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Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science website to learn more about Physics.
Program information
Become a versatile scientist who seeks to understand how matter and energy work. You’ll learn how to use observation and analysis to discover and explain the physical laws and forces of nature, such as gravity, electromagnetism, and nuclear interactions.
Program overview
- Campus
- Okanagan
- Program length
- 4 years
- Honours This option has additional requirements compared to those required in a Major specialization. Students must maintain high academic standing and may have to write a graduating thesis.
- Yes
- Co-op Co-op is an optional program where students alternate between academic terms and paid work terms. It’s an opportunity to gain relevant job experience while completing your degree.
- Yes
- Faculty
- Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science
- Degree
- Bachelor of Science
What you'll learn
Physics is the study of matter, energy, and the interactions between the two. Using observation and analysis, physicists attempt 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 provides grounding in both theoretical foundations and laboratory practice, preparing you for a career in high-tech industry, computer software development, secondary education, or post-graduate studies.
Research
In your senior-level coursework, you have the option of taking directed studies, where you will undertake a supervised investigation of an assigned topic. You can also take an advanced lab course, where you will complete a major experimental research project that results in a formal report and class presentation of your results. The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science holds an annual undergraduate research conference on UBC鈥檚 Okanagan campus to showcase student research projects.
Campus features
UBC鈥檚 Okanagan campus is home to a number of world-class research facilities, including the Centre for Optimization, Convex Analysis and Non-Smooth Analysis (COCANA).
The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science holds an annual undergraduate research conference on UBC鈥檚 Okanagan campus to showcase student research projects.
You can also connect with peers through the Quantitative Sciences Course Union and the Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) mentoring program.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within Physics. Here are a few you might like.
Introduction to mechanics primarily for students majoring in the physical sciences (e.g. physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, geology, physical geography) or engineering. Particle kinematics and dynamics, work and energy, momentum, gravitation, rigid body motion, fluid statics and dynamics with applications to the physical sciences.
Electrostatics, Gauss’ law, electric potential, DC circuits, conduction models, strain gauges, RTD, circuit analysis theorems, magnetic fields, Hall effect, Ampere’s law, Faraday’s law, inductance, and semiconductors with basic applications.
Intermediate treatment of wave production, propagation, reception. Acoustics, electrical transmission lines, electromagnetics, scalar wave equation. Finite difference time domain computer simulation, boundary conditions, normal modes, input impedance, energy density, power flux/propagation across boundaries at normal and oblique incidence, sonic transducers, alternating current sources, and antennae.
Physical consequences of Einstein’s equations, including the principle of equivalence, curved space-time, geodesics, the Schwarzchild solution, deflection of light, black holes, and gravitational radiation.
Outcomes
As a graduate of Physics, you鈥檒l be prepared for further study in the field, or to enter into a career in such areas as aeronautics, defence, aerospace, communication or tech, and science centres/museums.
Take action & plan
Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the聽English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the 糖心logo入口Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Science
- IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL or HL, or IB Math Applications and Interpretations HL (IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, are not acceptable)
- One of IB Biology, IB Chemistry, or IB Physics
- Grade 11 or equivalent Chemistry
- Grade 11 or equivalent Physics is strongly recommended
Note: Grade 11 Chemistry and Physics requirements listed are only relevant to students who are not completing the equivalent IB Diploma Chemistry and/or Physics courses.
For students studying outside of Canada, some examples of courses that may be accepted as Grade 11 equivalents are junior-level courses for American students, and IGCSE and O Level for those following British-patterned curricula.
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Sciences
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you鈥檙e unable to visit 糖心logo入口in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current 糖心logo入口students walk you through UBC鈥檚 residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Related programs
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science website to learn more about Physics.
Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time 糖心logo入口international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all .
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science website to learn more about Physics.