Physics

Physics graduates have a variety of occupations open to them that is perhaps larger than for any other scientifically trained group. This is a result of the fundamental nature of the subject and its emphasis on understanding the basic laws of nature. When a new technology comes into use it is generally found that, during its initial stages from the original discovery, through the research and development stages, to general application, physicists have been significantly involved. Physicists are engaged in such fields as biophysics, medical physics, materials science, telecommunications, fibre optics and photonics, semiconductor physics and nanotechnology, computer technology, space science, earth and environmental sciences, and energy-resource development. Apart from research and development, physicists have also entered fields such as administration, medicine, management, education and transportation, where their initial rigorous training in an exact science has been of considerable value in providing them with methods for analyzing and understanding general problems.

The Department's research specialties are condensed matter physics, photonics, the physics of biological and complex systems and the physics of geomaterials. Many of its graduates have entered high-technology industries. While these specializations are taught mainly at the graduate level, extra emphasis may be given to these fields in the honours degree program.

In addition to the Honours B.Sc. with Specialization in Physics, we offer two related programs: the specialization in physics-mathematics provides an enriched mathematics training within a physics program. The computational physics option allows students to combine a solid physics background with computer programming skills, offering powerful approaches to solving physics problems. The major in physics may form the core of an honours BSc program when combined with a major or a minor in another discipline in the Faculty of Science or in another faculty. Graduate programs leading to the MSc and PhD are also offered, which may be required for entry into some specialized research or development work.

The Department of Physics of the University of Ottawa is proud of its professors, many of whom are superb teachers and widely recognized researchers in their respective fields of expertise.