Programs
The Faculty of Science offers various undergraduate degree streams. The BSc General, BSc Specialization, BSc Honors programs are relevant to Department of Physics programs. If you are thinking about continuing on to graduate studies (MSc and PhD) after your undergraduate Physics degree, it is a good idea to complete an Honors or enriched Specialization program. This will ensure that you have the appropriate background to be successful in graduate level work.
The Department of Physics administers and advises all students in the following programs:
Specialization in:
- Astrophysics
- Geophysics*
- Physics
Honors in:
- Astrophysics
- Geophysics*
- Mathematical Physics
- Physics
The required courses for these Specialization and Honors programs are laid out year-by-year in the current University Calendar. Although there may be changes to program requirements after you have started in your chosen program, you are expected to follow the program as it was listed in the University Calendar the year you officially entered your program.
The first year of each of these Specialization and Honors programs include very similar courses covering introductory university physics and math, as well as some options.
In the second year of each of these programs, there is some variability in the courses required, depending on the area you have chosen. However, there is enough similarity in the courses required for each program, that transferring between these programs is fairly straightforward even after second year.
The courses required for the third and fourth years of each of these programs can be very different, again depending on your area. It is important that you make sure you are taking courses that fulfill your program requirements.
* The Geophysics programs (Honors and Specialization) are professionally accredited, allowing graduates from these programs to readily obtain their Professional Geophysicist designation.
If you are not in one of our Department Honors or Specialization programs, please email advisor.science@ualberta.ca to discuss courses and options appropriate for your program each year.