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	U of T (Scarborough) Physical & Environmental Sciences - Health Sciences Stream (regular and co-op) OUAC TXH Remove	Ottawa Environmental Geoscience (4 years) (French Immersion Stream is available) OUAC OWO Remove	Waterloo Physical Sciences (Regular/Co-op) OUAC WPS Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	83–87%“Mid-80s”	73–80%“Mid-70s (regular), high 70s (co-op)”	80%	80–83%“Low 80s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U	MCV4U MHF4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	—	one of ENG4U, FRA4U two of SBI4U, SCH4U, SES4U, SPH4U	two of MDM4U, SBI4U, SCH4U, SES4U, SPH4U
Prerequisitesas published	English 4U Advanced Functions 4U Calculus & Vectors 4U Chemistry 4U Physics 4U	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	ENG4U or FRA4U MHF4U MCV4U 2 of SBI4U, SCH4U, SPH4U, SES4U A combined minimum average of 70% is required for all prerequisite courses in science and mathematics. +2 more on the program page	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
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	—	Bachelor of Science, BSc, Bachelor of Science (Co-op), BSc (Co-op)	—
First-year intakewhere published	100	340	—	250
What you study	Astronomy Chemistry Others in Physical Sciences Physics	Astronomy Chemistry Environmental Studies Geology	Environmental Studies Geology Human Geography Physical Geography	Astronomy Chemistry Geology Materials Science
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.	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.	Environmental Geoscience is the study of Earth's physical systems — rocks, landforms, water, and climate — combined with how human activity affects and depends on the environment. It differs from pure geology because it emphasizes the interactions between natural processes and people, drawing on geography and environmental science alongside earth science. It suits students curious about how landscapes form and change, and interested in solving real-world problems like pollution, resource management, or climate impacts.	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.
The door tomajors you reach through it	chemistry physics	health sciences	Applied to directly	chemistry earth science physics
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	5 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	4 published, 4 with no applicationfrom 85%See them	22 published, 5 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them
Source	McMaster University on OUInfo	University of Toronto — Scarborough on OUInfo	University of Ottawa on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo

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