Physics and
Electrical Engineering
Discover the fundamental laws of nature and then apply this knowledge to design breakthrough technologies that will transform our society. While physics probes big questions ranging from the origin of the universe to the workings of the quantum world, electrical engineering underlies the technologies that are ubiquitous to our modern world, from power generation to the computer chip.
By teaching you the foundations of how nature works, and then how to innovate with this knowledge, this integrated program will uniquely equip you to tackle societal and technological problems facing us and future generations. At the end of five years, you will earn two degrees, one in physics and one in electrical engineering, and will be truly equipped to defy the conventional.
To be admitted into this program, applicants must submit their application to the Faculty of Science.
Career opportunities
- Physicist
- Electrical engineer
- Industrial research and development scientist or engineer
- Materials scientist
- Avionics engineer
- Power systems and renewable energy engineer
- Biomedical researcher or engineer
Salary estimates (entry level)
- $58,528 - $82,923 [1]
Job placement rates
- Employment rate 2 years after graduation: 91.7% [2]
Graduate programs
- Master of Engineering (MEng) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Electrical and Computer Engineering with Specialization in Science, Society and Policy
- Master of Science (MSc) in Physics
- Master of Science (MSc) in Physics with Specialization in Science, Society and Policy
- Doctorate (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Doctorate (PhD) in Physics
Options
Options available with this program
- Honours BSc with Specialization in Physics/BASc in Electrical Engineering
Languages
- This program is offered in English and in French.
- All compulsory courses are offered in English and in French.
- French immersion: the Extended French Stream is available for this program.
A preview of your studies
Course examples
- Waves and Optics
- Statistical Thermodynamics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Introduction to Solid State Physics
- Circuit Theory I
- Random Signals and Systems
- Microwave Circuits
- Sustainable Electrical Power Systems
Consult and compare the course list of programs and options.
Research
- Research opportunities for undergraduate students
- Example of research in this field: Rising solar stars
Admissions at a glance
Admission requirements
Ontario
General requirements
A minimum combined average of 70% is required for all prerequisite courses in science and mathematics, except in Software Engineering, where a minimum of 70% is required for each prerequisite course in science and mathematics.
Students who do not have Calculus and Vectors 4U can take the replacement course at the University either the summer before or during their first term.
Prerequisite courses
| Discipline | Prerequisites and other requirements | Admission average |
|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Mechanical Engineering |
|
High 80s |
| Biotechnology (Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering) |
|
Mid 80s |
| Chemical Engineering |
|
Mid 80s |
| Civil Engineering | ||
| Mechanical Engineering | ||
| Computer Science |
|
Low 80s |
| Computer Science and Mathematics | ||
| Computer Engineering |
|
Low 80s |
| Electrical Engineering | ||
| Physics and Electrical Engineering | ||
| Software Engineering |
|
Mid 80s |
Secondary V
General requirements
A minimum combined average of 84% is required for all prerequisite courses in science and mathematics.
Students may be required to take up to two mathematics make-up courses at the University either the summer before or during their first year.
Prerequisite courses
| Discipline | Prerequisites and other requirements | Admission average |
|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Mechanical Engineering |
|
84% |
| Biotechnology (Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering) | Physics and Electrical Engineering | |
| Computer Science |
|
84% |
| Computer Science and Mathematics | ||
| Chemical Engineering |
|
84% |
| Civil Engineering | ||
| Computer Engineering | ||
| Electrical Engineering | ||
| Mechanical Engineering | ||
| Software Engineering |
|
84% |
These are minimum requirements only. They are subject to change. Admission is not guaranteed.
See the full undergraduate admission requirements for more information.
CEGEP
General requirements
A minimum combined average of 70% is required for all prerequisite courses in science and mathematics, except in Software Engineering, where a minimum of 70% is required for each prerequisite course in science and mathematics.
Students who are missing the mathematics prerequisite are required to take up to two replacement courses at the University the summer before or during their first year.
Prerequisite courses
| Discipline | Prerequisites and other requirements | Admission average |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science |
|
Low 70s |
| Computer Science and Mathematics | ||
| Computer Engineering |
|
Low 70s |
| Electrical Engineering | ||
| Physics and Electrical Engineering | ||
| Biotechnology (Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering) |
|
Mid 70s |
| Chemical Engineering |
|
Mid 70s |
| Civil Engineering | ||
| Mechanical Engineering | ||
| Software Engineering |
|
Mid 70s | Biomedical Mechanical Engineering |
|
High 70s |
These are minimum requirements only. They are subject to change. Admission is not guaranteed.
See the full undergraduate admission requirementsfor more information.
Not studying in an Ontario or Quebec high school? Find your admission requirements.
Admission averages vary between English and French programs. See the French page for the French program requirements.
Contact us
Do you have questions about this program?
Julie Cormier-Doiron
Liaison and Communications Officer
Tel: 613-562-5800 ext. 6096
genie.engineering@uOttawa.ca
Emad Gad
Professor and Undergraduate Associate Director - Electrical Engineering
Tel: 613-562-5800 ext. 6440
egad@eecs.uOttawa.ca
Not sure which program you should choose?
You can always change your mind! As long as you meet the criteria, you can switch to another program even after starting your studies.
References:
1. jobbank.gc.ca: entry-level estimate calculated by compiling salary data by discipline (from low to average) in Canada to reflect industry earning.
2. OSAP Ontario University Graduate Survey 2015-2016.
3. coop.uottawa.ca: average of the program specific work terms average salaries. Salary average typically increase by work term. Calculated September 2017.
4. CO-OP uOttawa: 2017.