Programs of Studies
Physics is the most basic and fundamental of all the sciences. Physicists want to REALLY understand how things work, in every detail and at the deepest level. This includes everything from elementary particles, to nuclei, atoms, molecules, macromolecules, living cells, solids, liquids, gases, plasmas, living organisms, the human brain, complex systems, supercomputers, the atmosphere, planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe itself.
The most famous scientists, such as Einstein and Newton, were physicists. Physicists are the most highly trained scientists, versed in mathematics, computer programming, and the design of complex instruments. As such, they are also the most versatile scientists, able to easily cross boundaries into other disciplines such as chemistry, biology, medicine, earth and planetary sciences, etc. There are biophysicists, geophysicists, astrophysicists, etc. When one has a deep understanding of nature, it is easy to apply that understanding to a variety of areas. When new applications and devices are developed, physicists and a knowledge of physics are usually required.
Undergraduate Studies
| Physics opens the door to many careers! Biophysics, medical physics, materials science, telecommunications, fibre optics, photonics, semiconductor physics, nanotechnology, computer technology, space science, … |
Graduate Studies
| Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Physics At the graduate level, the department is part of the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Physics, one of the largest centres in Canada for graduate studies and research in physics. The Institute was formed in 1982 by the amalgamation of the graduate programs of the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. |