Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics

Department of Physics/Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering

General Information

Engineering Physics is the study of the combined disciplines of physics and engineering. This area of study is grounded in applied physics with an emphasis on research, design and development to solve modern challenges. Engineering Physics bridges the gap between theoretical science and practical engineering by teaching students to use physics to tackle emerging engineering challenges, and to apply engineering solutions to address fundamental questions in science. Engineering Physics students will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics (BScEP).

This degree is administered jointly by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering and the Department of Physics in the Faculty of Science. Students have the choice between two different streams: Space Systems Engineering, which covers topics such as spacecraft design, radar, and satellite communication; and Optical Engineering, where students will learn about lasers, photonic systems, and fiber-optic communication.

Students completing the above degree programs in Engineering Physics will have fulfilled the academic requirements for licensure as a professional engineer in Canada. The BScEP is designed as a four-year program (totalling 160 ch), or five years if undertaken in conjunction with the Co-op Program. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Co-op program, as it is widely recognized that the experience gained is a valuable component of an Engineering Physics background.

Program Requirements

Core courses - 145 ch

First Year (common to all Engineering Physics streams) - 34 ch

ENGG 1001, ENGG 1002, ENGG 1003, ENGG 1015, PHYS 1052, PHYS 1081, PHYS 1092, CS 1003, CHEM 1982, CHEM 1987, MATH 1003, MATH 1013, MATH 1503

Second Year (common to all Engineering Physics streams) - 38 ch

ECE 2214, ECE 2215, ECE 2711, ECE 2722, ECE 3221, PHYS 2311, PHYS 2312, PHYS 2342, PHYS 2351, PHYS 2372, CS 1023, MATH 2513, MATH 3503

Third Year (41 ch total) includes some common courses (shaded in gray below) and some courses that represent specialization in the Space Systems or Optical Engineering streams.

Fourth Year (32 ch total) includes some common courses (shaded in gray below) and some courses the represent specialization in the Space Systems or Optical Engineering streams.

Electives – 15 ch
Complementary studies (12 ch): At least 3 ch must be related to technology and society (e.g., HIST 3925 - Technology and Society, SOCI 2534 - Technology and Social Change); 3 ch must come from Humanities and Social Sciences (Anthropology, Classics, Literature, History, Philosophy, Political Science and Sociology); 3 ch in Economics (e.g., ECON 1073 – Economics for Engineers); the remaining 3 ch may be taken from the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Business, or through approval of the program coordinator. It is recommended that students take 3 ch of English writing (e.g., ENGL 1103 - Fundamentals of Clear Writing). No more than 3 ch of language courses may be used for credit toward the degree.

Basic science electives (3 ch): At least 3 ch of basic science electives are required from Astronomy (e.g., ASTR 1033 - Astronomy), Chemistry (e.g., CHEM 1303 – Introduction to Environmental Chemistry), Biology (e.g., BIOL 1001 Biological Principles, Part I), or Earth Science (e.g., ESCI 1001 - The Earth: Its Origin, Evolution and Age).