Physics & Astronomy
Physics is the study of the fundamental laws of nature that govern the structure and behavior of matter and energy from subatomic fundamental particles to stars, galaxies and the entire universe. It also provides the foundation on which rests much of the technological innovation in the modern world, from microwave ovens to computers, from airplanes to rocketry and space flight, from pocket cameras to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Physicists today make important contributions using both classical physics (computer simulation of pharmaceuticals, detection of planets around distant stars, gravitometric sensing of mineral resources), and modern physics (quantum computing, precise calibration of GPS systems, materials development, search for new fundamental particles) in theory and applications that affect our daily lives and shape the evolution of technology that society depends on.
Special Features
Departmental facilities include a research grade astronomical telescope and a well-developed Nuclear Magnetic Resonance laboratory and a 54 processor computing cluster. The department also supports a fully equipped open source student computer lab.
Admission Requirements
- PHYS 40S
- MATH 40S (Pre-Calculus)
Sample of Available Courses
- Foundations of Physics I & II
- Solar System Astronomy
- The Galaxy and the Universe
- Stellar & Galactic Astrophysics
- Modern Physics
- Electricity & Magnetism
Possible Careers
- Industrial Researcher
- Medical Physicist
- Engineer (Aerospace, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)
- Astronomer
- Geophysicist
- Financial Modeler
- Particle Physicist
- Science Writer
- Teacher
- Doctor
- Dentist
- Meteorologist
Physics & Astronomy News
- Gulliver Astronomical Observatory receives $100,000 to replace protective dome
- November 7th, 2025
- Province commits to major upgrade of BU science building
- July 16th, 2025
- Gulliver Astronomical Observatory is new name for BU’s eye on the skies
- April 21st, 2025
- Brandon University celebrates Undergraduate Student Research Awardees as part of BU125 milestone
- April 14th, 2025
- BU astronomers host eclipse viewing
- April 5th, 2024