York houses one of Canada's leading Physics & Astronomy departments.

You'll gain a thorough understanding of fundamental concepts in physics, such as classical mechanics, relativity, modern optics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. Three streams - Applied Physics, Astronomy and Physics - allow you to focus your studies. The Physics stream offers the most flexibility in choosing your direction in third and fourth year. The Applied Physics stream focuses on more technological areas such as electronics and optics. The Astronomy stream emphasises cosmology and observational studies of planetary and galatic objects. Read the York University Observatory blog to learn more and to book a public viewing.

Small classes, personalized attention from your professors and from support staff, undergraduate research opportunities, state-of-the-art labs and research centres provide exceptional learning opportunities.

What can you do with a Physics & Astronomy degree?

Did you know that 94% of recently surveyed York Physics & Astronomy alumni are satisfied or very satisfied with their employment?

Our Physics & Astronomy graduates have both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills to work in science and technology, in academia, the government, or in the private sector. Careers might focus on basic research in astrophysics, cosmology, particle physics, atomic physics, photonics or condensed matter physics, or on applied research in areas such as renewable energy, quantum information science, materials development, biophysics or medical physics. Careers also include teaching, medicine, law (intellectual property or patent law), the financial sector, science writing, energy policy or management in technical fields.

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