Physics

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

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What you will learn in this program

Physicists ask questions such as: How is matter converted into energy? What forces keep planets in orbit? How do quarks decay?

Physics is the study of laws that govern the behaviour and interaction of energy and matter. Physicists seek to understand the ways that matter and energy interact through experiment, observation and mathematical models. Physical interactions are fundamental to many phenomena in Nature and form the basis of our understanding of the universe. During the course of your studies, much of your learning will occur while actively working on problems in class, during tutorials, and in the laboratory. This degree will provide you with a strong foundation in applied mathematics, chemistry, physics, advanced physics and applied physics.

Career opportunities

​Physicists have global opportunities to work in areas such as aerodynamics, technological design, medical physics, and more. A degree in Physics can also be used as a stepping-stone to graduate studies or another professional degree such as law, medicine, veterinary medicine, or architecture.

Courses you'll take:

Calculus for Engineers and Scientists, Electromagnetic Theory I, Energy Flow in Biological Systems, Linear Methods I, ​Classical Physics

Learn more about your courses:

First year Degree Guide - Science
Program Description (Course Calendar)
List of Courses in the Program​

Learn how to apply

Admission requirements and information

Submitted by Anonymous on August 30, 2018 - 20:51 in

If you are currently in grade 12 or have recently completed high school, you must present five required grade 12 courses for your program as outlined below. Admissions averages will be calculated using either the early or standard admission processes.

Application Dates

October 1st 2018 to March 1st 2019

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Curriculum (Education System)

Alberta curriculum

Minimum Competitive Average

Mid to high 70s

Required Courses

  • English Language Arts 30-1
  • Mathematics 30-1
  • Two of: Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Mathematics 31, Physics 30, or CTS Computer Science Advanced Level (5 credit)
  • One approved course or option

Required Courses Notes

  1. Chemistry 30 is required as a prerequisite for courses in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geosciences, Physics, and Astronomy programs.
  2. Biology 30 is required as a prerequisite for courses in Biological Sciences programs.
  3. Mathematics 31 is strongly recommended for all programs.
  4. Physics 30 is recommended for all Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geosciences, Physics, and Astronomy programs, as well as for the Applied Mathematics major.
  5. A minimum grade of 70% in Alberta Mathematics 30-1 (or equivalent) is the prerequisite for first-year math courses.
  6. Students are encouraged to take high school courses related to their intended major, some courses not required for admission may be prerequisites for first-year courses.
  7. Equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) courses are accepted.

Approved Courses/Options

Approved Courses

  • Indigenous Studies 30
  • Any 5-credit second language or language and culture course at the 30-level [1,2]
  • Any approved grade 12 IB diploma or AP academic subject
  • Biology 30
  • Chemistry 30
  • CTS Computer Science Advanced (5-credits)
  • English 30-1
  • Fine Arts (Art 30, Art 31, Choral Music 30, General Music 30, Instrumental Music 30, Drama 30, Dance 35)
  • Mathematics 30-1, 30-2, and 31 [1,3]
  • Physical Education 30
  • Physics 30
  • Science 30
  • Social Studies 30-1

Approved Options

  • Other five-credit 30-level courses excluding Special Projects 30 and English 30-2.
  • Three-credit courses: Two three-credit 20- or 30-level courses can be combined to fulfil ONE requirement. Courses at the 20- and 30-level CANNOT be combined to satisfy a course requirement.
  • One-credit courses: five intermediate or five advanced credits in Career and Technology Studies (CTS) can be used to fulfil one approved option requirement.

Approved Courses/Options Notes

  1. Two courses in the same subject area may not be presented to satisfy entrance requirements unless the courses are Mathematics 30-1, Mathematics 30-2 or Mathematics 31
  2. Only one grade 12 level course in a language stream may be used to satisfy admission requirements.: (a) one of Alberta French 30, 31A, 31B, 31C, 30-3Y, 30-9Y (or equivalent subjects); Alberta French Language Arts 30-1, 30-2 (or equivalent subjects), (b) one of Alberta Chinese Language Arts 30 (3Y, 6Y, 9Y, 12Y) (or equivalent subjects); Alberta Chinese Language and Culture 30 (3Y, 6Y) (or equivalent subjects).
  3. A minimum grade of 70% in Mathematics 30-1 is the prerequisite for first-year math courses.
  4. One-credit courses: five intermediate or five advanced credits in Career and Technology Studies (CTS) can be used to fulfil ONE requirement. Intermediate and Advanced Credits cannot be combined to satisfy a course requirement.

