Major map:
Physics
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - View all program options
Learn how to get the most out of your degree and prepare for your future career.
Physics is the study of matter and energy and their interaction through space and time. Physicists attempt to understand the fundamental constituents that make up the universe and the forces with which they interact, and formulate principles that bring together and explain the world around us.
Not a USask student?
Learn more about studying physics at USask and apply for admission.
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all major requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
PHYS 115.3 | Physics and the Universe
You choose
- An additional PHYS 100-level course (3 cu)
- Two MATH 100-level courses (6 cu) on Calculus
- 18 cu from a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements
Academic tips
- Explore information about your major in the course and program catalogue
- Meet with an academic advisor for help choosing your courses and planning your degree
- Visit the student Learning Hub for help developing your academic skills
- Attend the physics open house to learn more about program information on physics
What will I learn?
- Understanding of fundamental physics principles underlying modern science and technology
- Quantitative reasoning and analytic skills highly desirable for a wide range of future careers
- Research experience in outstanding and diverse projects ranging from subatomic physics, plasma physics, atmospheric science, to advanced materials
- Computational and laboratory competences in operating cutting-edge facilities like supercomputer, auroral radar, tokamak, and Canadian Light Source
- Training in communication skills for dissemination of scientific results in publications or oral presentations
Gain relevant experience
- Consider a study abroad experience to earn credit toward your degree
- Explore undergraduate research opportunities
- Consider enrolling in an experiential learning course
Create local and global connections
- Visit the USask Community Centre to make connections and build community
- Get involved in your campus community through student groups, USask Rec and USask events
- Before you register in your first-year courses, sign up to be a part of a Learning Community
- Get to know your faculty and their research interests
- Join the Physics and Engineering Physics Students’ Society
Get career ready
- Meet with a career educator at Career Services to explore your career possibilities
- Take a career assessment to learn more about your strengths, personality, interests, and values
- Create your résumé and cover letter to take advantage of part-time and summer job opportunities
- Develop your LinkedIn profile to begin building your professional brand
Featured courses
- PHYS 252.3 Foundations of Modern Physics
- PHYS 371.3 Statistical and Thermal Physics
- PHYS 383.3 Quantum Mechanics I
- PHYS 402.3 Techniques of Theoretical Physics
- PHYS 472.3 Particle Accelerator Physics and Synchrotron Radiation
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all major requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
CMPT 141.3 | Introduction to Computer Science
EP 253.1 | Modern Physics Laboratory I
PHYS 223.3 | Mechanics I
PHYS 230.1 | Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory
PHYS 231.1 | Optics Laboratory
PHYS 252.3 | Foundations of Modern Physics
STAT 241.3 | Probability Theory*effective Sept 2022
You choose
- One MATH 100 or 200-level course (3 cu) on Linear Algebra
- Two MATH 200-level courses (6 cu) on Calculus
- 6 cu from a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
PHYS 323.3 | Mechanics II
PHYS 356.3 | Intermediate Electromagnetism
PHYS 371.3 | Statistical and Thermal Physics
PHYS 383.3 | Quantum Mechanics I
You choose
- One MATH 300-level course (3 cu) on Differential Equations
- 15 cu from a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements
Academic tips
- Check DegreeWorks and meet with an academic advisor to ensure your degree is on track
- Apply for scholarships and bursaries
- Declare you major in the PAWS Arts and Science channel
- Apply for named awards, bursaries, and scholarships offered by the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics
- Explore research interests and opportunities through attending the physics faculty mixer, physics lab night, and physics seminars
- Consider taking the Honours program and consult the physics undergraduate chair
Add to your major
Choose from a variety of options to complement your major.
