Welcome to the Department of Physics and Astronomy
We offer two programs that lead to a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree.
Click on a program of interest to learn more about it.
Study Options
The various options for study are summarized in the table below.
There is a wide range of opportunities to engage in Honours Double Major or Major/Minor combinations with science or non-science disciplines.
| Program Name | B.Sc. Degree Classification | Duration (yrs) | Course Credits Required | Streams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Physics | Specialized Honours | 4 | 120 | Not Streamed |
| Physics and Astronomy | Specialized Honours | 4 | 120 | Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Applied Physics, Space Science |
| Physics and Astronomy | Honours | 4 | 120 | Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics |
| Physics and Astronomy | Honours Double Major | 4 | 120 | Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics |
| Physics and Astronomy | Honours Minor | 4 | 120 | Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics |
| Physics and Astronomy | Bachelors | 3 | 90 | Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics |
Helen Freedhoff First Year Award
The Helen Freedhoff First Year Award is in memory of Dr. Helen Sarah Freedhoff. She was the first woman appointed as a physics professor at York University where she was a model citizen of her department. Eligible students will be domestic and/or international entering undergraduates, admitted to the Faculty of Science, Physics and Astronomy department (including Biomedical Physics). Recipients of the award will receive $5000 upon full-time enrolment and $5000 after a 12-week research placement with a Faculty of Science professor during the summer following the first year of study. Please see the full award description for detailed eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Applications Open on December 1st
Student Ombuds Service (SOS)
The critical Student Ombuds Services (SOS) www.yorku.ca/colleges/bethune/sos-coordinator-recruitment is Bethune College’s academic student organization that provides free peer academic support services to York students. On the Bethune College website they describe that the SOS provides a broad range of services, some targeted at incoming first year students and that they understand how difficult the transition to university can be and they are there to help.
They also state “SOS plays a crucial role in the transitional process of students of any year. The SOS particularly caters for the special needs of first year students coming out of high school, who need guidance in getting to know the university from an academic point of view.” SOS plays an absolutely crucial part of a science student’s life at York University.
Bethune College
The Bethune College website describes that “every undergraduate is assigned to a college when they enter York based on either their program of study or the residence that they live in. Norman Bethune College is associated with the Faculty of Science and Lassonde School of Engineering. Students in these faculties, and those that are in the Bethune Residence are automatically members of the college.”
