4 programs, side by side

Rows marked with a dot are where these differ. Everything is each university’s own published wording; the “your average” row is yours, calculated the way each program does it.

Full	McMaster Chemical & Physical Sciences Gateway OUAC MPS Remove	Queen's Physical and Chemical Sciences Pathway OUAC QSP Remove	Waterloo Physical Sciences (Regular/Co-op) OUAC WPS Remove	U of T (Scarborough) Physical & Environmental Sciences - Health Sciences Stream (regular and co-op) OUAC TXH Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	83–87%“Mid-80s”	80–87%“Low to Mid-80s”	80–83%“Low 80s”	73–80%“Mid-70s (regular), high 70s (co-op)”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U	ENG4U MCV4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	one of SCH4U, SPH4U	two of MDM4U, SBI4U, SCH4U, SES4U, SPH4U	—
Prerequisitesas published	English 4U Advanced Functions 4U Calculus & Vectors 4U Chemistry 4U Physics 4U	ENG4U MCV4U 1 of SCH4U or SPH4U 3 additional 4 U/M courses	English (ENG4U – min. 70%) Advanced Functions (min. 70%) Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%) Any two of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, or Physics	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4 Science prerequisites (SPH4U or SBI4U) for specific disciplines are also required. SCH4U is recommended for specific disciplines. See U of T Scarborough's viewbook +1 more on the program page
More than marks?supplementary application	Marks only	Marks only	Marks only	Marks only
Co-op	Available	Available	Available	Available
Degree	Bachelor of Science, BSc, Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Applied Science, BSc/BASc	—	—	—
First-year intakewhere published	100	—	250	340
What you study	Astronomy Chemistry Others in Physical Sciences Physics	Astronomy Biotechnology Chemistry Mathematics	Astronomy Chemistry Geology Materials Science	Astronomy Chemistry Environmental Studies Geology
What it is	This is a first-year science program that teaches you foundational chemistry, physics, and related subjects before you specialize. Unlike going directly into a single honours program, you spend your first year exploring different branches of physical science, then choose your final degree path — either a pure science degree or a combined science and engineering degree. It suits students who are strong in math and science but aren't yet sure whether they want to focus purely on theory or blend science with applied engineering.	This pathway lets you study the fundamental sciences — physics, chemistry, astronomy, mathematics, and biology — together rather than committing to a single discipline right away. You'll take core courses across all these fields in your first year, then gradually specialize based on your interests. The included co-op option means you'll do work terms in research labs or industry, giving you hands-on experience alongside your coursework.	Physical Sciences is a broad first-year program where you study foundational chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology before choosing a specialization in second year. The co-op option means you alternate between study and paid work terms at companies or research labs, giving you real experience in your field. This program suits students who are strong in math and science but not yet certain which specific physical science direction — from astronomy to polymer chemistry — they want to pursue.	You study physical sciences — chemistry, physics, geology, and environmental topics — with a focus on how they connect to human health and the living world. This stream emphasizes the intersection between earth and life sciences rather than pure physics or chemistry alone. The co-op option lets you do paid work terms at relevant employers alongside your degree. It suits students interested in environmental health, toxicology, or science careers that bridge the natural world and wellness.
The door tomajors you reach through it	chemistry physics	chemistry physics	chemistry earth science physics	health sciences
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	5 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	None published by average	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them	4 published, 4 with no applicationfrom 85%See them
Source	McMaster University on OUInfo	Queen's University on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo	University of Toronto — Scarborough on OUInfo

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