Leaving a Major in Physics, Mechanical Systems or Electrical Systems open to the end of 2nd year
The following example course plan is for students who are not sure whether they want to Major in Physics, Mechanical Systems or Electrical Systems, and who want to keep their options open.
| Year | Sem | Subject | Subject | Subject | Subject |
| 1 | 1 | Engineering Systems Design 1 | Calculus 2 | Physics 1 | Breadth |
| 2 | Engineering Systems Design 2 | Linear Algebra | Physics 2 | Breadth |
|
| 2 | 1 | Engineering computation | Real Analysis | Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity | Engineering Mechanics |
| 2 | Foundations of Electrical Networks | Vector Calculus | Electromagnetism and Optics | Breadth |
Notes:
- The General Notes on Physics subjects and General Notes on Mathematics subjects, above, also apply here.
- Engineering Mechanics is a prerequisite for a major in Mechanical Systems, but is not required for a Major in Electrical Systems. Engineering Mechanics can be taken in either semester 1 or 2, or in summer.
- Engineering Computation and Foundations of Electrical Networks are prerequisites for a Major in Electrical Systems, but are not required for Mechanical Systems. Engineering Computation may be taken in either semester 1 or 2, or can be postponed until third year, where it can be taken together with Signals and Systems.
- Students who want to leave open the option of a Major in Physics and either Mechanical Systems OR Electrical Systems (but not both) may wish to take Thermal and Classical Physics in semester 1 of second year. It is possible, however, to take Thermal and Classical Physics in third year if a student decides to pursue a major in Physics.
- Another level 2 mathematics option is to enrol in Engineering Mathematics (first semester). Students cannot gain credit for both Engineering Mathematics and Vector Calculus. Engineering Mathematics satisfies the prerequisites for level 3 Mechanical Systems and Electrical Systems subjects. Alternatively, students who want to major in Mechanical Systems or Electrical Systems can do Vector Calculus without Real Analysis, then take Differential Equations for Engineers in the first semester of third year. However, Level 3 Physics subjects currently require Real Analysis and Vector Calculus as prerequisites, so the best option for those who want to keep the option of major in Physics open is to do both Vector Calculus AND Real Analysis with Applications (and not Engineering Mathematics). [This is currently under review by the Physics Academic Programs Committee.]
In third year:
To major in Mechanical Systems
| Year | Sem | Subject | Subject | Subject | Subject |
| 3 | 1 | Mechanics and Materials | Mechanical Dynamics | Differential Equations for Engineers | Breadth |
| 2 | Mechanical Design | Fluid Mechanics & Thermodynamics | Core or breadth | Core or breadth |
Note:
- Fluid Mechanics & Thermodynamics can be taken in semester 1.
- Differential Equations for Engineers may not be necessary if a student has done Real Analysis with Applications. [Need to clarify this with the Faculty of Science.]
To major in Electrical Systems
| Year | Sem | Subject | Subject | Subject | Subject |
| 3 | 1 | Digital Systems Design | Electrical Network Analysis | Core or breadth | Breadth |
| 2 | Electrical Device Modelling | Signals and Systems | Other science | Core or breadth |
To major in Physics
| Year | Sem | Subject | Subject | Subject | Subject |
| 3 | 1 | Quantum Physics | Electrodynamics OR | Laboratory A OR | Thermal and Classical Physics |
| 2 | Core or breadth | Statistical Physics | Computational Physics OR Laboratory B | Breadth |
Notes:
- If Thermal and Classical Physics has already been taken in second year, it can be replaced by a breadth or core subject. If, prior to third year, only 37.5 points of breadth (3 subjects) have been taken, then up to 37.5 points of breadth may be taken in third year.
- Students must take at least one of Electrodynamics OR Statistical Physics, plus at least one of Laboratory A, Laboratory B OR Computational Physics. Students who plan to enrol in a Master of Science (Physics) are advised to take BOTH Electrodynamics AND Statistical Physics.
- Students must take 50 points (4 subjects) at level 3 in Physics for a Physics Specialisation. If a fourth subject is required, any of the following subjects can be taken: Electrodynamics, Statistical Physics, Laboratory A, Laboratory B, Computational Physics, Sub-Atomic Physics (semester 2), Astrophysics (semester 1), Quantum Systems (semester 2).