XII. Course Descriptions
Physics
Department of Physics
| PHYS*1010 Introductory Electricity and Magnetism W (3-3) [0.50] | |
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| This is a course for physical science students on the phenomena of electromagnetism, waves and introductory quantum physics. Topics include electric charges and fields, electric potential, capacitance, magnetic fields, electric circuits, waves, electromagnetic waves, quantization of light and other aspects of introductory quantum physics. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | (1 of IPS*1500, MATH*1080, MATH*1200), (1 of 4U Physics, Grade 12 Physics, PHYS*1020) |
| Restriction(s): | IPS*1510 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*1020 Introductory Physics F,W (3-2) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course stresses the fundamental properties of particles and waves, designed for students without 4U Physics or equivalent. Topics include: the motion of particles, force, field, momentum, energy and associated conservation laws; basic interactions between particles; properties of waves. It is expected that students will have completed Grade 11 or 3U Physics and at least 1 4U mathematics credit. This course is intended only for students who require the equivalent of 4U Physics in order to proceed to IPS*1500, IPS*1510, PHYS*1000, PHYS*1010, PHYS*1070, PHYS*1080, PHYS*1130, PHYS*2040. Students may not take this course for credit if they have passed 4U or OAC Physics (or equivalent). | |
| Offering(s): | Also offered through Distance Education format. |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*1070 Physics for Life Sciences II W (3-3) [0.50] | |
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| This course discusses physics of matter and energy at the macroscopic and microscopic levels, with special emphasis on topics of importance to the biological sciences. Topics include properties of waves, acoustics and hearing, optical systems and vision, quantum nature of radiation and its interaction with biomolecules, electricity, high energy radiation and radioactivity. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | (1 of 4U Physics, OAC Physics, PHYS*1020), one 4U or OAC Mathematics course |
| Restriction(s): | IPS*1510, PHYS*1130 PHYS*1300 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*1080 Physics for Life Sciences F,W (3-3) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course discusses aspects of classical physics with particular emphasis on topics of importance in the biological and environmental sciences. Topics include mechanics and applications to anatomical problems, fluid statics and dynamics, molecular motion, diffusion, osmosis, and heat. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | (1 of 4U Physics, Grade 12 Physics, PHYS*1020, PHYS*1300), one 4U or Grade 12 Mathematics course |
| Restriction(s): | IPS*1500, PHYS*1000 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*1130 Physics with Applications W (3-3) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course is for engineering and environmental science students, and uses some calculus in analytic problem-solving. Topics include simple harmonic motion, waves, acoustics, optics, properties and absorption of electromagnetic radiation, blackbody radiation, solar spectrum and flux, electric field and potential, DC circuits, power transmission, nuclear processes, and radioactivity. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | (1 of IPS*1500, MATH*1080, MATH*1200), (1 of 4U Physics, Grade 12 Physics, PHYS*1020) |
| Restriction(s): | IPS*1510, PHYS*1070 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*1300 Fundamentals of Physics F (3-3) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course introduces students to fundamental phenomena in physics, with particular emphasis on applications to the biological sciences. Topics include: analyzing one-dimensional and two-dimensional motion; Newton’s laws; momentum, energy and associated conservation laws; interactions between charges, resistive direct-current circuits; the fundamentals of waves, with applications to acoustics; ionizing radiation, radioactivity and medical applications. This course is designed for students who have not completed 4U Physics (or equivalent): students with credit in 4U Physics (or equivalent) may not take this course for credit. | |
| Restriction(s): | SPH 4U (or equivalent) PHYS*1020 PHYS*1070 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*1600 Contemporary Astronomy F (3-0) [0.50] | |
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| This course is designed for non-science students. Emphasis will be on the interdisciplinary and contemporary aspects of astronomy with the object of providing a perspective of our place in the physical universe. Topics will include the solar system, stars and stellar evolution, pulsars, black holes, quasars and cosmology. Students are encouraged to suggest and participate in discussion on items of special interest. | |
| Offering(s): | Offered through Distance Education format only. |
| Restriction(s): | Students with standing in any other 1000 level course credit in physics (except PHYS*1020, PHYS*1810) may not use this course for credit. B.Sc. students may not take this course for credit. |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*1810 Physics of Music F (3-0) [0.50] | |
