Science Academic Programs and Plans

Advisors: See Faculty of Science academic advisors.

Honours Life Physics is available in both systems of study: regular and co-operative.

The Honours Life Physics plan is in the form of a core required courses, plus appropriate electives, integrated with five work terms for those in the co-op stream. It 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 that require a broad scientific knowledge and 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 elective choices.

There are two specializations available for Honours Life Physics: the Biophysics Specialization and the Medical Physics Specialization. Students should consult the Life Physics website for additional plan information.

Continuing in Honours Life Physics (regular and co-op) requires a minimum cumulative overall average of 60%, a minimum cumulative Physics average of 60%, and a minimum cumulative Biology average of 60%.

Successful completion requires:

1. 21.75 units distributed as follows:
   
   • 0.75 PHYS unit chosen from: PHYS 111 and PHYS 111L or PHYS 121 and PHYS 121L
   • 0.75 PHYS unit chosen from: PHYS 112 and PHYS 112L or PHYS 122 and PHYS 122L
   • 4.25 PHYS units: PHYS 224, PHYS 225, PHYS 256, PHYS 256L, PHYS 280/BIOL 280, PHYS 380, PHYS 395, PHYS 396, PHYS 491
   • 1.0 MATH unit: MATH 127 and MATH 128
   • 3.0 CHEM units: CHEM 120, CHEM 120L, CHEM 123, CHEM 123L, CHEM 237, CHEM 237L, CHEM 266, CHEM 266L
   • 1.75 BIOL units: BIOL 130, BIOL 130L, BIOL 239, BIOL 273
   • 0.5 ENGL unit: ENGL 193/SPCOM 193
   • 9.75 elective units distributed as follows:
     
     • 2.25 program elective units chosen from: BIOL 201, BIOL 240 and BIOL 240L, BIOL 308, BIOL 373 and BIOL 373L, PHYS 124, PHYS 233, PHYS 234, PHYS 263, PHYS 358, PHYS 359, PHYS 383
     • 7.5 units chosen from any subject
2. Enrolment in PHYS 10 when offered.
3. Co-operative program requirements (when applicable) that include:
   • A minimum of four work terms: COOP 1, COOP 2, COOP 3, COOP 4.
   • A minimum of three work-term reports: one as part of PD 11, WKRPT 200S, WKRPT 300S.
   • A minimum of four Professional Development courses: PD 1, PD 11, and two other PD courses.

Notes

1. PHYS 242 and PHYS 242L may be substituted for PHYS 224.
2. A 100- or 200-level BIOL course may be substituted for BIOL 273.
3. Students interested in pursuing the Biophysics Specialization must take PHYS 121 and PHYS 122 rather than PHYS 111 and PHYS 112.
4. Students can choose their elective subjects; however, they 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.
5. Students considering entry into the Doctor of Optometry or Doctor of Pharmacy programs should verify the admission requirements for each program to guide selection of elective courses.

Recommended Course Sequences

See regular plan.

See co-op plan.

Notes

1. Students selecting BIOL 240 and BIOL 240L as a program elective can take it in the fall term of Year One, Year Two, or Year Three.
2. Students selecting BIOL 373 and BIOL 373L as a program elective should take it in Year Three or Year Four.
3. Students interested in pursuing the Medical Physics Specialization can take CHEM 266 and CHEM 266L in Year Four instead of Year Two.