Bachelor of Arts and Science - Political Science & Physics (Optional Co-op)

For the Bachelor of Arts and Science, students must complete two majors: an Arts major, and a Science major. Political Science Political Science is the systematic study of government, politics and political behaviour. It studies how a society governs itself at all levels and various ideas about how it should be governed in the future. Political Science students will study how political conflict is organized and resolved in the “real world.” They will look at how rulers are chosen, governmental decisions are taken and how decision-making processes are organized. Graduates will learn how governments design and implement their laws and policies in Canada and abroad. Students will also consider how political leaders understand their obligations towards one another and how decisions are shaped by different views of “what’s right,” “what works” and “what’s possible” in different circumstances. The Department of Political Science offers four sub-fields of study and encourages students to choose a variety of courses from each area to ensure they gain a broad view of the discipline. These are: Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory. Physics Physics is the study of matter and energy at all scales, from the sub-nuclear to the dimensions of the universe. It is the fundamental science — all other sciences and technologies rely on the principles of physics. Physics involves observing and understanding natural phenomena. It is evident in the world in everything from the seasons, the motion of objects, the flight of birds, the night sky and the weather, to lasers, electronics and the technology society relies on today. Physics is very much a “hands-on” science, so the most effective way for students to learn the subject is to actually do physics. Astronomy teaches them how to study objects at a distance and interpret the information gathered. This helps to begin to understand the universe. The skills students will learn in astronomy are also applicable to remote sensing and its application to environmental problems. The department offers a comprehensive physics major. The foundation of this program is built in the first two years, as graduates study mechanics, waves, electricity and magnetism, optics, thermal physics and modern physics. In the third and fourth years, students will gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals and delve into more advanced and specialized areas. Specialized topics may include the research interests of department faculty members, as all faculty members are involved in rigorous research programs. Faculty members also ensure graduates are provided with a wide view of physics, exposing them to all areas of the subject and describing a wide variety of applications. This enables them to make informed decisions when choosing the areas they may wish to pursue in the future.