U of S: Prospective Students

Engineering Physics

Discover the fundamental scientific principles behind general engineering practices. Make the connection between pure and applied science. Take a leadership role in designing and building technology or scientific projects. Experiment using telescopes, satellites, radars, particle accelerators or the synchrotron. Advance Canada’s scientific and industrial capabilities. These opportunities and more are available to you when you choose Engineering Physics at the University of Saskatchewan.

What is Engineering Physics?

Engineering Physics is a bridge between pure and applied science—utilizing concepts which are critical in today’s rapidly-changing engineering environment. Engineering physics is concerned with the application of fundamental physical science to the solution of technological problems.

Career Opportunities

Engineering physicists work in advanced and emerging technology areas. They integrate new discoveries in physics and science into the manufacturing and technology sectors. Engineering physicists work in newly developing areas of physics, high technology, instrumentation and communications.

Graduates of the program have found jobs in research, technology, optics and software. Engineering physicists have a special blend of thorough, scientific knowledge and practical skills which make them extremely employable. Graduates work in many areas, including: universities, government laboratories, hospitals, and local and international high-tech companies. Engineering physicists are at the forefront of technological developments—designing solutions for instrumentation, measurement techniques and model development in many areas, including:

Electronics and Computer Technologies - amplifiers, logic circuits, computer peripherals, detectors
Material Science - biomaterials, magnetic thin films, semiconductor devices, superconductivity
Communications - fibre optics, lasers, antenna
Lasers and Optics - holography, optometry, telecommunications
Space Science - instrument design for satellite- or ground-based observations
Environmental Science - oceanography, pollution control, meteorology, climatology
Nuclear Science - reactor design, waste management, radiation detectors
Acoustics - sound reproduction, hall design, speaker research
Instrumentation and Control Systems - sensitive detectors, advanced and/or remote control of complex systems
Medicine - ultrasound, CAT scans, MRI and other medical imaging techniques, radiation treatment

The U of S Advantage

The U of S is home to the Canadian Light Source synchrotron, Canada’s biggest scientific research project in more than 30 years. The synchrotron is the only facility in Canada using synchrotron light for research and is the fourth most powerful synchrotron in the world.

Faculty members in the Department of Physics & Engineering Physics are actively involved in scientific research, bringing in over $5 million in external research funding each year. The Department also values teaching excellence, and faculty members are committed to providing a stimulating and friendly learning environment. Instructors in the Department have received the U of S Master Teacher Award and the USSU Teaching Excellence Award.

The Department of Physics & Engineering Physics is fully accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board.

The Engineering Physics program is perfect for those that want to know not just "how" but "why." It teaches a solid theoretical background that spans engineering disciplines and the skills to apply this theory to new situations. In my work with the U of S Space Design Team, my Engineering Physics background has enabled me to contribute to every aspect of a very diverse project: electronics and software controls, laser systems, optics, photovoltaics, and even mechanical design. I think the program prepares engineers very well for a project management role in high-tech industries, leading today's cutting-edge multi-disciplinary teams. There are also tons of opportunities to participate in world-class research; my classmates and I have had the chance to take summer positions helping with research in material science, satellite atmospheric measurements, nanoscale imaging, and cutting-edge science at the Canadian Light Source.
—Mark Boots, Recent Most Distinguished Graduate, VP Engineering for the U of S Space Design Team

A Degree in Engineering Physics

Engineering Physics is a four-year degree program. The first year is common for all engineering students. In the second and third year, the emphasis is on the fundamentals of physics, mathematics and computer science required to become an engineering physicist. Most classes have a significant laboratory component—ensuring students receive practical experience. In fourth year, students learn about applying these fundamentals to the design of instrumentation and control systems. This is culminated by an extensive year-long design project. There are also opportunities to take some engineering or science electives.

Internship Program

Students in the College of Engineering have an opportunity to obtain work experience for a period of 8, 12 or 16 months between their third and fourth years. Students are paid a salary comparable to that of a graduating engineer.

Combined Degrees

Students may earn a Bachelor of Engineering degree and a degree from the College of Arts & Science at the same time. An additional year to 18 months of study is normally required. Some areas that students have combined with engineering include computer science, mathematics and languages.

A Stepping Stone...

Engineering Physics prepares students for careers in engineering, applied science or applied physics, with positions available in industry, national research laboratories, universities or as scientific entrepreneurs.

Graduates are qualified for entry into graduate schools in Physics, Engineering Physics and many other disciplines. Many graduates go on to the M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs at the U of S and other top universities around the world, making important scientific and technological contributions to this field.