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| This course is designed for arts and social science students with an interest or background in music. The fundamentals of vibrations and waves will be introduced and applied to a study of archetypal instruments. The psychoacoustic basis of pitch and loudness will be discussed. Students who have standing in any 1000 level physics course, except PHYS*1020 or PHYS*1600, may enrol in this course only if they are completing an honours or general B.A. program in Music. In this case, permission of the instructor is required. (Also listed as MUSC*1090.) | |
| Offering(s): | Offered in even-numbered years. |
| Equate(s): | MUSC*1090 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*2030 Biophysics of Excitable Cells W (3-1) [0.50] | |
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| An intermediate biophysics course with special emphasis on the physical properties of nerve cells and of biological transducers such as the ear and the eye. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | 1.00 credits in physics (excluding PHYS*1020, PHYS*1600, PHYS*1810) |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*2180 Experimental Techniques in Physics W (1-3) [0.50] | |
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| This course is designed to aid students in the development of core practical skills in physics. Students will be required to conduct a series of experiments exploring fundamental concepts in mechanics, electricity & magnetism, thermal physics, as well as the experimental basis of quantum physics. There will be a strong emphasis on data and error analysis with a variety of software applications. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | PHYS*2330 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*2240 Thermal Physics F (3-0) [0.50] | |
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| This course will introduce students to the basic ideas of thermal physics, including temperature, heat, work, thermal and diffusive equilibrium, and the Boltzmann distribution. The statistical basis for entropy and for thermodynamics will be discussed. Applications of thermodynamics to both non-interacting and interacting systems will be presented. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | (1 of IPS*1510, MATH*1210, MATH*2080), (IPS*1500 or PHYS*1080) |
| Restriction(s): | CHEM*2820 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*2310 Mechanics W (4-0) [0.50] | |
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| This course continues building the foundation in mechanics begun in the first year. Topics include, one, two and three dimensional motion, damped and forced harmonic oscillator, gravitation and orbital motion, special relativity, noninertial reference frames, and rigid body dynamics. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | MATH*2270, (1 of IPS*1500, PHYS*1000, PHYS*1080) |
| Restriction(s): | PHYS*2440 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*2330 Electricity and Magnetism I F (4-0) [0.50] | |
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| This course continues building the foundation in electricity and magnetism begun in the first year and is intended for students proceeding to advanced studies in the physical sciences. Topics include vector calculus, electric fields, potential, electric work and energy, Gauss's Law, Poisson's and Laplace's equations, capacitors, D.C. circuits, transients and dielectric materials. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | IPS*1510 or [(MATH*1210 or MATH*2080), (1 of PHYS*1010, PHYS*1070, PHYS*1130)] |
| Restriction(s): | PHYS*2460 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*2340 Electricity and Magnetism II W (4-0) [0.50] | |
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| This course is a continuation of PHYS*2330. Topics include magnetic forces and fields, the Biot-Savart equation, Ampere's Law, magnetic induction, LRC transients, A.C. circuits and magnetic materials. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | PHYS*2330 |
| Restriction(s): | PHYS*2470 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*2600 General Astronomy F (4-1) [0.50] | |
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| An introduction to astronomy, this course covers the solar system, the sun, stellar and galactic structure. | |
| Offering(s): | Offered through Distance Education format only. |
| Prerequisite(s): | 0.50 credits in physics at the 1000 level (excluding PHYS*1600, PHYS*1810), 0.50 credit in mathematics at the 1000 level |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*3000 Optics: Fundamentals and Applications W (3-0) [0.50] | |
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| This course will introduce students to the fundamental principles of wave and geometric optics, with an emphasis on applications. Topics will include reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference, and polarization, as well as fibre optics, imaging systems and lasers. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | PHYS*2340, PHYS*3130 |
| Restriction(s): | PHYS*3220 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*3080 Energy W (3-0) [0.50] | |
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| This course covers energy resources and the production, transmission, interconversion, consumption and waste of energy in the industrial society. Emphasis is placed on environmental impact and human safety. Topics include fossil fuels, nuclear fission and fusion, wind and solar power, the hydrogen economy, and conservation strategies. | |
| Offering(s): | Offered through Distance Education format only. |
| Prerequisite(s): | IPS*1500 or [(PHYS*1000 or PHYS*1080), (1 of MATH*1000, MATH*1080, MATH*1200)], (1 of IPS*1510, PHYS*1010, PHYS*1070, PHYS*1130) |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*3130 Mathematical Physics F (3-0) [0.50] | |
