Your degree in Engineering Physics

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Engineering Physics, you’re learning to combine your advanced knowledge of electrical, mechanical and computer systems and the fundamental principles of physics to design novel products and new technologies. You’ll develop important skills to turn your innovative ideas into real-life products.

These skills may include:

• Application of theoretical and practical knowledge of mathematics, mechanics, electronics, software, and physics to develop new materials, devices, and systems
• Engage in scientific research experience to develop scientific methods and to execute experiments
• Agility to move fluidly from big picture to small detail and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Design and building of commercially viable prototypes with consideration to functionality, safety, manufacturability, and cost
• Capacity to quickly build knowledge in new domains and digest large amounts of technical data and use that information to make sound recommendations
• Verbal and written communication, and the ability to interpret and summarize scientific results clearly and concisely
• Usage of specialized lab equipment, fabrication tools, programming languages, and advanced modeling software

Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including nuclear and particle physics, micro and nanotechnology, semiconductors and electronics, computer technologies, healthcare, fibre optics and laser design, clean energy, and applied research and development, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help clarify your values and interests.

• UBC Engineering Physics Student Association
  Participate in social events and attend the annual industry night to meet like-minded individuals.
• UBC Engineering Physics Project Lab
  Access prototyping tools, a list of available projects, lab resources, event listings and job postings.
• Department of Physics and Astronomy e-newsletter
  Subscribe to the quarterly e-news to learn about departmental events and opportunities.
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers – Student Section
  Network with peers and professionals, and attend guest speaker events, panel presentations, and field trips.
• UBC Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers – Student Branch
  Attend technical workshops, participate in industry field trips and join student competitions.
• UBC Solar
  Learn to build your ideas, develop your technical skills, and work in an interdisciplinary team.
• UBC Open Robotics
  Collaborate with peers from multiple disciplines to work on unique and interesting robotics projects.
• UBC Supermileage
  Work as part of a diverse team to design and fabricate ultra-fuel-efficient vehicles to compete in annual competitions.
• UBC Department of Physics and Astronomy events
  Check out departmental events, including seminars, colloquia, and lectures.
• UBC BizTech
  Participate in case competitions and attend panels and showcases to connect with business and tech professionals.
• entrepreneurship@UBC
  Get the resources and mentorship you need to take your startup idea to the next level.
• UBC nwPlus
  Learn a new programming language or web framework, or join the annual hack day to collaborate on real projects.
• Physics and Astronomy research opportunities
  Browse the departmental research opportunities available in the field of Physics and Astronomy.
• Research in Mechanical Engineering
  Find research opportunities in Applied Mechanics and Design, Biomedical Engineering, Manufacturing and Control, and Thermofluids.
• Computer and Electrical Engineering research opportunities
  Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
• UBC Science Co-op
  Gain work experience in engineering physics between study terms.
• Creative Destruction Lab Quantum Incubator Stream
  Participate in an intensive 6-week technical bootcamp led by leading scientists in quantum computing and machine learning.
• CAP University Prize Exam
  Compete against other undergraduates in the national Physics competition and win prizes in Term 2.
• Canadian Undergraduate Physics Conference
  Present at the annual conference, attend lectures, network with your peers, and tour local research facilities.
• Internet of Things (IoT) Events
  View upcoming events and conferences on new technologies for different sectors.
• BCTech job board
  Check out tech and engineering job opportunities within British Columbia.
• ACM Student Research Competition
  Present your original research at this international student conference in Term 2 and receive cash prizes and awards.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

• Aerospace Industry Association of Canada
• ASM International The Materials Information Society – BC Chapter
• Association for Computing Machinery
• Association of Consulting Engineering Companies Canada
• BC Technology
• British Columbia Association of Medical Physicists
• Canadian Association of Physicists
• Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology
• Canadian Medical and Biological Engineering Society
• Canadian Nuclear Society
• Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
• Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering
• Canadian Society for Professional Engineers
• Engineering Institute of Canada
• Engineers & Geoscientists BC
• Engineers Canada
• IEEE Computer Society
• IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
• IEEE Industrial Electronics Society
• IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement
• IEEE Nuclear Plasma Sciences Society
• IEEE Robotics and Automation Society
• Information Technology Association of Canada
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Vancouver Section
• Institute of Power Engineers BC
• Materials Research Society
• Photons Canada
• Society of Automotive Engineers BC
• Society of Photographic Instrumentation Engineers
• Society of Physics Students
• The Institution of Engineering and Technology
• The Optical Society
• Women in Physics Canada

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC Engineering Physics graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More information

From your Applied Science degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Engineering degree.