Physics

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Become a versatile scientist who seeks to understand how matter and energy work.

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Degree

Bachelor

Length

4 years

Faculty/School

Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science

Why study Physics at UBC Okanagan?

Get your UBC degree in physics, the study of matter, energy, and the interactions between the two. Students in the physics program are taught how to use observation and analysis to discover and explain the physical laws and forces of nature, such as gravity, electromagnetism and nuclear interactions.

Physicists also find ways to apply laws and theories to problems in nuclear energy, electronics, optics, materials, communications, aerospace technology, navigation equipment and medical instrumentation.

The physics program aims to provide a comprehensive, hands-on education that allows students to develop the skills needed to pursue studies at the post-graduate level or to cross over into other professions such as medicine, actuarial science meteorology and secondary education.

Degree Options

At UBC Okanagan, you can complete a BSc with a major, minor or honours in physics, or a BSc combined major in physics and mathematics.

BSc

Sample Courses

These are examples of courses you can enrol in during your studies. To plan your academic journey, please visit undergraduate student resources.

CHEM 111 - Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 121 - Atomic and Molecular Chemistry
MATH 100 - Differential Calculus with Applications to Physical Sciences and Engineering
PHYS 111 - Introductory Physics for the Physical Sciences I
PHYS 122 - Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences II

ASTR 210 - Physical Processes in the Universe
PHYS 225 - Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism
MATH 221 - Matrix Algebra
PHYS 215 - Thermodynamics
PHYS 231 - Introduction to Electronics

MATH 319 - Introduction to Partial Differential Equations
PHYS 301 - Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 324 - Waves
PHYS 328 - Advanced Mechanics

PHYS 401 - Electromagnetic Theory
PHYS 407 - Introduction to General Relativity
PHYS 418 - Methods of Theoretical Physics
PHYS 431 - Optics Project Laboratory
PHYS 474 - Solid State Physics

Plan your academic journey by exploring the first-year planning guides designed for Bachelor of Sciences students.

Explore customized Program Plans designed to support your journey to graduation and beyond.

Careers and Outcomes

UBC degrees are respected by employers around the globe. Program graduates will have the skills to pursue a career in a variety of fields like,

  • Acoustic physicist
  • Aerodynamicist
  • Applied physicist research assistant
  • Astronomer
  • Biophysicist
  • Core technology scientist
  • Crystallographer
  • Flight management analyst
  • Geophysicist (e.g., exploration, mining, petroleum, water, weather)
  • Health physicist (e.g., radiation, safety in hospitals, labs, mines, reactors)
  • Hydrologist
  • Industrial physicist (e.g., computer simulation, instrumentation, film)
  • Manufacturing project leader
  • Meteorologist
  • Nanotechnology (e.g., microchips, metallurgy)
  • Planetarium director/guide
  • Radiation protection inspector
  • Scientific photographer
  • Systems analyst
  • Telecommunications technician
  • Telescope operator

Admission, Fees, Applying

You could soon be studying at one of the world’s top universities. Be sure to review the content below to prepare for attending UBC Okanagan.

Experiential Learning

Expand your horizons while studying abroad, conducting meaningful research, or working in the community with your UBC colleagues.

Learn more about Co-op, Go Global, Undergraduate Research Awards and other opportunities at Experiential Education.

Global and Close-Knit

At UBC Okanagan, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally ranked, top 5% university while studying in a close-knit learning community. 50% of graduates, from all across the globe, choose to stay in the region.

Discover the Okanagan

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards, orchards and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan is an inspirational landscape perfect for those seeking leisure or outdoor adventure.

UBC's Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people— the fourth fastest-growing population in Canada.