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| This course covers a number of mathematical techniques that are required in all areas of physics. Curvilinear coordinates, special functions, Fourier series and integral transforms, Green’s functions, and a number of advanced topics will be discussed. The course emphasizes the application of these techniques to solve a variety of physics problems, providing context to the fundamental tools of the discipline. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | (1 of MATH*1160, MATH*2150, MATH*2160), MATH*2200, MATH*2270, PHYS*2310, PHYS*2340 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*3170 Radioactivity and Radiation Interactions F (3-0) [0.50] | |
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| This course will provide a fundamental understanding of radiation physics and dosimetry, as well as assist students in the development of their problem solving skills in this field. Topics will include: atomic and nuclear structure, radioactivity, interaction of radiation with matter, radiobiology, radiation dosimetry, and external radiation protection. Throughout the course, applications of radiation physics in medicine will be highlighted. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | (1 of IPS*1510, MATH*1210, MATH*2080), (MATH*2170 or MATH*2270) |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*3230 Quantum Mechanics I F (4-0) [0.50] | |
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| This course consists of a formal treatment of quantum mechanics. Topics include wave packets and free particle motion, the Schrodinger equation, harmonic oscillator, piecewise constant potentials, central forces and angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | (1 of MATH*1160, MATH*2150, MATH*2160), (MATH*2170 or MATH*2270), (PHYS*2340 or PHYS*2470) |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*3400 Advanced Mechanics F (3-0) [0.50] | |
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| This course covers Lagrangian mechanics and Hamiltonian mechanics. Topics include least action principles, Poisson brackets, Liouville's theorem, Hamilton- Jacobi theory, the transition to quantum mechanics and introduction to non-linear dynamics. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | (MATH*2170 or MATH*2270), (PHYS*2310 or PHYS*2440) |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*3510 Intermediate Laboratory W (0-6) [0.50] | |
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| This modular course consists of experiments in modern and classical physics. Modules include laboratory instrumentation employing computers, modern physics, waves and optics, molecular physics, biophysics, and solid state physics. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | PHYS*2180 or (NANO*2100, PHYS*2310) |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*4001 Research in Physics F (0-6) [0.50] | |
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| This course is the first part of the two-semester course PHYS*4001/2. Refer to PHYS*4001/2 for the course description. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | PHYS*3510 |
| Restriction(s): | PHYS*4510. Instructor consent required. |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*4001/2 Research in Physics F-W (0-6) [1.00] | |
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| This is a two-semester (F-W) course in which students apply their knowledge and skills through independent research of an experimental or theoretical nature within physics. Students will be required to present their results in both oral and written reports. Students must make arrangements with a faculty supervisor and obtain approval of the course co-ordinator before course selection. Approval of the course co-ordinator will only be granted upon receipt of a completed registration form, available from the co-ordinator during the course selection period. This is a two-semester course offered over consecutive semesters. When you select it, you must select PHYS*4001 in the Fall semester and PHYS*4002 in the Winter semester. A grade will not be assigned to PHYS*4001 until PHYS*4002 has been completed. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | PHYS*3510 |
| Restriction(s): | PHYS*4510. Instructor consent required. |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*4002 Research in Physics W (0-6) [0.50] | |
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| This course is the second part of the two-semester course PHYS*4001/2. Refer to PHYS*4001/2 for the course description. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | PHYS*4001 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*4040 Quantum Mechanics II W (4-0) [0.50] | |
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| This is a second course in quantum mechanics. Topics include spin and two-level systems, quantum systems of multiple particles, quantum description of fermions and bosons, time independent perturbation theory, and the fine structure of hydrogen. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | PHYS*3230 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*4070 Clinical Applications of Physics in Medicine W (3-0) [0.50] | |
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| This course provides an overview of the application of physics to medicine. The physical concepts underlying the diagnosis and treatment of disease will be explored. Topics will include general imaging principles such as resolution, intensity, and contrast; x-ray imaging and computed tomography; radioisotopes and nuclear medicine, SPECT and PET; magnetic resonance imaging; ultrasound imaging and radiation therapy. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | PHYS*3170 |