Standard Admission

If you are currently completing high school, you will automatically be considered for admission using the standard admission by calculating your admission average using final grade 11 grades and at least one grade 12 approved course (if both grade 11 and 12 grades are provided, the grade 12 grade will be used) from the required courses for your program choice. Admitted students must complete all 30-level (or equivalent) required courses outlined above, maintain the admission average required for admission in the application year and obtain the Alberta Grade 12 diploma (or equivalent).

Learn more about standard admission

Early Admission

You may be offered early admission (based on your available grade 11 or 12 results) for English, Mathematics, and two of Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Admitted students must complete all 30-level (or equivalent) required courses outlined above, maintain the admission average required for admission in the application year and obtain the Alberta Grade 12 diploma (or equivalent)..

Learn more about early admission

Required Documents

Alberta: There is no need to send your transcripts. The University of Calgary will obtain transcripts on your behalf from the Ministry of Education. Other Canadian Provinces and Territories: Official transcripts are documents which are sent directly to the University of Calgary's admissions office from your school or the Department of Education maintaining such records. It's your responsibility to request transcripts from any non-Alberta institutions to be sent directly to the university's admissions office.

More about required documents

ELP

English is the official language of instruction at the University of Calgary. All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency to be considered for admission.

See English Language Proficiency requirements

Indigenous Admissions Process

When you apply for admission, you'll first be considered under the program admission requirement criteria. If you've self-identified as Indigenous on your application form, you'll automatically receive consideration under the Indigenous Admissions process if needed. If you're granted admission under this process, you will be asked to submit documentation to verify your Indigenous identity before registering for classes. Self-identification also allows us to support you through your admissions process, assist you with academic advising and referrals, and provide you with updates about our many cultural and social activities.

See our Indigenous Admissions Process

Diverse Qualifications

If you're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and have achieved excellence outside of academics, or have overcome significant hardships, you may seek admission under the Diverse Qualifications Admission Process.

More information about Diverse Qualifications

Important dates and deadlines

Sep. 29

Open House is on campus

 

Learn more about Open House

Oct. 01

  • Undergraduate application is open
How to apply

Dec. 15

  • Deadline to apply for prestige awards

Jan. 15

Initial transcript deadline for prestige award applicants

Mar. 01

  • Deadline to apply for fall admissions and final date to make changes to your application
  • High school awards online application deadline
How to apply

Mar. 15

  • Deadline for students residing outside of Canada or the US to submit transcripts and documents
  • Initial transcripts and supporting documents required for admission decision for all high school and transfer applicants

Mar. 15

Final transcripts required for admission decision: Education (After-Degree and Community Based), Social Work, Kinesiology (transfer)

May. 01

Deadline to apply for residence

View residence

Jun. 01

Transcript deadline for transfer applicants

Aug. 01

Final transcript deadline for high school applicants

Aug. 31

Deadline to apply for Open Studies for the fall term

Learn more about Open Studies

​The UCalgary campus is really quite beautiful on cold winter nights, and fun to skate around in the summer. The mathematics and physics and astronomy departments are conducting world-class research, with valuable international research opportunities. For me, I initially chose UCalgary because it was close to home, but with all the cool research being conducted on quantum information, geometry and space, the drum circles, and being right beside the Rockies too – I had to!

​Alex C., physics student

Did you know? You can earn two degrees in five years. Learn more about combined degree program options.

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Book a campus tour

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Your cost

Find out what your undergraduate tuition and general fees will cost.

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Join our community in fall 2019

We'll be accepting applications to attend the University of Calgary in fall 2019 starting on Monday, Oct. 1, 2018. You'll be able to submit an application until Friday, March 1, 2019. Check out our student experience page to find out more about what life is like on campus or consider visiting campus for a tour led by one of our current students.

Learn about the student experience

Learn more about your future campus! Book a campus tour or request more information. 

Faculty Information

Faculty of Science
Biological Sciences, Room 570
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4
403.220.5516

Learn how to apply