DEPARTMENT of PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Physics MINOR

How do atoms combine? Does life exists elsewhere in the universe? How do mechanical principles make physical processes more efficient? Physics answers questions about the physical world, from the smallest particles to day-to-day life activities to stars, galaxies and the universe. Simply put, physics is the attempt to explain how everything in the universe works.

In the physics minor, you learn about the unifying interconnections among the vast number of seemingly diverse phenomena observed in the physical world. You develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills and come to understand that physics is about observation and reasoning, not just about learning facts.

Studying physics prepares you for careers in research and development, information technology, medicine, astronomy, meteorology, teaching and many more fields. The skills and attributes you develop make you an asset to any organization and include a logical mind, the ability to solve problems and communicate clearly, computing expertise, teamwork and flexibility.

Physics intersects with many areas of study, such as mathematics, chemistry, biology, economy and sociology. If you are a science major, the physics minor provides you with the opportunity to build a secondary area of expertise in support of your major. For non-science students, physics helps you build problem solving skills, experimental methods, assessment and analyzing techniques.

What to expect

In first-year courses, you learn foundational principles of physics, such as why we move outwards as we turn a corner, how to pivot efficiently (say in self-defense) or how electricity and magnetism work in our devices. These introductory courses give you the fundamental tools of asking “how” and “why” when applied to common questions.

In senior courses, you adapt those same tools to deeper questions and less-common experiences. For example, you learn how objects behave if they move closer to the speed of light or in a strong gravitational field, how light behaves both as a particle and a wave and how this leads to quantum mechanical ideas. These concepts lead to understanding superconductors, superfluids, the nearby solar system and the life and death of stars. You apply fundamental concepts to solve problems in diverse topic areas.

Program of Study

This minor is open to students in the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science. Courses for your minor are only one component of the degree requirements you need to graduate. To see all courses required for the minor, check the program of study in the academic calendar.

Requirements can change from year to year. You will follow the program of study outlined in MacEwan University's Academic Calendar for the year you declare your major/minor or the year you are accepted into an Honours program.

Courses & Requirements
Check the academic calendar to find the courses you need to take and the requirements you must fulfill to complete your program.
Academic Calendar
Declare your major/minor

Academic advisors in the Faculty of Arts and Science have prepared resources to help you understand how your major/minor fits within overall degree coursework. Consult the academic planning information to choose and enrol in courses and complete the major/minor declaration process.