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Dec 10, 2024
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2024-2025 Undergraduate Academic Calendar
Physics – Nanophysics specialization
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General information
The Nanophysics specialization within the Physics program augments the standard physics curriculum with courses that focus on using the tools, methods (experimental and analytical), and mindset of physics at the nanoscale. In addition to providing a comprehensive overview of nanoscale physics, this specialization investigates several topics that are of critical importance for current global issues:
- Addressing climate change via nanotech-based clean technologies such as solar cells.
- Developing next-generation biomedical treatments through nanomaterials such as engineered biomimetic tissue, biosensors and point-of-care smart devices.
- Battling industrial pollution using nanotech designed to identify and remediate contaminants such as heavy metals
- Identifying bioterrorism agents using nanoscale devices that detect ultra-low concentrations of lethal pathogens
- Accelerating the adoption of personalized medicine approaches by devising nano-fluidic instruments for sorting, analyzing, and modifying biomolecules such as proteins and DNA.
Students will be engaged in discussing the big-picture concepts and goals of this area of physics and also gain practical, hands-on experience in using experimental instruments and computational equipment to combat real-world issues.
In addition to the regular program, a co-op program is also available. Students in Nanophysics interested in the co-op program , should refer to the Co-op education website for up-to-date information.
The Faculty of Business and Information Technology offers a Finance minor specifically for students in Physics.
Admission requirements
Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.
Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U), and two of Biology (SBI4U), Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), or Physics (SPH4U). In addition, a combined minimum 70 per cent average in math and science courses is required. It is recommended that all four MCV4U, SBI4U, SCH4U and SPH4U be taken. All other applicants should refer to admissions for the requirements for their specific category of admission.
Program details and degree requirements
Although reasonable efforts will be made to adhere to the following program map, course requirements and term offerings may change. Note:
No more than 42 credit hours may be taken at the first-year level. *Electives and breadth requirements
Students must complete 30 elective credit hours including six credit hours in Senior Physics electives and six credit hours in Senior Nanophysics electives. Students not accepted to take PHY 4410U and PHY 4420U must take an additional two Senior Science electives for a total of 36 elective credit hours. At least 18 elective credit hours must be in courses offered by the Faculty of Science including six credit hours in Senior Physics electives and six in Senior Nanophysics electives. The additional two Senior Science electives required for students who are not enrolled in thesis cannot be used to meet this requirement. In order to satisfy breadth requirements, no more than 18 elective credit hours may be in Physics (PHY) courses; at least 12 elective credit hours must be in courses outside the Faculty of Science.
Recommended Senior Nanophysics electives that students may choose to take include:
**Thesis Project or Senior Science electives
Students in clear academic standing who have completed 90 credit hours of their program and six third-year required PHY courses may optionally apply to take a two-course sequence consisting of PHY 4410U – Physics Thesis Project I and PHY 4420U – Physics Thesis Project II.
Students not accepted to take the thesis courses must complete two additional Senior Science electives instead. A Senior Science elective is defined as any 3000- or 4000-level science course not specified in the program map, excluding SCIE and ENVS courses. A student meeting the above requirements who does not take PHY 4410U and PHY 4420U may optionally apply to take PHY 4430U – Directed Studies in Physics as one of the required Senior Science electives.
Opportunities for the Thesis Project and Directed Studies options are limited; students must apply through Science Advising by March 30 following completion of the first three years of the program.
Recommended Senior Science electives that students in Physics – Nanophysics may choose to take include:
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