The Engineering Physics program at the University of Saskatchewan provides its students with an education that is focused on both a theoretical and experimental approach to physics and yet the program always stresses all of the fundamentals of good engineering practice. The graduates of Engineering Physics are not just well-rounded engineers—they are capable scientists.
—Doug Degenstein, Professor of Physics & Engineering Physics, Recipient of USSU Teaching Excellence Award

Getting Involved!

Join the Physics Students’ Society, which hosts many academic and social events throughout the year.

Engineering Physics students also promote engineering physics and raise awareness of careers in engineering physics by giving hands-on presentations to high school students. Engineering Physics students also participate in an engineering summer camp for Grades 3 through 9 called Sci Fi and help run Spectrum—an exhibition of engineering, science and technology as displayed by professional engineers, students and industry experts.

Students in Engineering Physics have the opportunity to apply for summer positions in most of the Department research groups including the Canadian Light Source synchrotron. During the term, there are also part-time teaching assistant positions available.

Outstanding Students &Faculty

Anne-Marie Harte, alumna, Director of Research & Development, Cymat Corp
Dr. James Serack, alumnus, Director, Technology and Component Engineering, Nortel Networks
Ken Fluto, alumnus, Meteorologist, Director, Environment Canada
Lyle Wagner, alumnus, Defence Scientist, Defence Research & Development Canada
Megan White, alumna, Saskatchewan Cancer Clinic, Saskatoon
Professor Gerhard Herzberg, Nobel Prize winner for research in molecular physics and former faculty member
Sylvia Fedoruk was the former Lieutenant governor of Saskatchewan, pioneer in Medical Physics and former professor and chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan
Professor Akira Hirose and Professor E.J. (Ted) Llewellyn, have both been elected Fellows of the Academy of Science of the Royal Society of Canada—Canada’s highest academic accolade
Dr. Alex Moewes, Dr. Akira Hirose, Dr. John Tse and Dr. Jean-Pierre St. Maurice currently hold a Canada Research Chair: Dr. Moewes in material science, Dr. Hirose in plasma-based material science, Dr. Tse in theoretical material science and Dr. St. Maurice in Environmental Sciences

Admission Requirements

The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.

International Student Admission Requirements

Additional Information

Related Interests

If you are interested in Engineering Physics, you might also be interested in:

Relevant Links

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Important Dates

March 15
Deadline to submit supporting documents for Competitive Entrance Awards

Plan Your Career

Discover more about yourself and your career goals.

What are you into?

Wipeout: Kin 121.3:
Functional Basis of Physical Activity
Think you could survive the obstacle course? Give yourself a better chance to win the prize money by examining strength development, training, flexibility and diet.
Angels & Demons: ANTH 321.3:
Myth Ritual and Symbolism
Want to be the next Robert Langdon? Study and interpret symbols and mythology from cultures located all around the world. Maybe even solve ancient riddles!
Earth Day: BIOL 228.3:
An Introduction to Ecology and Ecosystems
Trying to live a greener lifestyle? Have a closer look at the effects of human activities on communities and the ecosystem.
American Idol: MUS 111.3:
History of Popular Music
What makes American Idol a pop-culture phenomenon? Take a look at where pop music came from. Follow it through Canadian and American culture as it gained momentum—and find out why the Idols are asked to sing from certain eras and icons.
House: ACB 210.3:
Basic Human Anatomy
Aspire to be like the legendary Dr. Gregory House? Get started early with an in-depth look at the inner organization of the human body. You’ll be making miracle diagnoses in no time!
Criminal Minds: PSY 230.3:
Criminal Behaviour
Get in the head of modern day criminals. While you might not be ready to join the FBI’s Behavioural Analysis Unit, you will have a greater understanding of assessing and treating criminal offenders.
The Apprentice: COMM 101.3:
Decision Making
Prepare yourself to face The Donald in his own boardroom! Learn business decision making skills by examining case studies from six business disciplines: Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Management/Strategy, Marketing and Operations.
Pro-Wrestling: DRAM 236.3:
Stage Combat
Ever wonder why your one friend insists professional wrestling is real? Because it looks real! Want to learn how to successfully achieve the illusion of physical violence in an environment that focuses on actor safety? This class is for you.
Starbucks vs. Tim Hortons: Food & Applied Microbiological Sciences 412:
Fluid Food Products
How are these top brews different down to the last drop? Explore how cream products are processed to make your coffee smooth, and learn what makes your favourite beverages so tasty.
Twilight: ENG 226.3:
Fantasy and Speculative Fiction
Want to learn more about the lore behind the Cullens? Delve deep into the world of fantasy and science fiction to put that sparkle in your skin!
Dance Dance Revolution: CMPT 106.3:
Design and Construction of Games and Interactive Systems
Can’t put down your controller? Is expert difficulty no big deal? Want to learn how to create your own epic games? Put your love of gaming to work in the classroom as you study concepts, programming and design techniques.

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