Science Academic Plans

The Honours Co-operative Life Physics Academic Plan is in the form of a core of required courses, plus appropriate electives. This plan provides a solid foundation in basic physics, chemistry and biology while allowing a flexible, interdisciplinary and integrative approach to the study of the life sciences. While emphasizing physics, through appropriate selection of electives, this plan prepares students for careers which require a broad scientific knowledge or for programs in biophysics, medical physics, optometry, medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, forensics, and radiotherapy. The electives allow students to prepare for these programs and strengthen complementary areas of interest. Students are strongly urged to consult the admission requirements of the professional schools of interest to aid in their choice of electives. This Academic Plan is also available in the regular system of study.

The Honours Co-operative Life Physics has two specializations (also available in the Regular system of study). The Medical Physics Specialization requires additional courses also taken by Honours Physics students, and medical physics courses, in preparation for a graduate level program in Medical Physics, leading to certification or for work in Medical Physics. The Biophysics Specialization increases the depth and breadth of physics and biology courses at an honours level, to strengthen areas of interest and as preparation for graduate level study or work in industry. Departmental advisors for Life Physics and Medical Physics in Physics and Astronomy, and for Biophysics in Physics and Astronomy and Biology, are available to advise students on course sequencing. Consult the Life Physics website for additional information on this program.

Continuation in Honours Life Physics requires a cumulative overall average of 60% and a cumulative average of 60% in Physics courses and 60% in Biology courses.

1. Successful completion of 22.25 units.
2. Mandatory (core) courses as listed below.
3. No more than 3.0 "SCI-labelled" units can be used.
4. Completion of the English Language Proficiency Requirement.
5. For detailed information on co-op program requirements, please see the Co-operative Program evaluation information and the Co-operative Education and Career Action section of the undergraduate calendar.

Notes

1. Electives may be taken in any area of the student's choosing. Students should be aware that health profession programs often require courses in one or more of the following subject areas: English, mathematics, computer science, sociology, accounting, economics, languages, psychology, philosophy and humanities. The departmental Undergraduate Advisors in Physics and Astronomy are available to assist any student in the plan and further information is available from the Life Physics website. 

2. Students considering entry into the School of Optometry and Vision Science or the School of Pharmacy should verify the admission requirements for each program to guide selection of elective courses.

Legend

*Can be taken Fall of first, second or third year.
** Can be taken in third or fourth year.

Year 1A (Fall)

Year 1B (Winter)

Year 2A (Fall)

Year 2B (Spring)

Year 3A (Spring)

PHYS 10 Physics Seminar
PHYS 380 Molecular and Cellular Biophysics
Four electives (2.0 units)

Year 3B (Winter)

Year 4A (Fall)

Year 4B (Winter)

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Electives courses for Life Physics

Students must take a minimum of 2.25 units of the following courses: