What is Environmental Physics?
Environmental Physics is a Physical Science. Physics examines the principles that govern how and why materials move and influence each other. It is a foundation of all physical sciences. Environmental science provides insight into environmental systems and seeks to understand the mechanisms by which environmental change impacts humans and other organisms.
What makes Environmental Physics at UTSC unique?
The program offers smaller than average class sizes and personal interaction with faculty. There is a dual focus on developing theoretical and empirical scientific skills, as well as a dual focus on laboratory and field study experimental work.
Skills of Environmental Physics Grads
- Apply physical principles to problems and formulate solutions
- Integrating theoretical approaches
- Advanced mathematical ability
- Team-based research and ability to work in multi-disciplinary groups
- Design and execute experiments
- Write technical reports and project proposals relevant to given audience
- Demonstrate ethical scientific behaviour
- Utilize qualitative and quantitative analysis and problem solving
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) for solving problems in the environmental sciences
- Qualitative and quantitative approaches for environmental impact assessments & audits
- Broad understanding of local, national and international environmental issues
Entry-Level Jobs for Bachelor Grads
Common employment destinations include:
- Junior Environmental Planner in Environmental Engineering Firms
- Junior Policy and Data Analyst in Government
- Product Tester in Industrial and Electronics Manufacturing
- Junior Environmental Scientist in Environmental Management Services
- Junior Scientist/Technologist in Exploration Geophysics Industry
- Junior Associate in Information Technology Service Providers
Environmental Physics Grads from UTSC have gone on to:
- Stantec (Environmental Scientist)
- University of Toronto (Research Assistant)
- Denison Mines (Health & Safety Coordinator)
UTSC Environmental Physics graduates are working in Research, Consulting and Manufacturing.
Graduate & Professional Studies
Popular further education opportunities include:
- Environmental Science – Master
- Engineering – Bachelor or Master
- Geoscience, Exploration Geophysics – Master
- Weather Forecasting – Post-Graduate
- Environmental Technology – Post-Graduate Diploma
- Environmental Control – Post-Graduate Diploma
Examples of Fields that ‘Fit’ the Skills of Environmental Physics Grads
- Environmental Consulting
- Research and Development
- Natural Resource Management
- Energy Production
- Exploration for Natural Resources
- Agriculture
- Geographic Information Systems
- Government (Municipal, Regional, Provincial, Federal)
Your 4-Year Career Exploration Action Plan
1. Do Your Research
The databases below provide you with details about job prospects, nature of work, educational requirements, working conditions, pay and related career paths:
- Career Cruising: Log into cln.utoronto.ca, click on Resources, and click on Career Cruising to be logged in automatically
- O*Net: online.onetcenter.org (U.S. site)
Attend our workshop Discover Your Skills and Career Options, meet with a Career Counsellor, and use our resources to get to know your skills, values, personality and interests.
Use the advice on our tip sheets for gathering information:
- Information Interviews
- Working On-Campus
- Internships
- Volunteering
2. Explore Career Options & Get Experience
Gain exposure to your options in the world of work and make connections while you’re a student via campus events and programs listed on cln.utoronto.ca and ccr.utoronto.ca:
- Extern Job Shadowing
- In the Field
- Explore It! (course-based)
- Partners in Leadership (4th year students)
- iLead, uLead, weLead (Department of Student Life)
- Employer Information Sessions
- Career & Volunteer Fairs
- Departmental Student Association Events
Apply for Work Study jobs in CLN in Fall and Spring! You might also find work via the SCSU.
Find networking opportunities, internship programs and entry-level jobs via websites like TalentEgg and Charity Village.
As an upper year student (14+ credits), attend UTSC’s Get Hired conference and participate in Jobs for Grads.
As a graduate, explore internships and other trainee programs like Career Edge.
3. Build Your Network
Explore professional associations and get involved! Volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest. These are your future mentors, supervisors and colleagues!
- Environmental & Physical Sciences Student Association
- Ontario Environment Industry Association
- ECO Canada – Environmental Careers Organization of Canada
- Institute of Professional Environmental Practice
- Connecting Environmental Professionals Toronto
- Geological Survey of Canada
- Canadian Association of Physicists
- Society of Energy Professionals
Other associations and websites for finding networking opportunities and experience include:
Please note: This information is a starting point for your further research into career options in this field of study. For more information on this program and course requirements, please visit the Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences website.