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Physics Degree Planner

Physics

The Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science at Dalhousie University is one of the best university-based research centers in Canada. Complete your undergraduate degree as a major, or consider completing an honours or co-op degree and/or earning one or more certificates if certain courses are taken as part of the program.

Students also have the option to specialize among nine exciting sub-disciplines in physics: astrophysics, computational physics, biophysics, environmental physics, materials physics, applied materials, theoretical physics, leadership in physics, and medical physics.


Your major map: Physics

The Physics Major Map highlights academic and co-curricular opportunities and provides an overview of how students can customize their degree. Students are encouraged to connect with advising supports at Dalhousie and use the Academic Calendar and Timetable to create their course plan.

 < 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

  • Complete required introductory courses in Physics (PHYC 1190/1290) and in other subjects. See the first-year course planner worksheet for more information
  • At the end of your first year, you can declare your major and register for second-year courses

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

  • You will start taking more core courses* in PHYC gaining knowledge and lab experience: PHYC 2050, PHYC 2140, PHYC 2150, PHYC 2510, PHYC 2515
  • Consider combining your degree with another subject with a double major, minor, or certificate

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

  • Aim to take 4-6 PHYC courses*. Make sure you're on track with course requirements using DARS 
  • Apply for an honours degree ahead of your fourth year if you are considering graduate studies

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

  • In your final year, you should be taking 4-6 PHYC courses*
  • Complete any requirements for a certificate or minor and check your degree audit to ensure you are on track to graduate 
  • Apply to graduate by Dec 1 for spring convocation and July 2 for fall convocation 

*Note that not all courses are offered each semester or year and that course requirements may vary according to your degree type (major, double major, minor, honours). Be sure to keep track of these by consulting the academic calendar.

*After declaring your major, we strongly encourage you to connect with program advisors for course planning and any other questions related to your program.  

 < 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

  • Explore the myCareer portal to browse through work and volunteer opportunities on and off campus 
  • Combine academic study and paid career-related work experience by enrolling in co-op

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

  • Gain teaching and communication skills by applying for a teaching assistant role or working with a science outreach organization like SuperNova or Let's Talk Science
  • Attend career prep workshops or apply for graduate or professional programs
  • Don't forget to complete your Co-Curricular Record!

 

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

  • Attend the Dal Science Welcome Party
  • Attend the Faculty of Science Program Fair for help planning your next steps
  • Consider joining DUPS –  Dalhousie Undergraduate Physics Society! Meet other like-minded students and participate in fun events 

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

  • Consider running for a position with the Dal Science Society's Executive or with your student society

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

  • You're about to join over 30,000 other grads all over the world as a Dal Science alumni! 
  • Stay involved with your faculty and department and connect with our incredible network of alumni

 

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

  • Familiarize yourself with Dalhousie's many supports and reach out to advisors for guidance
  • Plan out your credits hours by navigating degree requirements

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

For any questions about your major, enrolling in a minor or certificate, summer research, or honours, speak with a program advisor!


Where your degree can take you

The skills and knowledge acquired through this program provide great preparation for a variety of careers and can be applied, but not limited to career paths in: 

Aerospace, research, energy, engineering, health care, technology, computer and game design, consulting, and education among many more. 

A BSc degree in Physics will prepare you for further studies in various sciences such as physics, engineering, or meteorology. Students could go on to study Optometry (OD), a Master of Science (MSc), a Master of Engineering, and eventually a Ph.D. 


Core competencies gained

Discipline-level skills: 

  • An understanding of the fundamental elements of the universe, energy, and matter and their properties, structures, movements, and behavior in time and space
  • Knowledge of key topics in the different sub-disciplines of physics, such as astrophysics, biophysics, and materials physics
  • An understanding of the law of nature and the different classical and modern theories in physics

Transferable skills: 

  • Academic writing and presentation skills
  • Critical thinking, synthesis, and analytical skills
  • Communication skills
  • Numeracy skills
  • Time/project management
  • Leadership and teamwork
  • Basic statistical analyses
  • Laboratory techniques

Possible careers and employment

Physics Alumni can be employed within a variety of industries and have multiple career path options. These are influenced by the student's elective courses, experiential learning choices and certificates. Some of the options below will typically require additional or graduate-level training*, while some can be pursued following the completion of baccalaureate program only.

  • Analyst
  • Aviation inspector
  • Astrophysicist*
  • Biophysicist*
  • Computational scientist*
  • Data scientist*
  • Design engineer*
  • Energy policy analyst*
  • Health physicist*
  • Game designer
  • Geophysical surveyor*
  • Meteorologist*
  • Medical physicist*
  • Nuclear physicist*
  • Nanotechnologist*
  • Optical technician
  • Optometrist* 
  • Research technician
  • Laser engineer*
  • Software engineer
  • Technical writer
  • Teacher/professor*
     
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