Bachelor of Arts and Science - Economics & Physics (Optional Co-op)

The Faculty of Arts & Science offers programming leading to a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), or a Bachelor of Arts and Science (BSc). These degree options are tailored to students' specific areas of interest across three academic divisions, humanities, social sciences, and sciences. In addition to traditional degrees, many departments offer specialized programs or participate in the delivery of multi-disciplinary programs and majors.

For the Bachelor of Arts and Science, students must complete two majors: an Arts major, and a Science major.

Economics is a behavioral science that studies the conditions under which individuals provide the best possible satisfaction of their needs. It is not specifically about money, things or material objects — it’s about the consequences of individual decisions made under conditions of scarcity.

Students will gain a deep understanding of the decision making process at the individual, firm or government level. They will learn how unhampered market processes lead to efficient production of goods and services, and the effects of interfering with these processes.

Students will deal with a variety of topics, such as the comparison of economic systems, the economics of marriage and family, as well as banking and private property rights. They will also delve into current concerns like employment, inflation, government bailouts, the national debt, nonrenewable resources, agriculture and the environment.

Physics is the study of matter and energy at all scales, from the sub-nuclear to the dimensions of the universe. It is the fundamental science — all other sciences and technologies rely on the principles of physics.

Physics involves observing and understanding natural phenomena. It is evident in the world around people in everything from the seasons, the motion of objects, the flight of birds, the night sky and the weather, to lasers, electronics and the technology they rely on today.

Physics is very much a “hands-on” science, so the most effective way for students to learn the subject is to actually do physics. Astronomy teaches them how to study objects at a distance and interpret the information gathered. This helps everyone begin to understand the universe they live in. The skills students will learn in astronomy are also applicable to remote sensing and its application to environmental problems.

The department offers a comprehensive physics major. The foundation of this program is built in the first two years, as students study mechanics, waves, electricity and magnetism, optics, thermal physics and modern physics.

In students' third and fourth years, they will gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals and delve into more advanced and specialized areas. Specialized topics may include the research interests of department faculty members, as all faculty members are involved in rigorous research programs.

Faculty members also ensure students are provided with a wide view of physics, exposing them to all areas of the subject and describing a wide variety of applications. This enables them to make informed decisions when choosing the areas they may wish to pursue in the future.