Concurrent Degree in Physics and Engineering

Concurrent Engineering/Physics degree is a fully accredited Engineering program that comes under the Faculty of Engineering at Western.  The concurrent Engineering/Physics program combines any regular Engineering degree with a Physics or Astrophysics Major module offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy: 

Engineering/Physics

Engineering/Astrophysics

Engineering/Medical Physics

The concurrent Engineering/Physics degree teaches a combination of fundamental physics in addition to applied knowledge in engineering to prepare graduates for problem-solving in advanced technological areas. Engineering studies focus on applied physics, with more emphasis on "how to" than "why". Physics modules focus more on the "why", with students developing a deeper understanding of branches of physics which are often applied in Engineering programs. This combination of applied skill development, and theoretical/ technical understanding, is what makes the Engineering/Physics program so great; and what helps make graduates of this program stand out when entering highly specialized industries! It is why graduates of this program can currently be found thriving in a variety of specialized and exciting roles: a list of job descriptions that graduates of the program currently have can be found at the bottom of this webpage. 

Degrees offered:  Students receive both of the following degrees if they complete this concurrent degree program:
1) Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BESc) from the Faculty of Engineering
2) Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Physics or Astrophysics or Medical Physics (Major) from the Faculty of Science
Entry Level: Second year. Students must ITR separately to the Faculty of Science. Admission occurs after Engineering programs have been determined (in the summer after students first year).
Who is eligible: Students from any Engineering program can enter the concurrent Engineering/Physics program at Western. They must meet minimum course grade requirements found in the Physics Major modules.
Timeline: Typically students take five years to complete the degrees. This is because the program requires the completion of 5.0 Physics courses, equivalent to one full year of study. However, these courses are spread out throughout years 2-5 of the degree so that the student is involved in both the Engineering and Physics communities during their degrees.
To apply for the program: Students must set up a meeting with a Science academic advisor to apply, enroll and schedule the second degree in Physics, Astrophysics or Medical Physics. Meeting must be booked through the Science academic advisor JIRA link 

Frequently asked questions about concurrent degrees between Engineering and Science (e.g., Eng-Physics, Eng-Astrophysics or Eng-Medical Physics)

We are happy to discuss any of this with you. If you are interested in speaking more about this option, please contact us by email: physics@uwo.ca

Current Job Descriptions of Past Program Graduates
  • Using ultrasound, radiography and magnetic testing of materials for safety, reliability and compliance industrial/ infrastructure projects
  • Designing and interpreting geophysical surveys mapping subsurface structures using electromagnetic, magnetic and seismic data for mineral exploration and environmental studies
  • Designing structure of spacecraft (e.g. satellites) launched into space
  • Completing graduate degrees in areas such as Aerospace Engineering
  • Designing industrial automation using PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)
  • Developing mechanical products using in medical and manufacturing industries
  • Nuclear Engineering at major nuclear power plants here in Ontario
  • Developing vehicle electronics systems such as communications, sensors, power distribution and control hardware
  • Designing and developing custom integrated circuits for high-speed wireless communication systems used in the telecommunications industry.