Rocket science, meet medical science
If you enjoy biology and physics and want a career in medical technology or health research, Biological and Medical Physics at Waterloo is for you.
Run by the Department of Physics and Astronomy — one of the largest and most innovative physics departments in Canada — this flexible and interdisciplinary program is based on a solid foundation of physics, chemistry, and biology. Not to mention that students have the opportunity to gain paid work experience through their co-op work terms.
You’ll enjoy small classes, hands-on labs, and the opportunity to get involved in research and teaching.
Join a program that fosters curious minds to question the smallest particles, the largest forces, and everything in between. Be part of a community that includes Nobel Prize laureate professor Donna Strickland and professor Avery Broderick, part of the team to take the first image of a black hole.
Program highlights
Learn from top researchers. Get the scoop on the latest research in the physics seminar, which brings together all Waterloo physics students for talks from top scientists.
Make friends for life. Plan to live in residence? Join the Science Living Learning Community to connect with students who share your passion (and get study support).
- Available as a regular or co-op program
- Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biological and Medical Physics
- Offered by the Faculty of Science
What will you learn?
First-year courses
In your first year, you'll take a mixture of Physics, Biology, Mathematics, and Chemistry courses to give you the foundations for your upper-year classes. After first year, most of your classes will be Physics courses with some Biology courses.
Learn more about courses you'll take for your Biological and Medical Physics degree.
Customize your degree
You can add additional areas of interest and expertise by including one of the minors available to all Waterloo students.
Get tips from Waterloo students
Sign up for insider advice that can help you now and in the future.
Monthly topics include how to choose a university program, what it's like to be a Waterloo student, and more.
Questions? Ask a student!
Contact a Science student ambassador to learn about their experience.
Ask them questions such as why they chose their program, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience – and make money!
Sample co-op job titles
- Medical device design assistant
- Ultrasound image reconstruction specialist
- X-ray diffraction technologist
- Science and math peer tutor
- Undergraduate research assistant
- Quality assurance analyst
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
---|---|---|---|
First | Study | Study | Off |
Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
Fourth | Study | Co-op | Co-op |
Fifth | Study | Study | - |
Your first work term will be halfway through second year (January to April 2026).
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Two of: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, or Physics
Admission averages: Low 80s
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply
Apply to Physical Sciences and select Biological and Medical Physics as your major in first year.
Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact Alisia, our Science recruitment coordinator who can answer any questions you have.