Computer Science and Physics (BSc)

Gain practical computer programming skills and knowledge of modern physics at the same time. Put your learning into practice by participating in faculty research projects. You could construct fibre lasers, explore quantum computers, design ultra-sensitive biosensors and more. As part of your Computer Science program, you can apply for the Professional Experience Program (PEP) Option and complete a 12- to 16-month work term.

Apply Your Learning

Make the most out of your university career by taking advantage of all that Laurier has to offer you. Volunteer work, campus clubs, leadership programs, studying abroad, work experience – there are so many ways you can extend your classroom experience into the real world.

Here are just a few examples of the experiences you'll get in the Computer Science and Physics program:

Check out the Computer Science and Physics Experience and Career Guide.

 

2022 graduates who secured employment or went on to postgraduate studies

 

Laurier ranks in the top 6 percent of universities worldwide*

 

students who gained hands-on learning experiences at Laurier in 2022

*Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)

Admissions

Format: full time or part time      Duration: four years     Start: September (fall term)     OUAC code: UWC

Program Details

About Computer Science and Physics at Laurier

Our Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science program teaches you the fundamentals of programming, algorithm design and computation. You'll learn about data management and analysis to gain a fundamental understanding of big data and its use within the industry.

Our BSc in Physics program provides a strong foundation in Newtonian and modern physics, quantum mechanics, electricity, magnetism, optics and electronics, in combination with mathematics. You also have the opportunity to learn about electronics and applied physics in more depth through specialized courses.

When combined, our BSc in Computer Science and Physics program provides you with a unique opportunity to obtain practical computer programming skills and, at the same time, gain knowledge of modern physics.

Career Options

Graduates of this combined program are ready to fill the demands of a developing technology sector in careers such as a computer analyst, an optical engineer, or a business intelligence consultant.

Bachelor of Arts Option

Computer Science is also offered as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, which combines Computer Science with another Arts program to give you a solid understanding of the basic principles of computer science while you explore complementary interests in Arts.

Your Path to Medical School

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Get one step closer to your medical school dreams at Laurier!

Our pathway agreement with American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) means you’re automatically granted an admissions interview to the AUC School of Medicine if you meet all academic requirements. Upon graduation, you’ll have the opportunity to write exams to practice medicine in Canada, the UK or the United States.

Program Options and Courses

Options and Minors

These are a few of the many popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

  • Applied Digital Option
  • Applied Social Research Option
  • Entrepreneurship Option
  • Management Option
  • Mathematics Minor

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

First-Year Courses

  • Calculus I
  • Data Structures I (or CP114)
  • Intro to Linear Algebra
  • Introduction to Programming
  • Mechanics
  • Thermodynamics and Waves

Sample First-Year Electives

  • Environment, Sustainability and Society
  • Health Issues I
  • Introduction to Psychology I

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Computer Networks
  • Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Science
  • Operating Systems

Co-op

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.

You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete paid work terms lasting 12 to 16 weeks.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

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"Smaller classes, great options for co-op and a lot of hands-on experience through labs make it all around a great program. Software engineering, machine learning, AI, big data – you can really make the degree what you want it to be."

Connor Kint, current student

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • business systems analyst
  • chief information officer
  • computer security specialist
  • database administrator
  • informatics specialist
  • optical engineer
  • radiation safety technician
  • software developer

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

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"Dr. Ghose is another incredible educator; after taking her quantum computing course I fell in love with the subject. I did a fourth-year research project with her and this opened the door for my graduate studies at UW in quantum information. My years at Laurier were an excellent experience and I cannot recommend it highly enough!"

Margie Christ, Physics graduate

Interested in More Info?

Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.