Physical Sciences | Certificate
Certificate
Make considerable contributions to society and create substantial advancements in technology with a degree in a mathematically related field. Offered over two terms, our Physical Science Program is the complete first year for a physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, or geoscience degree. Gain credits that transfer to a degree program at institutions across BC and Canada.
Combining calculus, physics, chemistry, computer programming, linear algebra and English, our program provides experiential learning opportunities to complete projects, perform experiments and develop computer programs.
Apply to CMTN
Visit Apply to CMTN for an Admissions Checklist and to apply online.
Our Educational Advisors are here to help if you have any questions or need guidance along the way.
Dates and locations
Note: International students interested in taking University Credits Science options are encouraged to apply to the fall intake
| Intake | Location |
|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | Terrace |
The following is a full list of all courses and students do not need to take all the courses. The courses they take depend on their intended degree.
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 111 | Fundamentals of Chemistry I | 3 |
| CPSC 123 | Computer Programming | 3 |
| ENGL 101 | Introduction to Composition | 3 |
| MATH 101 | Calculus I: Differential Calculus | 3 |
| PHYS 121 | Advanced Physics I | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Winter Semester | ||
| CHEM 122 | Principles of Chemistry II | 3 |
| CPSC 124 | Data Structures | 3 |
| ENGL 151 | Technical Writing I | 3 |
| MATH 102 | Calculus II: Integral Calculus | 3 |
| MATH 235 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| PHYS 122 | Advanced Physics II | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
Physical Sciences Courses by Intended Degree
| Term | Course | Intended Degree | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | Chemistry | Computer Science | Earth Science | Math | ||
| Fall | X | X | X | |||
| Fall | X | X | X | X | ||
| Fall | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Fall | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Fall | X | X or PHYS 101 | X | X | X | |
| Winter | X | X | X | |||
| Winter | X | X | ||||
| Winter | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Winter | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Winter | X | X or PHYS 102 | X | X | X | |
| Winter | X | X or elective* | X | X | ||
| Any | Elective | X | X | X** | X | |
| Credits | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | |
*MATH 235 is highly recommended but not required for the first year of a Chemistry degree and students may take another elective instead. We recommend taking it during this course of study as it is required in the second year of a chemistry degree at most universities.
**It is recommended that the elective for a Geoscience degree be either Statistics (MATH 131) or a Biology course.
- English 12 with a minimum grade of C
- Pre-Calculus 12 with a minimum grade of C
- Physics 12 with a minimum grade of C; outstanding candidates missing Physics 12 or equivalent are encouraged to apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Chemistry 12 with a minimum grade of C; outstanding candidates missing Chemistry 12 or equivalent are encouraged to apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Recommended: Calculus 12 (if available); Programming 12 (if available).
| Fees | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 30 Credits | 30 Credits |
| Tuition | $3,146.70 | $13,373.40 |
| Mandatory fees | $240.00 | $290.88 |
| Lab fees (17.50 per credit)1 | $52.50 | $52.50 |
| Student Union fees2 | $109.28 | $109.28 |
| Health and Dental Insurance4,5 | $285.00 | $602.04 |
| Total Tuition: | $3,833.48 | $14,428.10 |
| Books & supplies2 | $2,000.00 | $2,000.00 |
| Field School fees3 | $900.00 | $900.00 |
| Total: | $6,733.48 | $17,328.10 |
Tuition and fees effective August 1, 2024 for the 2024/25 Academic Year.
1Lab fees are mandatory. All associate degrees require a minimum of 3 credits in laboratory science, and students may take up to 42 lab credits.
2Costs are approximate and may vary depending on courses taken. Student union fees are term based.
3Field schools have additional costs between $100 - $1500 per field school, depending on the location and the activities. Field schools are not a mandatory component of all associate degrees, however, students are strongly encouraged to attend a field school during the spring/summer semester. Associate Degrees specializing in Environmental Geoscience are encouraged to attend a minimum of two field schools. Field schools are subject to different deposit requirements and refund rules.
4The Coast Mountain Students Union (CMSU) is pleased to announce that Extended Health and Dental Insurance has been approved by student referendum held in March 2021. Additional information will be provided by CMSU July 2021, including details of the coverage and directions for the opt out process for students with equivalent coverage. For any inquiries about the plan or referendum, please contact Golnoosh Namazi, organiser@mycmsu.ca
5Basic Health insurance is mandatory for all international students. Health insurance costs will be charged every term until students provide proof of MSP.
Career opportunities
Potential career opportunities are listed below but possible achievements are only limited by the laws of physics and one’s imagination.
- Algorithms engineer
- Geodesist
- Meteorologist
- Physicist
- Data scientist
- Mathematical modeler
- Chemist
- Quantitative financial analyst
- Professor
- Programmer
- Astronaut
- Mathematician
- Fraud investigator
- Energy analyst
- Operations research analyst
- Investment analyst
- Cryptographer
- Economist
- Medical technology developer
- Materials scientist
- Web Developer
- Laser Physicist
- Systems Analyst
- Software Developer
- High School Teacher