About
Physics is the study of matter and energy and how they interact. Physics helps us understand how the world, and everything in it, really works. Physicists study all aspects of nature—from the study of subatomic particles to the study of astronomical objects many times larger than the sun.
- Three or four year degree
- Full or part-time program
- You can enter this program directly from high school
- You can begin this program off-campus
What you will learn
You will discover the particles that make up the universe and the forces with which they interact. You will learn about black holes, atmospheric phenomena, new materials, quarks and gluons. You will investigate such phenomena as the big bang, quantum mechanical paradoxes and superconductivities. You will experiment using telescopes, satellites, radar, tokamaks, synchrotron and particle accelerators, and conduct space weather observations and atmospheric ozone monitoring.
A first-year schedule sample
This degree program is flexible and offers you the opportunity to take courses in many different subject areas. Here’s what a typical first-year schedule might look like:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
Fall Term |
|
| PHYS 115a | Physics and the Universe |
| CMPT 141a | Computing I |
| MATH 110b | Calculus I |
| ENG 113c | Literature and Composition Reading Narrative |
| HIST 195d | History Matters Indigenous Perspectives on Canadian History |
Winter Term |
|
| PHYS 117 or PHYS 125a | Physics and Technology |
| CMPT 145e | Principles of Computer Science |
| MATH 116b | Calculus II |
| PHIL 120c | Biological and Cognitive Bases of Psychology |
| MATH 164a | Introduction to Linear Algebra |
a Required course for the major
b One of the course options to complete the Quantitative Reasoning Requirement
c One of the course options to complete the English Language Writing Requirement
d One of the course options to complete the Indigenous Learning Requirement
e Recommended course for use in the Cognate Requirement (required for Honours)
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
PHYS 230: Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory
This laboratory course explores basic elements of electric circuits and electronics through experiments. Students will also learn how to measure magnetic fields through inductance and Hall probes. There will be five experiments and students will need 1.5 hours per experiment. For each experiment there will also be a 1 hour lecture.
PHYS 383: Quantum Mechanics I
The Schrodinger equation and its implications are discussed for several important quantum systems, including the quantum harmonic oscillator and one-electron atoms. Further topics include barrier-penetration, angular momentum in quantum mechanics, spin, and time-independent perturbation theory. The tutorial will develop problem solving skills and techniques using modern tools.
PHYS 452: Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics
An introduction to the physics of the nucleus and of the fundamental particles and their interactions. Topics in nuclear physics include nuclear phenomenology, radioactive decay, nuclear reactions; nuclear models: semi-empirical mass formula, shell model, collective models, the deuteron and the nucleon-nucleon interaction. Topics in particle physics include strong and electroweak interactions; global and local symmetries of the weak and strong interactions; the neutral Kaons and CP violation; Feynman diagrams; the Standard Model: quarks, gluons and colour; decay and reaction probabilities; hadron production; meson and baryon masses; charmonium; asymptotic freedom; neutrino oscillations.
Professional Internship Option
You can complete up to 16 consecutive months of supervised work experience with a sponsoring employer in addition to the requirements for a Physics program. Normally, the work placement commences after you have completed three years of a four-year degree program in Physics. The placement typically lasts from May 1 of one year to August 31 of the next year but shorter internship placements of 4, 8 or 12 months may also be allowed.
Facilities
We are home to the Canadian Light Source - the only national facility for synchrotron light research in Canada and the fourth most powerful synchrotron in the world! Physicists come from around the world to do work in such areas as the structure of biological molecules, micro-sensors and micro-machines, and environmental science.
Faculty
Faculty members are involved in collaborations with international institutions and laboratories in all of the research areas represented in the department and are awarded over $5 million in external research funding each year. Department members have been recognized, nationally and internationally, receiving such awards as the IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Award and the NASA Group Achievement Award. The department has also been home to several Canada Research Chairs.
The department values teaching excellence and instructors are committed to providing a stimulating and friendly learning environment. Instructors in the Department have been recognized with the uSask Master Teacher Award and the USSU Teaching Excellence Award.
Unique opportunities
You can apply for an exciting summer opportunity to collaborate in a research project with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Undergraduate Summer Research Award.
Careers
Physicists can be found in all kinds of professions where their experimental, analytic and computational skills are useful. Some career opportunities include:
- Astronomer
- Acoustical physicist
- Astrophysicist
- Biophysicist
- Fluid and plasma physicist
- Geophysicist
- Health physicist
- Medical physicist
- Nuclear physicist
- Optical physicist
- Science education teacher
- Technician
- Solid state physicist
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $7,919 | $38,328 |
| Student fees | $1,121 | $1,121 |
| Books | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Total | $10,540 | $40,949 |
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay in your first year if you enroll in a full course load, the maximum number of courses allowed (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 per year.
Program options
These Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Physics degrees are offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science:
- Bachelor of Science Four-year
- Bachelor of Science Three-year
- Bachelor of Science Honours
- Bachelor of Science Double Honours with Biochemistry
- Professional Internship Option
- In your fourth year complete up to 16 consecutive months of supervised work experience with a sponsoring employer if you meet the requirements.
You should consult with an academic advisor in the college when you begin your studies to decide if you want a four-year, three-year or honours degree or would like to pursue the Professional Internship Option.
Admission requirements and deadlines
Deadlines
Ready to apply?
Create an admissions account and start your application today. When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD. Effective December 2, the application fee is increasing to $120 CAD.
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