Q: What Makes Our Program Special

The Undergraduate Program in Physics and Astronomy at York University is a path of study with multiple streams that allows students to learn about physics or astronomy and their applications. Most important, students gain the ability to think critically and to analyze and solve complex problems, talents that are in high demand in both the private and public sectors. Highlights include: easy access to dedicated professors and a teaching and learning environment of the highest quality curricula that are strong experimentally, theoretically, and computationally instruction by professors conducting experimental, theoretical, and/or computational research in a wide variety of fields laboratory experiences that are among the most sophisticated in the nation courses in laser physics that culminate with the construction of an atom trap, an opportunity that is unique in all of Canada for physics and astronomy undergraduates. an astronomy curriculum that does not compromise training in physics or mathematics starting in the first year of study, access to the modern observing facilities of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University, which includes the largest telescope on any university campus in Canada. an abundance of opportunities to participate in world-class research projects led by York professors

Question 1

What Makes Our Program Special

Accepted Answer

The Undergraduate Program in Physics and Astronomy at York University is a path of study with multiple streams that allows students to learn about physics or astronomy and their applications. Most important, students gain the ability to think critically and to analyze and solve complex problems, talents that are in high demand in both the private and public sectors. Highlights include:

easy access to dedicated professors and a teaching and learning environment of the highest quality
curricula that are strong experimentally, theoretically, and computationally
instruction by professors conducting experimental, theoretical, and/or computational research in a wide variety of fields
laboratory experiences that are among the most sophisticated in the nation
courses in laser physics that culminate with the construction of an atom trap, an opportunity that is unique in all of Canada for physics and astronomy undergraduates.
an astronomy curriculum that does not compromise training in physics or mathematics
starting in the first year of study, access to the modern observing facilities of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University, which includes the largest telescope on any university campus in Canada.
an abundance of opportunities to participate in world-class research projects led by York professors

Question 2

Degree Options

Accepted Answer

Here is a summary of degree options for students joining the Undergraduate Program in Physics and Astronomy. Curricular details are given in the Physics & Astronomy Undergraduate Handbook.

Specialized Honours (120 credits, 4 years)

This degree option provides the most comprehensive training in physics or astronomy, and is the most direct path to a career in physics (normally via graduate studies). Students can choose from among four possible paths of study, known as Streams, all with a common curricular core but distinguished through the specification of electives.

Physics Stream
The most flexible path for students wishing to become grounded in physics, i.e., the path with the most electives.
Applied Physics Stream
The same as the Physics Stream, but with electives replaced by courses particularly relevant to applications.
Astronomy and Astrophysics Stream
Almost the same as the Physics Stream, but with electives replaced by courses devoted or relevant to astronomy and astrophysics.
Space Science Stream
Similar to the Physics Stream, but with electives replaced by courses with an emphasis on fields relevant to the exploration of space beyond the immediate environment of the Earth. Normally, enrolment is restricted to students who have completed 2 years as a Space Science major in the Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering.

Honours (120 credits, 4 years)

Normally, this degree option is intended for students who wish to major or minor in physics or astronomy while majoring or minoring in another discipline of study. Thus, the physics and astronomy requirements are reduced relative to Specialized Honours degrees. The most popular combination is physics with applied mathematics, which permits a student to concentrate on numerical analysis and computing. The Honours option is open also to students who want a good grounding in physics or astronomy but with more electives (which do not have to be in physics or astronomy). Students can choose between two study paths:

Physics Stream
A pared-down version of the Specialized Honours Physics Stream.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Similar to the Physics Stream, but augmented by courses devoted to astronomy and astrophysics.

Bachelors (90 credits, 3 years)

This is a "lite" degree option intended for students who wish to gain a good grounding in physics or astronomy in the shortest possible amount of time. It is not an "Honours" option, though, so it does not qualify students for advancement to graduate schools in physics or astronomy or to professional schools, such as law or medicine. Also, it does not qualify students for high school teaching. Students can choose between two study paths:

Physics Stream
The most flexible path for students wishing to become grounded in physics, i.e., the path with the most electives.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Similar to the Physics Stream, but with electives replaced by courses devoted or relevant to astronomy and astrophysics.

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