Physics seeks to describe the nature of the physical world. The most
fundamental of the natural sciences, it forms an essential part of any serious program of
study in any branch of science, and indeed, to an increasing degree in the modern world, it
is important in any well-balanced curriculum for the non-scientist as well.
In the
undergraduate program the development of fundamental concepts and mathematical formulation
proceeds simultaneously in a selected series of courses in physics and mathematics, from
the elementary ideas of classical mechanics through modern relativistic, quantum and
nuclear theories.
Whether the student wishes to prepare for more advanced study in physics
itself; for a career in applied areas such as photonics, materials science, or biomedical
engineering; for a career in such fields as astronomy, space research, or oceanography; or
simply wishes to be informed in an important area of scientific thought, he/she will be
able to make an appropriate choice of courses from the list.
Further details of the Physics programme may be found in the Departmental Handbook.
PHYS 1001 (3CR)
ASTRONOMY
This course provides a broad introduction to current ideas regarding the nature,
evolution and future of the universe. Topics covered include observational astronomy,
telescopes, celestial motions, the solar system, stellar evolution, black holes,
relativity, cosmology, and life in the universe. A background in physics is not assumed,
but basic concepts of physics are taught within the course. The laboratory experiences
combine observational and laboratory based experiments.
PHYS 1051 (3CR)
GENERAL PHYSICS I
This algebra based introductory physics course will cover kinematics,
dynamics, work and energy, momentum in one dimension, fluid mechanics, waves
and sound, DC circuit electricity, geometrical and physical optics, and an
introduction to modern physics. This course provides a basic knowledge of
the concepts of physics needed in all sciences. Students enrolling in Physics 1051
should normally have completed a university preparatory level course in
Mathematics.
PHYS 1551 (3CR)
GENERAL PHYSICS II
This calculus based introductory physics course will cover rotational
motion, angular momentum, simple harmonic motion, gravitation, electric fields
forces and potentials, capacitors, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, AC
circuits, introductory thermodynamics, nuclear reactions and additional selected
topics in modern physics.
Prereq: PHYS 1051 and MATH 1111; or permission of the Department.
PHYS 2251 (3CR)
CLASSICAL WAVES
In this course the study of free, forced and damped harmonic oscillator
is followed by a treatment of discrete coupled oscillators in one dimension.
This is then generalized to the study of traveling and standing waves in
continuous media. Ideas of Fourier components of signals are introduced.
A number of examples will be taken from physical optics, and the topics
in this course provide the theoretical basis for understanding modern
photonic devices.
Prereq: PHYS 1551 and MATH 1121; or permission of the Department.
PHYS 2401 (3CR)
PHYSICS IN EVERYDAY LIFE
This course, designed primarily for non-science majors who have successfully
completed their first year, examines the relationship between a variety of phenomena in
everyday life and physics principles. Experiential activity including a number of field
trips, experiments in the laboratory and relevant data analysis form the underpinnings of
this study of physics. Topics include principles and applications of particle, rigid body
and fluid mechanics; thermodynamics, magnetism; electricity, and optics. Participation in
field trips and a major report/presentation are required.
Prereq: Completion of 24 credits or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: PHYS 2401
(Structure of Physics)
PHYS 2801 (3CR)
DATA ACQUISITION AND ANALYSIS
This experimentally oriented course is designed to give the students
an exposure to the techniques and software tools that can assist them in
using computers to enhance their work throughout a science curriculum.
Basic methodology for data manipulation is introduced (error analysis,
statistical analysis of data, linear regression, graphing, Fourier
transform techniques), as are aspects of simulation, digitization,
interfacing and data acquisition, and presentation. The course will
also include sensors and transducers to convert a variety of signals
(light, pressure, strain, radioactivity, sound, etc.) into electrical form.
Prereq: PHYS 1051 and MATH 1111; or permission of Department
PHYS 3001 (3CR)
ASTROPHYSICS
This course examines orbits, optical telescopes, determination of stellar
properties, relativity, cosmology, and the origin of the solar system.
Prereq: PHYS 1051, MATH 1111 and Astronomy 1001, or PHYS 1551 and MATH 1111; or
permission of the Department.
PHYS 3101 (3CR)
ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
This course will cover vector analysis, differential and integral
calculus as well as solutions of the Poisson and Laplace equations for
different electrostatic problems. Certain special techniques such as method
of images, separation of variables and multiple expansion are then introduced.
Magnetostatics and electric and magnetic fields in matter are also examined
leading to the conclusion of this course where Maxwell equations are
integrated and applied.
Prereq: PHYS 1551, MATH 2111 and MATH 2121; or permission of the Department.
PHYS 3201 (3CR)
STATISTICAL MECHANICS
The conditions under which the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, the Bose-Einstein
distribution, and the Fermi-Dirac distribution apply are developed. Applications of these
distributions to many physical systems are examined in detail.
Prereq: PHYS 3701 and MATH 2111; or permission of the Department.
