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.
Studies made for you
Options with this program
Languages
- This program is offered in English and in French.
- All compulsory courses are offered in English and in French.
- French immersion: the French Immersion Stream is available for this program.
Course examples
- Engineering Design
- Waves and Optics
- Statistical Thermodynamics
- Quantum Mechanics
Consult and compare the course list of programs and options.
- Introduction to Solid State Physics
- Circuit Theory I
- Random Signals and Systems
- Microwave Circuits
- Sustainable Electrical Power Systems
Ozan Oner / Third year, Physics and Electrical Engineering
"This year, my team participated in uOttawa's Design Day competition. Our team won first place, out of 100 projects! As a result, our team was recently interviewed by CBC. This program has opened many doors for me in just a short year. I highly recommend this program to anyone that wants to design and build the technology of tomorrow."
Madison Smrtka / Third year, Physics and Electrical Engineering
"What really makes this program special is the community of students around it. uOttawa Engineering students have created a family who seek to help each other succeed in life and in their academic field."
Enhance your studies
CO-OP (optional)
Experience your future career and help fund your studies with the CO-OP program. With the Co-operative Education (CO-OP) Program, you can gain hands-on experience in your field of study while you complete your degree.
Examples of tasks at work
- Interpreting scientific/engineering research related to the work
- Oral presentations at design/ or research progress meetings
- Problem-solving for design and research
- Related report writing
- Working in multidisciplinary teams on system designs
CO-OP salary and placement rate
Work term placement rates
- 92%
Some of our employers include
- Communication Research Centre Canada
- Defence Research and Development Canada
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Flexus Electronics
- Health Canada
- Lumentum
- Measurement Canada
- Mitel Networks Corporation
- National Research Council Canada
- SNOLAB
- TRIUMF
- Treasury Board of Canada
- University of Ottawa
Things to know
Admission requirements
Ontario
General requirements
A minimum combined average of 70% is required for all prerequisite courses in science and mathematics.
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 to Mid 90s |
| Computer Science and Mathematics | ||
| Data Science | ||
| Computer Engineering |
|
Low 80s |
| Electrical Engineering | ||
| Physics and Electrical Engineering | ||
| Software Engineering |
|
High 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 | ||
| Data Science | ||
| 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 |
|
Mid 70s |
| Computer Science and Mathematics | ||
| Data Science | ||
| 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 |
|
Low 80s |
| Biomedical Mechanical Engineering |
|
Low 80s |
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.
Opportunities with this degree
Career Opportunities
- Physicist
- Electrical engineer
- Materials scientist
- Avionics engineer
- Power systems and renewable energy engineer
- Biomedical researcher or engineer
- Industrial research and development scientist or engineer
Salary and placement rate
Graduate studies
- 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
This Engineering field offers many possibilities to students.
If you have any more questions about this field, we invite you to get in touch with the Undergraduate Studies Office or the Career Development Centre.
Contact us
Do you have questions about this program?
Julie Cormier-Doiron
Liaison and Communications Officer
genie.engineering@uOttawa.ca
Emad Gad
Professor and Undergraduate Associate Director - Electrical Engineering
egad@eecs.uOttawa.ca
