Physics

Program Highlights & Admission Requirements

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Become a powerful force in the worlds of academic or industrial research, or the tech industry. Our physics grads are in high demand, with an employment rate of nearly 100 per cent. You will learn how the universe works—from the fundamental forces of nature to their effects on matter and the environment around us. We offer lots of opportunities for hands-on learning, and the ability to customize your degree to your interests through optional courses or by combining your physics degree with another discipline.

Sample Courses: Introductory Physics, EM Fields and Photons, Optics, Intermediate Mechanics, Differential Calculus, Introduction to Algorithms and Programming

Career Tracks: Scientific outreach manager, test lab technician, optical engineer, research co-ordinator, data scientist

Explore the physics of diagnosing and treating cancer and other diseases. Specialize in the areas of medical imaging and radiation therapy. You’ll take courses with hands-on laboratory components and be able to tailor your degree by choosing options that match your interests. You can start your career upon graduation or go on to grad or professional schools.

Sample Courses: Introductory Physics, EM Fields and Photons, Differential Calculus, Introduction to Medical Physics, Cell Biology, Organic Chemistry of Biomolecules

Career Tracks: Professional schools (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy), medical physicist, government/clinical lab tech, industrial/medical research scientist, radiation therapist

If high achievement is in your DNA, this elite program is for you. It’s for students who want to develop knowledge and skills in the sciences, arts, humanities and social sciences. You can tailor your program to match your interests and career aspirations. Our students go on to do research or graduate degrees in their field. This program is small by design to give your talents the attention they deserve.

Sample Courses: Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts and Science; Modes and Methods of Inquiry; Inquiry and Communication; Science, Ethics and Social Policy.

Specialization Options: Students choose a major or double major and a minor (in FAHSS or Science).

Available majors and minors: Anthrozoology; Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry; Communication, Media and Film; Computer Science; Dramatic Art; Economics; English Language, Literature and Creative Writing; History; Languages, Literatures and Civilizations; Mathematics and Statistics; Music and Visual Arts; Philosophy; Physics; Political Science; Psychology; Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology; Women’s and Gender Studies

Career Tracks: Professional school (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy), law, graduate studies, medical director

Co-op Co-op Available
G General
H Honours
T Thesis Available
C Combined Honours programs available

Functional Knowledge

Understanding the various properties, states, structures, and behaviours of matter to a high level
Performing quantitative analyses involving mathematics and applied science and physics
Applying computer analysis methods and algorithms
Developing complex theoretical models to analyze specific behaviours and interactions
Operating advanced scientific laboratory equipment and instruments
Planning, conducting, recording, and presenting scientific research to a high degree of competency

100%

Employment Rate of Graduates

Employment rate of graduates 2 years following degree completion (OUGS Physical Sciences, 2015)

"The courses and extracurricular service learning opportunities that I had access to at the University of Windsor gave me the experience and skills I needed to work in national and international collaborations immediately upon graduation."

Melissa Mathers
BSc (Honours) in Physics with Minor
in Computer Science and Math [2015]

Explore Opportunities

Explore a selection of opportunities recommended for students in your program. This chart shows some of your many options – you don’t have to do everything on it or limit yourself to it. Engage in opportunities from each of the three categories to set yourself up for success.

First Year

Take required courses including Introduction to Physics I and II and General Chemistry I and II
Review degree course requirements for all years of study and mesh them with professional or graduate school aspirations
Participate in our PASS program during Welcome Week to be coached on the skills necessary to be successful as a Faculty of Science student
Visit the Physics Resource Centre regarding any questions about your courses
Meet with an academic advisor in the Department of Physics
Receive peer mentorship from an upper-year MySci advisor
Attend Fall Introduction to the Department, as well as Meet the Professor Night

Middle Years

Take required courses and check in with academic advisor to make sure you are on the right path
Look into completing an undergraduate research project in final year HIP
Consider completing a physics degree with either medical physics or high technology
Attend a weekly graduate seminar of interest
Seek out courses that offer experiential learning HIP
Continue taking courses required as preparation for professional schools
Study for and take professional school admission tests of interest
Consider completing degree in combination with a Computer Science, Chemistry, or Mathematics Minor or a Double Major

Final Year

Meet with an academic advisor to go over graduation requirements
Complete all required courses for your degree
Apply to graduate through UWinsite Student Portal
Undertake a year-long undergraduate research thesis with faculty member HIP
Take a specialized course such as Introduction to Medical Physics and/or Introduction to Medical Imaging
Apply your knowledge through a field work course to optimize your senior experience HIP

