What is Physics & Astrophysics?
Physics & Astrophysics is a Physical Science based on experiments, measurements and mathematical analysis with the purpose of finding quantitative physical laws for everything from the nanoworld of the microcosmos to the planets, solar systems and galaxies that occupy the macrocosmos. Physicists and astronomers study the ways in which various forms of matter and energy interact.
What makes Physics & Astrophysics at UTSC unique?
Studying Physics and Astrophysics at UTSC means that you will be part of a small cohort of students and receive individualized attention from faculty. UTSC specializes in the study of the Solar System and extrasolar planetary systems. Faculty use local and national supercomputers to run large-scale particle-based and fluid dynamics planetary simulations.
Skills of Physics & Astrophysics Grads
- Apply physical principles to problems and formulate solutions
- Integrating theoretical approaches
- Mathematical and numerical modelling
- Computer programming and computational modelling
- Team-based research and ability to work in multi-disciplinary groups
- Apply and process new information quickly
- Design and execute experiments
- Write technical reports and project proposals relevant to given audience
- Communicate complex information and data through presentations and discussions
- Demonstrate ethical scientific behaviour
- Utilize qualitative and quantitative analysis and problem solving
- Assess the reliability of data and the significance of results
Entry-Level Jobs for Bachelor Grads
Common employment destinations include:
- Instrumentation Technologist in Mining Processing and Power Generation
- Junior Policy and Data Analyst in Government
- Quality Assurance Analyst in Healthcare Technology and Pharmaceuticals
- Junior Associate in Information Technology Service Providers
- Tester / Developer in Software Solutions
- Product Tester in Industrial and Electronics Manufacturing
- System Specialist in Data Management Services
Physics & Astrophysics Grads from UTSC have gone on to:
- Malatest & Associates (Survey Operations Manager)
- PwC (Senior Associate)
- IBM (Services Technical Sale
UTSC Physics & Astrophysics graduates are working in Research, Information Technology, and Engineering.
Graduate & Professional Studies
Popular further education opportunities include:
- Physics – Master of Science
- Computer Science – Master
- Software Development – Post-Graduate Certificate or Diploma
- Finance – Master, Professional Certification
- Engineering – Bachelor or Master
- Nuclear Medicine or Radiation Therapy – Degree or Diploma
Examples of Fields that ‘Fit’ the Skills of Physics & Astrophysics Grads
- Healthcare Technology
- Private/Public Research and Development
- Education
- Banking and Finance
- Energy Production
- Manufacturing
- Software and Computer 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
- Canadian Association of Physicists
- Society of Energy Professionals
- Canadian Information Processing Society
- IEEE
- Association for Financial Professionals
- Canadian Association of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
- Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists
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.