PHYS 3321 (3CR)
ANALOG ELECTRONICS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING
This is a course in analog electronics and in analog signal processing,
and would be valuable both for those planning to go on in technical careers
and for scientists who wish to develop tools for the collection and analysis
of data. Topics include impedance matching considerations, semiconductor
physics, pn junction diodes, AC circuit analysis, passive filter designs,
DC power supply construction including regulation, junction and field effect
transistors and transistor amplifier circuits, operational amplifiers, active
filter designs, signal conditioning circuits such as Schmitt trigger,
modulation and demodulation, noise (sources, frequency characteristics,
and control measures), integrating sensors and electronics, practical
issues in electronics, and an introduction to the photonic transition.
Prereq: PHYS 1551 and PHYS 2801 and MATH 1121; or permission of Department
Exclusion: PHYS 3311
PHYS/COMP 3361 (3CR)
DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING AND ELECTRONICS
This course introduces students to both digital electronic circuits
and digital signal processing, and would be valuable both for those
planning to go on in technical careers in computer science or in physics,
and for scientists who wish to develop tools for the collection and
analysis of data. Topics to be covered include digital logic gates,
Boolean algebra, counting circuits, digital signal conditioning,
sampling considerations such as the Nyquist criterion, analog to
digital and digital to analog conversion, Fourier Transform theory
and application as FFT, correlation and convolution, digital filtering
using finite impulse response and infinite impulse response circuits
including the ztransform and filter design, and digital image processing
including two dimensional FFT techniques, microprocessors, microcontrollers
and digital signal processing integrated circuits.
Prereq: PHYS 2251 and PHYS 2801 and COMP 1711; or permission of Department
Note: This course is cross-listed with COMP 3361 and may therefore count
as three credits in either discipline
Exclusion: PHYS/COMP 3351
PHYS 3521 (3CR)
PHYSICS OF THE LIVING BODY
This course is intended primarily for students in biology and psychology.
The course will introduce and describe from a physics perspective the many
physical processes involving living organisms. Study will include the human
body, with examples from other animals given for purposes of comparison.
Topics will include sound and hearing (including Fourier analysis and resonance),
light and vision (including microscopy), electrical pulses, electrocardiac
measurement, mechanics of body motion, scaling relations, fluid flow, feedback
relationships and thermodynamics.
Prereq: PHYS 1051 and MATH 1111; or permission of Department
Exclusion: PHYS 3521 (Biosensory Physics)
PHYS 3581 (3CR)
MEDICAL PHYSICS
This course is intended both for physics students who are
considering a career in medical physics or in the field of medicine,
and for students in other programs with similar interests. The course
will consider fundamental concepts of ionizing radiation, diagnostic
applications of medical physics, and therapeutic applications of medical
physics. Topics in the diagnostic area will include x-rays, computed
tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography,
nuclear medicine and ultrasound. Topics in the therapeutic area will
include radiation generators, absorbed dose calculations, dose measurement,
treatment planning, quality assurance and brachytherapy.
Prereq: PHYS 1051 and MATH 1111; PHYS 1551 or PHYS 3521 ; or permission of
Department
PHYS 3601 (3CR)
FLUID MECHANICS
The objective of this course is to develop an understanding of fluid properties.
Topics include: Fluid properties, static forces in fluids, kinematics and dynamics of
flow, Bernoulli's and momentum equations, dimensional analysis and similitude, and flow
through pipes.
Prereq: PHYS 1551 and MATH 1121; or permission of the Department.
PHYS 3701 (3CR)
THERMODYNAMICS
The objective of the course is to develop a clear and broad understanding of the
First and Second Law of Thermodynamics, with application to a wide range of problems.
Topics include: the general energy equation, First Law, Second Law, entropy,
limiting-cycle efficiencies, irreversibility and availability, steam power plant,
refrigeration and gas engine applications.
Prereq: PHYS 2801 and MATH 2111, or permission of the Department.
PHYS 3751 (3CR)
PHYSICS OF ENERGY PRODUCTION AND TRANSFER
The goal of this course is to teach aspects of energy harvesting,
storage and transmission with particular emphasis on the theory and
development of renewable energy resources. The specific technologies
considered will vary somewhat according to the interests of the class
but will normally include wind power, photovoltaic generation, other
forms of solar energy, nuclear fission and fusion energy generation,
hydroelectric, combustion based fuel generation, tidal energy and fuel
cells.
Prereq: CHEM 1021, PHYS 1551 and MATH 1121;
Prereq or coreq: PHYS 3701 or CHEM 2211; or permission of Department
PHYS 3811 (3CR)
MODERN PHYSICS
This course considers the two major revolutionary ideas of modern
physics, quantum mechanics and special relativity. Lorentz transformations,
length contraction and time dilation, relativistic mass and momentum are
considered, including the fourvector relativistic notation. Evidence for
quantization along with early models for atoms is then briefly examined
and De Broglie's hypothesis for the matter wave is discussed. The Schrodinger
equation and its solutions for some usual systems are the main topics of this
course. The course ends with a look at the three dimensional systems and a
discussion of angular momentum in quantum mechanics.
