Why Study Physics?
What is Physics?
Our
areas of interest range from the very large (galaxies) to the very small (atoms
and subatomic particles) They include the study of natural phenomena, such as
the earth's atmosphere, and the quantum physics of new materials used for nano-sized optoelectronic devices.
Our students develop skills in problem solving, computing, physical
measurements and analysis, thus preparing themselves for advanced study or careers
in industry or business. Undergraduate modules in physics or astronomy, as well
as our joint programs with other departments, allow students to design their
own unique program, for example Astrophysics with Greek!
Why study Physics at Western?
Our students interact regularly with faculty who do exciting research and
are excellent teachers. This takes place both in the classroom and in less
formal settings, such as our weekly undergraduate seminar, and the senior
research project.
- Strive to understand the
universe, seeking insight into how planets, stars, and galaxies form and
evolve. Astrophysics degrees combine skills in mathematics, physics, and
computer simulations. Graduates are employed world wide in research,
teaching, science journalism, and finance.
- Have access to some of the finest equipment through Interface Science Western,
and the Nanofabrication Laboratory to study hard and soft materials that
will lead to new generations of devices.
- Study magnetic resonance
imaging, x-ray computed tomography and radiation dosimetry. You will be in high demand throughout North America.
- Planetary Scientists at Western are internationally known leaders in the fields of space,
planetary, meteor and atmospheric dynamics and laboratory astrophysics.
You will have access to world class facilities such as the CLOVAR Windprofiler Radar and the Purple Crow Lidar.
- Physics with Education: Are
you interested in teaching physics? The new Specialization in Science and
Education focuses specifically on training new teachers of physics, and
guarantees entry into the Faculty of Education.
- Physics with Business: Do
you want to pursue a fast paced and potent career? This new five-year
concurrent degree program combines a BSc and an
HBA from the Ivey School of Business.
- Physics and Fanshawe:: Western and FanshaweCollege collaborate on a joint
program that allows students to receive a three-year BSc in Physics, plus a Diploma in either Electrical/Electronics Engineering
Technology or Control Systems Engineering Technology.
- The Seminar Class allows students from all three
years of every program to meet for one hour a week to listen to talks by
faculty, tour research laboratories and to practise
presenting complex material in fun and interesting ways.
The Physics and Astronomy Club
works to create a wonderful community between all our students. We send
delegates to the Canadian Undergraduate Physics Conference, organise sports teams, have movie nights, and organize
our own annual conference.
We will support you to make sure that you
reach your full potential.
- Teaching
excellence is a
hallmark of Western, which has won the most 3M national teaching awards of
any university in Ontario.
We are proud of the teaching awards won by our faculty members: Dr.
Goldman has won the Edward G. Pleva Award for
Excellence in Teaching in 1996, the CAP Medal For Excellence in Teaching
Undergraduate Physics in 1998, and so impressed the music students who
took his course that the Music Students Council has established a teaching
award in his name. Dean Gaily, now retired, was a 3M Teaching Award winner
- Students in our Programs have
the opportunity to work with one of the research groups in the
Department in their senior research project, and to learn at first
hand about the exciting Physics research being carried out at Western.
