Physics, Astronomy and Engineering
Physics tells us why the sky is blue, what light is, and how our universe formed. Physics also fuels the amazing leaps of human creativity that give us devices like smartphones, GPS units, MRI machines, and countless others. These innovations exist because someone--a person like you--studied physics and figured out something new about how our universe works. The Physics Department at Kwantlen Polytechnic University invites you to follow in their footsteps.
Classes at KPU are small, with a maximum of 35 students in lectures and 20 students in labs. Such small class sizes allow you to receive more personal attention from your instructors. Students who need additional help also have access to peer tutors in Physics and other disciplines at our campus Learning Centres.
Do you want a career applying physics in the high tech sector?
Our BSc program in Physics for Modern technology is designed to give you a solid foundation in fundamental physics and the technical skills to succeed in the tech sector.
CO2 Laser, BSc Physics for Modern Technology student project.
Are you interested in engineering?
KPU’s Engineering First-Year Certificate is designed with courses and topics common to engineering degree programs and that meet the requirements to transfer into second-year at an engineering-degree granting institution.
General Science: Associate of Science Degree
The Associate of Science in General Science is tailored for students who are uncertain of the major they wish to complete, or who wish to follow an articulated pathway to a specific degree at a specific institution.
First year physics spectroscopy experiment.
Science: Diploma
This credential is awarded in recognition of a substantial course profile in science taken at KPU. There is no recognition of a Diploma of Science with respect to transferring to a receiving institution other than transfer credit on a course-by-course basis.
First year physics experiment to find the charge-to-mass ratio of an electron.
Courses
KPU's Physics Department also offers a comprehensive package of preparatory, first, and second year university courses in physics, astronomy, engineering and an environmental protection course.
- General Information about Physics, Astronomy and Engineering Course Offerings
- Physics Courses (KPU Calendar)
- Astronomy Courses (KPU Calendar)
- Engineering Courses (KPU Calendar)
- Environmental Physics Course (KPU Calendar)
Working with microcontroller circuits in PHYS 1600.
Facilities
Advanced Microscopy Suite
KPU Physics has acquired a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and a Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM). These instruments are used by students in our Physics for Modern Technology Program.
CloudLab
CloudLab allows students to control lab equipment over the internet without being on campus. CloudLab was designed to provide more flexibility to students for when they would do an experiment but also to serve students in remote areas or at other institutions which may not have certain experimental apparatus.