Connect mathematics to physical phenomena and discover and describe how a top spins, how a pendulum swings or how a rattleback rocks and defies normal intuition. Learn the mathematics and physics of the world of relativity and quantum theory and the meaning of chaos and how it appears in the real world.
- Four year degree
- Full or part-time program
- You can enter this program directly from high school
- You can begin this program off-campus
What you will learn
You will study conceptual, mathematical frameworks that describe or explain physical phenomena. You will learn how one builds theories of physical phenomena, accounting for physical features which are then expressed in precise mathematical terms. The deductions of the theory are expected to capture some aspect of physical reality.
A first-year schedule sample
This degree program is flexible and offers you the opportunity to take courses in many different subject areas. Here’s what a typical first-year schedule might look like:
|MATH 110||Calculus I|
|CMPT 141*||Introduction to Computer Science|
|CHEM 112*||General Chemistry I Structure Bonding and Properties of Materials|
|PHYS 115||Physics and the Universe|
|ENG 110*||Literature and Composition|
|MATH 116||Calculus II|
|CMPT 145*||Principles of Computer Science|
|PHYS 125||Physics and Technology|
|PSY 120*||Biological and Cognitive Bases of Psychology|
|ENG 110*||Literature and Composition|
* These are elective courses. You will be able to choose from a variety of electives based on your interests.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
ASTR 411: Gravitation and Cosmology
An introduction to general relativity as a theory of gravitation with applications to cosmology. Includes: principles of special and general relativity, tensor calculus in curved spacetime, Einstein's field equations, Schwarzschild solution, experimental tests of general relativity, black holes, standard cosmological models, unresolved cosmological issues and gravitational waves.
MATH 433: Applied Group Theory
Treats the following topics from group theory: permutation groups, crystallographic groups, kinematic groups, abstract groups, matrix Lie groups, group representations. Specific topics include the rotation group (spinors and quantum mechanical applications), the Lorentz group (representations and wave equations), SU (3) (its Lie algebra and physical relevance).
PHYS 481: Quantum Mechanics II
Linear vector spaces and quantum mechanics; hermitian and unitary linear operators; Schrodinger equation in various representations; the operator method as applied to the harmonic oscillator and to angular momentum eigenvalues; the spin statistics theorem; minimal coupling of electromagnetic fields; time independent perturbation theory and applications.
You will have the opportunity to interact with mathematicians, physicists and the national and international mathematical science community. The Department participates annually in undergraduate mathematical competitions that expose students to situations with no classroom counterpart.
Many Honours students, while completing their degree, are also able to find employment in the Departments of Mathematics & Statistics or Physics & Engineering Physics as research assistants, markers or tutorial assistants.
In the age of computers, sophisticated technology and scientific progress many jobs require a sophisticated knowledge of Mathematics.
Some career opportunities include:
- Mathematical Physics researcher at a research institute (e.g. AT&T Bell Labs, IBM Labs, Xerox Research Labs, HP Labs, Los Alamos National Lab, CERN, Perimeter)
- Theoretical Physics researcher at a research institute (e.g. AT&T Bell Labs, IBM Labs, Xerox Research Labs,HP Labs, Los Alamos National Lab, CERN, Perimeter)
- Applied Mathematician in industry
- Physicist in industry
- Teaching: university professor or high-school teacher
- Transportation systems, air traffic data
- Modeling: social, economic, agricultural, urban
|Canadian students||International students|
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay in your first year if you enroll in a full course load (the maximum number of courses allowed).
Fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,000-$2,000 per year.
The Bachelor of Science Honours (B.Sc. Honours) Mathematical Physics degree is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science.
If you are interested in entering this Honours program you should apply for a Bachelor of Science degree and consult advisors in the Mathematics & Statistics department before registering for your second year. If you do not meet Honours standards you will have the option of completing a B.Sc. Four-year in Mathematics or in Physics.
Admission requirements and deadlines
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