle Physics
Quick links
Additional information
Why uLethbridge?
Experience | Expand your knowledge, gain practical hands-on experience and learn from an expert in your field of study by participating in co-operative education, applied or independent studies and our international exchange programs — explore your interests while connecting with employers and putting future career opportunities to the test. Co-op students can actually head out on their first work term before ever stepping foot on campus! For example, many transfer students have completed a summer work term before starting classes in September.
Research | Opportunities to work on research projects with world-renowned professors — uLethbridge actively engages students at the undergraduate, graduate and PhD level.
Ease of transition | Transferring from college to a smaller university pretty much guarantees that you’ll get to know your professors.