Faculty of Science
Department of Physics & Atmospheric Science
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA | CANADA B3H 3J5 | +1 (902) 494-2337

High Schools

Physics takes you from the tiniest components of matter to the very structure of the universe itself.  Based on an understanding of the properties of the world in and around us, physicists develop new technology that we will take for granted in the future.  Examples are CR's, flat screen TVs, medical imaging instruments,and space probers.  Physics plays a role in our lives everyday. Above all, physics is a lot of fun, often beautiful, and always interesting!

Why do space and time behave so peculiarly? What holds an atom together? Is it a coincidence that protons and neutrons have almost the same masses? Why do solid materials have such an enormous variety of properties? How do you make "new materials"? How do bacteria work?  Is Earth's climate undergoing severe climate change, or is it just suffering a "glitch"? How do stars form, live, and die? What is the fate of the universe?

At the Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, we provide an excellent undergraduate program. In addition to learning about physics, you will also gain fundamental learning and deduction skills, applicable to many other branches of science, engineering or health professions.  Dalhousie Physics students find jobs both after they graduate, and even while they are learning.

Click here for eight reasons why you should study Physics.

Dalhousie Physics and Atmospheric Science is a world class institution, in education and in research. Please visit our home on the web at http://www.physics.dal.ca.

List of programs at Dalhousie University that require a first year Physics course or suggest Physics as an elective:

  • Physics (PHYC 1100)
  • Chemistry (PHYC 1100)
  • Engineering (PHYC 1100)
  • All Science Departments
  • Kinesiology (PHYC 1300)
  • Physiotherapy (PHYC 1300 and PHYC 2610)
  • Health Information Management
  • School of Architecture
  • BSc in Health Sciences (PHYC 1300)

          In addition, several entrance exams, including that for medical school (MCAT) include a physics component. 

          For the Grade 10 student:

          If you maintain a curious attitude towards physics throughout your highschool career, you will be well prepared for university! Deciding on your field of study in university is probably the last thing on your mind.  Keep your options open by taking the Physics courses.  Did you know you need a university Physics credit to graduate with a university degree in all sciences, engineering and most health professions and that it is challenging to get good marks in university Physics without having had Physics in high school?

          For the Grade 11 student:

          If you have not yet taken any physics courses, you should try to do so before you graduate. If you are interested in physics, consider the possibility of following the physics program, here at Dalhousie University. While you are in class, pay attention not just to the formulae given, but to the ideas behind them. Physics is not a subject for memorization, but for understanding, and curiosity.

          For the Grade 12 student:

          By this time, you have probably already started making decisions about what you want to take when you enter university. If you are not certain about what field you wish to pursue, don't worry! You can take a wide variety of courses in your first year, and make your decisions after you've been introduced to the basic ideas. To enter the physics program, you should have taken grade 12 physics, and university preparatory math. If you have not taken these courses, but are still interested in physics, Dalhousie offers courses designed to get you up to date!

          If you have already decided on physics, congratulations! You are about to embark on an exciting journey. Marks are important for entering university, so keep studying, and work hard. In the meantime, keep thinking about what you are learning.

          Opportunities in Physics and Atmospheric Science

          Physics is an important field of science, with much research taking place, here and around the globe. Many companies are actively seeking out people with physics backgrounds.

          The B.Sc. degree in Physics tells a prospective employer that you are able to learn the special skills required in a particular job and can analyze and solve problems by yourself. Persons with this degree have taken jobs as research assistants or technicians with companies like Xerox, Nortel, in Government labs and hospitals, etc. It is also used as a stepping stone to further training and careers in teaching, meteorology, engineering, law, medicine, and the health sciences.

          The Honours degree is the recognized route to a career as a physicist in many different fields. Employment opportunities exist at the Bachelor's level, or after graduate study at the Master's or Doctoral level, with careers in university teaching, industrial research, government labs, medical physics, oceanography, telecommunications, etc.

          The Diploma in Meteorology can be taken in one year after a B. Sc. in Physics or other appropriate subject, or the diploma can be taken in combination with a 20-credit B. Sc. in Physics. This prepares students for careers or graduate studies in Meteorology or Atmospheric Science.