First Year

Begin the process of becoming a LEAD Medallion Scholar and participate in credit and volunteer activities HIP
Explore co-op options and consider applying in fall of second year HIP
Be Engaged by volunteering in a lab to help with research for professors and graduate students HIP
Discover research opportunities as part of the Outstanding Scholars program HIP
Join the USci Network to take part in collaborative and integrative science experiences
Join a club like the Physics Club, Science Society or Students Offering Support
Participate in the Bystander Initiative workshop to gain skills that will help you be an effective and supportive ally to prevent sexual assault on campus
Apply for co-curricular experience such as VIP - Community Service Learning

Middle Years

Apply your knowledge through a teaching assistant position HIP
Participate in the UWill Discover undergraduate research conference HIP
Apply to co-op in fall of second year HIP
Complete first co-op work term in summer after second year HIP
Complete a year long co-op placement starting in summer after third year HIP
Be Engaged through service learning opportunities with Let’s Talk Science and Science Rendezvous
Expand your skills by taking on a summer, part-time or volunteer position
Gain valuable Leadership skills through roles within a club or society
Gain a Global Perspective of Science (GPS) through an international exchange or by studying abroad HIP

Final Year

Join a professional association such as the Canadian Association of Physicists or American Physical Society
Conduct field research with faculty member HIP
Become a tutor for Students Offering Support (SOS) HIP
Become a MySci advisor to provide academic support and mentorship for first-year students
Apply your knowledge for a summer research assistant position within a faculty member’s lab HIP
Complete LEAD Medallion Scholars in two areas for Bronze, three areas for Silver, or four areas for Gold in accordance with Leadership, Engagement, Application, Discover HIP

First Year

Create a list of things that you enjoy, areas in which you excel, and your skills
Meet with a career advisor in Career Development and Experiential Learning (CDEL) for help developing a plan for your future years
Consider a career assessment appointment to help you identify possible career paths
Get involved with a part-time job, volunteer opportunity, campus group, or research assistantship
Attend CDEL workshops to learn how to find a summer or part-time job and write a university-level resumé
Analyze the requirements for graduate or professional schools

Middle Years

Research all career fields and occupations with the help of a CDEL career advisor
Explore opportunities and meet potential employers by participating in job fairs and industry networking events
Explore further educational opportunities by attending the Graduate and Professional Schools Fair and researching admission requirements for programs you are interested in
Create a LinkedIn profile and have it critiqued
If you are considering applying to graduate or professional school, be aware of early application deadlines
Take part in informational interviews and join online communities like LinkedIn and Ten Thousand Coffees to connect with people in your targeted profession or industry

Final Year

Meet with CDEL to prepare application documents like a resumé, cover letter, CV, or personal statement for jobs and Concurrent Education programs you are applying to
Attend CDEL's workshops on interview skills and job search strategies
Use InterviewStream to practice your interview skills online
Set up an in-person mock interview with a career advisor for professional school or job applications
Meet employers at the annual job fair in January
Compose a portfolio of relevant academic and work experience

HIP

High-Impact Practices (HIP)

A HIP is an enriching educational experience that can be life-changing and often includes learning outside of the classroom while encouraging meaningful interaction and collaboration, such as:

Co-op, internship or field experiences
Research with faculty
Culminating senior experience
Capstone courses
Service-learning
Learning communities
Study abroad

Career Planning Cycle

Intentional career planning will help you prepare for your next step after graduation and beyond. It is a fluid, dynamic, and lifelong process. You can move on or return to an earlier stage in the cycle at any time.

Manage Your Career - 1. Asses Yourself - 2. Explore Careers - 3. Expand Skills - 4. Market Yourself - 5. Find a job

Build your Skills and Experience

Your UWindsor experience is more than attending classes. It is a combination of academics, co-curricular activities, and extracurricular involvement. By making the most of all three elements of your university experience, you will maximize your opportunities to build your skills, broaden your personal network, and clarify your long term academic and career goals.

Curriculum

Courses of study specific to each program

Co-Curricular

Activities and experiences that complement coursework (Outstanding Scholars, peer mentoring, VIP)

Extracurricular

Activities falling outside the scope of set curriculum (Part-time job, clubs, volunteering, athletics)

Program Highlights & Admission Requirements

Your location

Physics H C T Co-op

Admission requirements for Applicants in Canada

Admission requirements for Applicants outside of Canada

Medical Physics H T Co-op

Admission requirements for Applicants in Canada

Admission requirements for Applicants outside of Canada

Interdisciplinary Arts & Science H

Admission requirements for Applicants in Canada

Admission requirements for Applicants outside of Canada

Functional Knowledge

100%

Let's Talk About Physics

Career Tracks*

Common sectors for graduates

Apply to UWindsor

Explore Opportunities

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

High-Impact Practices (HIP)

Career Planning Cycle

Build your Skills and Experience

Curriculum

Co-Curricular

Extracurricular

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Let's Talk About
Physics

Career Tracks^*

Questions?
Need Help?

you & your
family are invited to

Fall
Open House

you & your
family are invited to

Spring
Open House

you & your
family are invited to

Applicant
Receptions

you & your
family are invited to the