Physics
Bachelor of Science
(Faculty of Science)
Physicsis the study of laws that govern the behaviour and interaction ofenergy and matter. It encompasses the entire physical universe andeverything in it, from the smallest particles such as quarks andgluons, to incredibly large entities like the Milky Way galaxy.Physicists believe everything can be explained in terms of a set offundamental physical laws that are known or have yet to bediscovered. Hence, it is the goal of physics to discover these lawsand to understand the world at its most basic level.
Physics can be divided into a number of fundamental topics that include:
- Mechanics - describes the motion of objects and motion within objects.
- Electromagnetism - is the study of electrically charged particles and how they interact with each other and with electric and magnetic fields.
- Thermodynamics - investigates the properties and principles of energy transfer between different objects or systems.
- Quantum mechanics - tries to understand microscopic particles and their interactions by treating these particles as waves.
- Statistical mechanics - is in some ways similar to thermodynamics, but its study of energy transfer is focused on the behaviour of the microscopic particles that form the system being studied.
Students majoring in physics acquire a foundation in applied mathematics, chemistry, physics, advanced physics and applied physics. Lecture materials are supplemented with laboratory and research activities that not only provide students with hands-on experience working with instruments, but also demonstrate how theory relates to practice.
General Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission applicants are required to present the appropriate high school subjects and a competitive average.
Application/Document Deadlines
Transfer Students:
- Transfer students must present the competitive average plus the following specified courses:
Students must meet the competitive Physics Average.
Why Study Physics?
Unlocking the mystery
Have you ever wondered, "How do atoms and molecules work?" or "How is matter converted into energy?" If you have, you're not alone. These questions have inspired some of the world's greatest scientists and have led to major discoveries about the world around us. Physics enables us to solve the great physical mysteries of our universe and understand how our world functions. The scale of physics extends from the smallest objects in the universe (for example, quarks and gluons) to the largest objects imaginable such as planets, clusters of galaxies, and even the universe itself. In physics, the frontier of discovery is infinite, and presents us with the enormous and exciting task of uncovering the secrets of the universe.
No physical limits
Physics majors not only explore an exciting and mysterious discipline, but also learn the experimental, observational, mathematical, computational and logical skills needed to analyze and solve complex problems. Their knowledge and strong problem-solving abilities make them particularly attractive to employers in a wide range of fields, including oil and gas, remote-sensing exploration and medical physics. Graduates might even have the opportunity to develop technology or make a major physics discovery. The possibilities are endless.
Do it yourself
The Physics program emphasizes practical learning so students gain first-hand knowledge of the work required in their field. Physics majors analyze physical situations and data, construct researchproblems, perform mathematical computations, and develop proficiency using experimental techniques and equipment. The program also offers a number of extensive research opportunities that allow students to learn the whole research process by working on a single project from its inception to its presentation to peers and instructors.
What do I need to get in?
You'll need to meet the admission requirements of the Faculty of Science which can be found online at www.ucalgary.ca/admissions.
What will I study in my first year?
Yourfirst year physics courses cover the basics of mechanics,thermodynamics, and electricity and magnetism, giving you a solidgrounding in the core concepts. Many of the topics covered will befamiliar to you, but are treated in more depth than is normallyencountered in high school. The first-year program also includescourses in computer programming, calculus, and linear algebra, whichprovide the basic skills required for many higher-level physicscourses. All first-year students are also required to take at leastone chemistry course.
What will I study in later years?
The physics program in later years consists of three simultaneous interconnecting streams. The first of these is a progression of increasingly sophisticated courses in the core areas of physics(classical mechanics, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, optics, and relativity), together with a host of interesting science optionsoffered by the department, all supported by courses in differential equations and linear algebra. With these your understanding of the tools and physical principles of physics will deepen over the years. The second stream consists of a series of hands-on courses (Applied Laboratory I, II, and III) designed to learn experimental methods, from the basics of how to understand nature to building your own state-of-the-art devices and investigating phenomena at the forefront of current research. At the same time, many of the core physics courses either have full labs or simpler tutorial-style ‘labatorials' associated with them. The third stream corresponds to learning the art and science of computer programming and scientific computation, with Computational Physics I, II, and III. With these courses you will develop many of the crucial skills needed for a wide array of employment sectors after graduation.
What can I do with my degree?
Physics graduates are knowledgeable in physics fundamentals and its various branches of study. They are skilled in physical methods, problem solving, data analysis and calculation, and have extensive experience in relating theory to practice. They are also competent communicators who can interpret and explain complex scientific data. Graduates in physics may work in jobs involving technological design and/or the implementation of physical processes spanning electronics, aerodynamics, communications and medicine. They may provide support services in areas such as medical physics (radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging), geophysics (remote sensing and seismology) and nuclear energy (reactor safety and design), or perform complex computer simulations and analyses of data. Alternatively, graduates can embark on post-graduate studies and research at institutions.
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