          See also the Canadian Association of Physicists Careers in Physics web page. (You will find the careers of 3 Dalhousie Physics graduates described on the page "Physics Careers".)

          See http://www.aps.org/educ/cswp/index.html for information on Women in Physics. This site features profiles of young women scientists engaged in various jobs in industry, government labs and academia.

          The Dalhousie Physics Program

          As a new student in the physics program, you will have many possibilities:

          PHYC1100 - Introduction to Physics is the first year course intended for those continuing in the sciences. This course is valuable in chemistry, engineering, and any science, as well as the physics program. In this course you will get a broad overview of physics, including Classical Mechanics, Waves, Optics, and Electricity. This course includes weekly labs, where you will have the chance to explore the phenomena discussed in class in a hands-on manner.

          PHYC1300 - Physics In and Around You is intended for those students in the Life Sciences program, or those simply curious about physics. It is also taken by students preparing for MCAT. This course covers a much of the field of physics, including Mechanics, Waves, Optics, Electricity, and Nuclear Physics as it applies to the health sciences and medicine. This course includes bi-weekly labs.

          PHYC1450 - Astronomy is intended to provide an introduction to the fascinating world of astronomy. This course is intended to be accessible to Arts students who wish to learn more about this field of physics. With no prerequisites, this is an ideal course for anyone, regardless of prior knowledge!

          If you choose to continue with physics beyond your first year, you will have the opportunity to learn more about a wide range of topics, from Quantum Mechanics, to Fluid Dynamics, to Electricity, to Relativity, to Optics, with interesting labs and tutorials complementing the course material. Again, you have many opportunities:

          B.Sc. - 15 Credits (3 years)

          B.Sc.- 20 Credits (4 years).

          The Honours Programme (4 years): This Programme is a challenging one. It should be of interest to students with good marks in physics and is required for those who wish to do graduate work in Physics. The first two years can be as in the 15 or 20 credit B.Sc. If you want to be an Honours student, please talk to the Physics Undergraduate Advisor as soon as possible.

          B.Sc./Dip.Eng. Joint Programme (3 years): A 15 credit Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Physics can be taken along with a Diploma in Engineering.

          B.Sc./B.Eng. Joint Programme (5 years): A 15 credit Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Physics can be taken along with a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

          A Diploma in Meteorology (1 year) following a B.Sc. in Physics or other appropriate subject

          or

          a 20 credit B.Sc. in Physics combined with a Diploma in Meteorology (4 years) prepare students for careers (or graduate studies) in the field of Atmospheric Sciences.

          Physics is a lot of work, and it is not a simple subject to master. But if you are the kind of student who is interested in the world around you, and how things work at the most fundamental levels, Physics is guaranteed to be a fascinating, and enjoyable experience! Physics goes beyond the numbers and the formulae offers insight into an often amazing world. Along with the challenges come the extraordinary satisfaction of realising that you now understand something important. Who knows? If you stay in the physics program you may well make the discovery of the century that can improve the lives of all of us!

          Research at Dalhousie
          Physics and Atmospheric Science

          Dalhousie Physics and Atmospheric Science is a world class institution when it comes to research. Most of the professors who teach classes, in first year and higher, are also pursuing research in different fields. Research at Dalhousie ranges from theoretical study of the early universe, to the use of the scanning probe microscope in biology, to the applied use of physics to develop a better battery, and everything in between!

          Students have the opportunity to work in research labs, during the term or during the summers. This is a valuable opportunity to gain experience the real world of current physics. The co-op program incorporates this experience into your studies.

          There is far too much research going on in the department to possibly list here. Please take a look at our research site.

          Interesting Links

          • Eric Weisstein's Treasure Trove of Physics (http://www.treasure-troves.com/physics/) - Probably the most complete Physics encyclopedia online. Everything you ever wanted to know about physics is in here.
          • Mad Sci Network (http://www.madsci.org/) - A friendly site featuring articles, experiments, and more. Especially notable are the forums, where physics questions are answered by knowledgable experts.