UBC Physics and Astronomy provides students with rigorous courses in a broad range of areas, including electronics optics, quantum mechanics, thermal physics, particle physics and biophysics. With a strong background in experimental physics, computing, data analysis and mathematical skills, UBC physics students can handle highly complex projects.
Sample skill sets
Junior Students: Work Term I and II
- Matlab, Python
- Data analysis using Excel and Maple
- Basic electronic skills, circuit design, and use of equipment like oscilloscopes, digital multimetres, and function generators
Intermediate and Senior Students: Work Term III, IV and V
These students have strong experimental, computing, data analysis and mathematical skills and can handle complicated projects. In addition to the above skills, these students have taken the following courses:
- Honours Electrical Laboratory
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Optics
- Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
- Thermal Physics
- Complex Variables
- Differential Equations
Students pursuing a degree in Astronomy have also acquired additional computational skills working with large data sets and have taken courses about galaxies, stars and stellar populations and the solar system.