- Astronomy (certificate)
- Chemistry (minor)
- Computer Science (minor)
- Mathematics (minor)
Gain relevant experience
- Meet with the Study Abroad Coordinator or an International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC) International Education Officer to explore your study abroad options
- Become a peer mentor through the College of Arts and Science, University Library, or Peer Health
- Sign up for a Student Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
- Get involved in research by applying for a research assistantship or NSERC USRA funding
- Engage with faculty and get involved in research and scholarly activities
- Volunteer for the physics open house to connect with prospective students
Create local and global connections
- Engage with your community through volunteering and Co-Curricular Record activities
- Meet with new people and grow your cultural understanding through Building Bridges and the Global Connections Network
- Attend the College of Arts and Science USRA events (see Arts & Science Events Calendar for details)
- Grow your network by joining Canadian Association of Physicists with a student affiliateship
Get career ready
- Conduct occupational research through Job Bank and LinkedIn
- Discover job opportunities, explore career options, and meet professionals at Career Services events and career fairs
- Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
- Expand your professional network on LinkedIn
- Get a better understanding of your career possibilities through career informational interviews
Career readiness competencies
Career Readiness Competencies are transferable skill sets that will prepare you for the world of work and include the top attributes that employers are looking for:
- Career & Self-Development
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Equity & Inclusion
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Technology
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all major requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
PHYS 490.0 | Physics Seminars
You choose
- 12 cu of Physics/Astronomy electives
- 18 cu from a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements
Academic tips
- Review the variety of specialized courses in physics
- Evaluate your options to complete a Physics Research Project: 3 cu (one term) or 6 cu (two terms)
- Consider a specialization in five sub-disciplines of physics (for Honours program)
- Consider further study in graduate school, medical school, or professional programs
Consider applying to a graduate program
- Physics and Engineering Physics (M.Sc., Ph.D.)
Gain relevant experience
- Consider running for a leadership position with the Arts and Science Student Union (ASSU) or the USask Students’ Union (USSU)
- Get involved in research by applying for a research assistantship
- Attend the Canadian Undergraduate Physics Conference (CUPC) and Canadian Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics (CCUWiP)
- Become a leader of the Physics and Engineering Physics Students’ Society
Create local and global connections
- Attend the annual Canadian Association of Physicists Congress to meet with eminent physicists in Canada and around the world
- Join the USask Alumni and Friends community
Get career ready
- Review employment opportunities at the CAP, Physics Today, and Physics World
- Update your cover letter, résumé, and/or CV to apply for jobs
- Meet with Career Services to prepare for your interview
- Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
- If you are new to Canada, take time to learn about how to search for a job in Canada
Career readiness competencies
Career Readiness Competencies are transferable skill sets that will prepare you for the world of work and include the top attributes that employers are looking for:
- Career & Self-Development
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Equity & Inclusion
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Technology
Possible destinations
People with a physics degree take their knowledge and skills into many different industries and occupations. Note that some of the career paths listed here require further education and training.
Career paths
- Acoustical Engineer
- Aerodynamicist
- Aeronautical Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer
- Air Traffic Controller
- Astronautical Engineer
- Astronomer
- Astrophysicist
- Biophysicist
- Cardiac Imaging Researcher
- Electronics Engineer
- Energy Efficiency Engineer
- Geophysicist
- Health Physicist
- Materials Scientist
- Medical Laboratory Technologist
- Meteorologist
- Molecular Biophysicist
- MRI Technologist
- Nanotechnologist
- Nuclear Physicist
- Physicist
- Plasma Physicist
- Quantitative Analyst
- Research Assistant
- Robotics Technologist
- Science Writer
- Seismologist
- Structural Engineer
- University Professor
Physics encouraged a studiousness that provided an advantage in becoming a life-long learner, and will continue to do so through my medical career. The program fosters competency and self-confidence that helps myself and its students to surpass their goals and excel wherever they apply themselves.
—Kyle, USask alumni, BSc in Physics, McMaster medical school student
Where do USask alumni work?
- Army National Guard
- BP
- Calgary Board Education
- Cameco Corporation
- Coanda Research and Development
- DefenseStorm
- Dordt University
- IBM
- Natural Resources Canada
- Poly
- University of Calgary
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Saskatchewan
Explore Canadian salaries for various occupations using the Job Bank Career Planning Tool
"The skills required for my undergraduate degree paved the path for me to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a medical doctor. I carry my physics degree with great pride and hope to inspire other students but especially encourage women to pursue science as it opens doors to endless possibilities."
Momina, Bachelor of Science in physics, Doctor of Medicine '22
"The physics program has offered me opportunities to nurture my passions for research and astronomy, and it constantly provided me with new ways to challenge myself."
Rina, fourth-year physics honours student
"Studying physics taught me to be a critical thinker and seek for a deep understanding of the world around me."
Evan, Bachelor of Science '20 in physics, USask medical school student