| Restriction(s): | PHYS*4560. |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*4120 Atomic and Molecular Physics F (3-0) [0.50] | |
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| The application of quantum theory to atomic and molecular structure, and the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and atoms and simple molecules. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | PHYS*4040 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*4130 Subatomic Physics W (3-0) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course surveys the field of subatomic physics from radioactive emanations to conjectured subunits of nucleons. Topics include quark models; strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions; isospin, strangeness, conservation laws and symmetry principles; systematics of nuclear properties, nuclear radioactivity, nuclear models and reactions. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | PHYS*4040 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*4150 Solid State Physics W (3-0) [0.50] | |
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| The topics covered in this course include: bonding in solids, thermal and electrical properties of solids, energy bands, imperfections in solids, properties of semiconductors and insulators. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | PHYS*4040, PHYS*4240 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*4180 Advanced Electromagnetic Theory F (3-0) [0.50] | |
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| This course covers Maxwell's equation, Lorentz-force law, conservation of charge, and conservation of energy (Poynting's theorem). In addition, the course will discuss potentials, gauge transformations, wave equations, and multipole expansions as well as Green's functions for the Poisson and wave equations. Additional topics include electrostatics and magnetostatics (including boundary-value problems), motion of charged particles in electromagnetic fields, and propagation and generation of electromagnetic waves. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | (PHYS*2340 or PHYS*2470) |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*4240 Statistical Physics II F (3-0) [0.50] | |
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| A continuation of PHYS*2240 including a discussion of the grand canonical distribution, quantum statistics, and transport theory. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | (PHYS*2240 or PHYS*3240), PHYS*3230 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*4300 Inquiry in Physics W (0-6) [0.50] | |
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| In this course, students will undertake independent study of the scientific literature and learn how to communicate scientific research effectively. Students will prepare seminars and written reports on approved topics drawn from current research initiatives in physics. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | 2.00 PHYS credits at the 2000 level or higher. |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*4500 Advanced Physics Laboratory F,W (0-6) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This is a modular course for students in any physics-related major in which techniques of nuclear, solid state and molecular physics will be studied. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | PHYS*3510 |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*4540 Molecular Biophysics W (3-0) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| Physical methods of determining macromolecular structure: energetics, intramolecular and intermolecular forces, with applications to lamellar structures, information storage, DNA and RNA, recognition and rejection of foreign molecules. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | 0.50 credits in biochemistry, (CHEM*3860 or PHYS*3230) |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*4910 Advanced Topics in Physics I U (3-0) [0.50] | |
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| The content of this course is determined by the interests of the students. Possible topics include fluid mechanics, theory of elastic solids, general relativity, astrophysics, and chaos. This course is not offered every year. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | (1 of MATH*1160, MATH*2150, MATH*2160), (MATH*2170 or MATH*2270), [(PHYS*2450, PHYS*2470) or (PHYS*2180 , PHYS*2310, PHYS*2340)] |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*4920 Advanced Topics in Physics II U (3-0) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| The content of this course is determined by the interests of the students. Possible topics include fluid mechanics, theory of elastic solids, general relativity, astrophysics, and chaos. This course is not offered every year. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | (1 of MATH*1160, MATH*2150, MATH*2160), (MATH*2170 or MATH*2270), [(PHYS*2450 , PHYS*2470) or (PHYS*2180 , PHYS*2310, PHYS*2340)] |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |
| PHYS*4930 Advanced Topics in Physics III U (3-0) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| The content of this course is determined by the interests of the students. Possible topics include fluid mechanics, theory of elastic solids, general relativity, astrophysics, and chaos. This course is not offered every year. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | (1 of MATH*1160, MATH*2150, MATH*2160), (MATH*2170 or MATH*2270), [(PHYS*2450, PHYS*2470) or (PHYS*2180 , PHYS*2310, PHYS*2340)] |
| Department(s): | Department of Physics |