Program Length
- 4 Years
Credential
- Transfer Program
Options
- Transfer Program
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
The Physics (BSc) Program
The primary reason for becoming a physicist is curiosity. Whether it is the strange world of sub-atomic particles, the operation of a laser, the motion of the planets, or even the formation of a rainbow, physicists want to understand how the universe really works.
A physics degree will provide even more than this. With training in quantitative thinking, problem solving, modeling, and experimental techniques, a physics background provides entry into a wide variety of fields. Indeed, physicists are at the forefront in many of the hottest science and technology fields such as superconductivity, nanotechnology, fuel cells, and medical imaging.
VIU offers the first year of a four-year B.Sc. program in Physics. Students can transfer to the University of British Columbia (UBC) or the University of Victoria (UVic) after the first year. Students who wish to transfer to Physics programs offered at other universities need to check the program requirements of the receiving institution to determine the required courses. For further information, students should contact VIU’s Physics department or the Advising Centre at 1.888.920.2221 Ext. 6410.
UVic Transfer
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| PHYS 121 - (Physics for the Physical Sciences I) PHYS 122 - (Physics for the Physical Sciences II) | 8 |
| MATH 100 - (Calculus for Engineering and Physical Sciences I) MATH 101 - (Calculus for Engineering and Physical Sciences II) or MATH 121 - (Calculus I) MATH 122 - (Calculus II) MATH 110 - (Additional Calculus Topics) | 8 or 9 |
| Select one of the following pairs*: CHEM 140* - (Chemistry Fundamentals I) and, CHEM 141* - (Chemistry Fundamentals II) or CHEM 142* - (Chemistry Fundamentals II) | 8 |
| CSCI 160 - (Computer Science I) | 4 |
| ENGL 115 - (University Writing and Research) | 3 |
| Electives** | 6 or 8 |
* Students wishing to take the General Physics program at UVic can replace CHEM 140/141/142 with two additional electives (minimum three or four credits each).
** Electives should be chosen from within the Faculty of Science and Technology. Recommended electives include CSCI 161, ASTR 111, or ASTR 112.
UBC Transfer
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| CHEM 140* - (Chemistry Fundamentals I) | 4 |
| ENGL 115 - (University Writing and Research) and, ENGL 125 - (Literature and Culture) or, ENGL 135 - (Literature and Criticism) | 6 |
| MATH 100 - (Calculus for Engineering and Physical Sciences I) MATH 101 - (Calculus for Engineering and Physical Sciences II) or MATH 121 - (Calculus I) MATH 122 - (Calculus II) MATH 110 - (Additional Calculus Topics) | 8 or 9 |
| PHYS 121 - (Physics for the Physical Sciences I) PHYS 122 - (Physics for the Physical Sciences II) | 8 |
| Electives* | 8 |
* Either CSCI 160 (Computer Science I) or CSCI 161 (Computer Science II), and one course in Biology are recommended.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit) | 4,992.00 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) | 159.76 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) | 176.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year (Note: Books and supply costs vary depending on course load and course type.) | 1,500.00 |
| Total | 7,333.96 |
* The above table is based on ten 3-credit courses taken over two semesters. For programs that require 4-credit courses, students should adjust the fee totals accordingly.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $23.90 per course.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $799.77 per credit) | 23,993.10 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) | 159.76 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) | 176.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year (Note: Books and supply costs vary depending on course load and course type.) | 1,500.00 |
| Total | 26,335.06 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $23.90 per course.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Science Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Accepting late applications to Fall 2024 until August 15, 2024. Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Science Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Science Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Science Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Science Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Science Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Science Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Jenny Carpen-Rouget Email: Study@viu.ca
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquires to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Jenny Carpen-Rouget Email: Study@viu.ca
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquires to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Jenny Carpen-Rouget Email: Study@viu.ca
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquires to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.