Discover new planets that exist beyond our galaxy. Explore the concepts of quantum chemistry and physics. Or, develop new drugs and diagnostics for better health.
You'll gain lab experience to succeed in dozens of in-demand industries from biotechnology to data science, sustainability and more.
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#1 in Canada for physics and astronomy
ahead of University of British Columbia and McGill University*
#17 globally for chemistry
ahead of University College London and Cornell University**
#21 globally for environmental science
ahead of Cornell University and California Institute of Technology***
Chemical and physical sciences programs
Astronomical Sciences
Study the vast universe beyond Earth, including planets orbiting other stars, black holes and forms of mass and energy that cannot be seen even though they form 95% of the universe.
Astronomy
Explore the origin and evolution of the galaxies, examine the origin of life on earth and investigate the influence of the universe on humans' ways of thinking.
Biological Chemistry
Examine nature at the molecular level using a combination of methods— preparing you for a career in the biotechnology, biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors.
Biophysics
Build an instrument that identifies bloodborne infections or diagnose and track the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. These are just some of the challenges that biophysicists tackle every day.
Chemistry
Chemistry plays a vital and well-integrated role in many areas of scientific discovery — leading to careers such as food scientist, microbrewery technologist, water purification chemist and more.
Earth Science
Explore the physics and chemistry of the earth-climate system, which equips you to address climate change issues — and prepares you for careers such as surveyor, GIS specialist and more.
Environmental Science
Study complex problems involving the natural world, and choose your preferred pathway. This includes geographical and earth sciences courses to biological and ecological perspectives.
Physics
With physics, you'll combine the power of mathematics with the art of precision experiments, opening up careers such as nuclear physicist, scientific photojournalist and astrophysicist.
Beyond the classroom
UTM Co-op Internship Program
This unmatched program lets you apply academic skills and enjoy flexible work terms and an immersive industry experience.
Field schools
Study the geology of the Canadian Shield and surrounding areas. Or, develop essential field skills for interpreting ancient geological environments.
Learning abroad
If you're looking for a life-changing experience, UTM's study abroad and international exchange program opens doors to 140 schools in over 40 countries around the world.
Academic groups and societies
Explore a range of student organizations at UTM, from Chemistry Club and the Chemical and Physical Sciences Society.
Meet your community
"UTM [gave me] an opportunity to be part of a community [...] And that community feeling stayed with me throughout my studies. It was easy to make connections, and I gained life-long friends."
Eugenia Addy, HBc '10, PhD '15, Desmond Parker Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient
"I took two organic and medicinal chemistry courses [...] and instantaneously fell in love with drug discovery and therapeutics development [...] I realized where my true passion lies."
Nabanita Nawar, HBSc '17, PhD '22, co-founder and CEO of HDAX Therapeutics
Research in action
In search of other worlds: UTM professor explores how planets form and evolve
Professor Marta Bryan's work uses a range of observational techniques to detect and characterize gas giant planets outside our solar system to explore how planetary systems form and evolve.
Hot wheels: Researcher cycles through Mississauga to map air temperature differences across the city | Project
A recent study offers a more precise way to map urban air temperatures, which could help cities better understand local heat patterns and their potential effects.
The method? Pedal-powered science.
Tracking 1,000 years of sea ice change in hopes of predicting future conditions | Project
Iva Zovkic, Canada Research Chair and professor, is researching histone variants — which may be the key to restoring normal activity of other proteins, preventing neurodegeneration and memory decline in those with dementia.
UTM climate expert's new study underscores need to protect 'oasis of the Arctic' | Project
Amidst the vast frozen and barren terrain of the Arctic is a unique marine ecosystem supporting a web of diverse natural life that, according to a study by professor Kent Moore, is managing to sustain itself against the impacts of climate change — so far.
A career with impact
Studying chemical and physical sciences at University of Toronto Mississauga opens up a multitude of meaningful and relevant career paths — including environmental scientist, molecular biologist, climatologist and more.
- Visiting researcher at Environment and Climate Change Canada also contributes to Nature Climate Change, a publication dedicated to global climate change research.
- CEO and co-founder of HDAX Therapeutics works on treatments focusing on a protein implicated in cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders.
Featured career: Chief Executive Officer
Eugenia Addy (HBSc 2010, PhD 2015) now leads the award-winning nonprofit organization Visions of Science, which empowers communities and youth by offering equitable access to STEM education.
Learning pathways
Studying chemical and physical sciences equips you with the skills needed to succeed in several evolving fields. Your U of T undergraduate degree will also prepare you to thrive in top graduate or professional schools.
Preview some of these possibilities and start imagining your long-term future today:
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Life Sciences
Study life in all its forms and apply that knowledge to tackle challenges in health, sustainability and more.
Forensic Science
Connect the clues and solve mysteries with science. Live the real CSI with Canada’s leading forensics program.
Psychological and Brain Sciences
Study the mind, brain and behaviour while gaining hands-on experience in a rapidly growing field.
Social Sciences
Learn to analyze complex systems and understand human behaviour — and prepare to lead in a rapidly changing world.
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