Prereq: PHYS 2251.
Coreq: PHYS 3101 and MATH 2121; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PHYS 3811- Quantum Waves
PHYS 3821 (3CR)
QUANTUM MECHANICS I
This course is an introduction to formal quantum mechanics: the matrix formulation,
harmonic oscillator, perturbation theory, two-state systems, multiparticle systems, and
an introduction to the general theory of angular momentum.
Prereq: PHYS 3811 and MATH 2221; or permission of the Department.
PHYS 4101 (3CR)
ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY
An advanced treatment of static and time-dependent electric and magnetic fields in
materials. Particular attention will be given to wave solutions of Maxwell's equations
for spatial dependent media such as wave guides.
Prereq: PHYS 2251 or MATH 2121; PHYS 3101; or permission of the Department.
PHYS 4201 (3CR)
SOLID STATE PHYSICS
A study is made of the various quantized models used to describe the thermal,
electrical, optical and electromagnetic properties of solids. Conductors, semi-conductors
and insulators are analysed.
Prereq: PHYS 3811; or permission of the Department.
PHYS 4311 (3CR)
MODERN OPTICS
This course provides an advanced treatment of a number of topics in
modern optics with particular emphasis on topics of industrial and research
importance. A brief treatment of geometric optics will concentrate on the
design of optical systems. Topics in physical optics may include dispersion
in materials, production and properties of polarized light, interference,
diffraction in the Fresnel and Fraunhofer limits, Fourier optics, holography
and an introduction to quantum optics. Applications of this theoretical
background will be made in such areas as fibre-optic transmission, photonic
devices, thin film coatings, and electrochromic devices. There will also
be some considerations of electro-optical devices such as lasers, charge
coupled device detectors, image intensifiers and photodiodes.
Prereq: PHYS 2251 and PHYS 2801 and PHYS 3101; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PHYS 4401
PHYS 4411 (3CR)
CLASSICAL MECHANICS AND RELATIVITY
This course will cover three-dimensional dynamics of both particles and rigid bodies
using various coordinate systems. The course focuses on an introduction to Lagrangian
and Hamiltonian formalisms, followed by application of these approaches to problems
in constrained motion. Other topics covered include motion in resistive fluids,
planetary orbits, motion in accelerated reference frames and the inertia tensor.
The latter part of the course will provide an introduction to general relativity
including spacetime invariants, metric and metric tensor, the field equations
and tests of general relativity.
Prereq: PHYS 3101, 3811 and MATH 2121; or permission of Department
Exclusion: PHYS 4701
PHYS 4831 (3CR)
QUANTUM MECHANICS II
The principles of quantum mechanics developed in Quantum Mechanics I (PHYS 3821)
are extended. Properties of continuous and discrete representations are compared.
Time-independent perturbation theory is developed for first order, second order, and
degenerate cases. Small perturbations are also treated through direct diagonalization of
large matrices. Central force problems, elements of scattering theory. And the addition
of quantized angular momenta are examined, then time-dependent perturbation theory is
introduced to describe transitions between stationary levels in a quantum system. The
course concludes with aspects of relativistic quantum mechanics, including the
Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations, and the evolution of spin from these equations.
Prereq: PHYS 3821; or permission of the Department.
PHYS 4841 (3CR)
ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
This is a course on the quantum mechanical theory of atomic and molecular
structure, and treats orbital and spin angular momentum, fine structure, Zeeman and Stark
effects, Lamb shift, molecular orbital theory and molecular spectra.
Prereq: PHYS 3821; or permission of the Department.
PHYS 4851 (3CR)
NUCLEI AND FUNDAMENTAL PARTICLES
This is an introductory course in nuclear theory and particle physics and discusses
nuclear energy levels and spectra, scattering experiments, symmetry and conservation
principles, quantum electrodynamics, and the weak and strong interactions.
Prereq: PHYS 3821; or permission of the Department.
PHYS 4911 (3CR)
CURRENT TOPICS IN PHYSICS
This course will introduce students to current topics and trends in
physics which are not represented in other courses in the curriculum. This
will be a seminar format course with sessions led by students, faculty and
guest speakers. A key part of the course will be development of skills for
identification and critical evaluation of primary literature in physics.
Prereq: PHYS 3811; or permission of Department
PHYS 4951 (3CR)
SPECIAL TOPICS
Students may select up to two three credit courses from topics to be approved by
the Department. This choice is normally available only to fourth year Physics
students.
PHYS 4990 (6CR)
HONOURS THESIS
Normally, a student electing this course is expected to accomplish work equivalent
to any fourth year course. Students are encouraged, but not required, to work on the
project in the Department during the summer immediately preceding the senior year. The
topic often involves experimental work, but must have a theoretical component.