Physics Department

An algebra-based introduction to physics focusing on mechanics. Topics include vectors; Newton’s Laws; static equilibrium of point and extended bodies; kinematics and dynamics in 1 and 2 dimensions; gravity; momentum and energy conservation; work; rotational dynamics; and fluids. Applications to biology, human physiology, and medical technology will be emphasized. Recommended for students in the life or health sciences. Students expecting to take additional physics courses above the 100-level should take PHYS 121. Credit will be granted for only one of PHYS 101, 121, 100, or 120. Three credits and lab.

An algebra-based introduction to physics focusing on periodic motion, waves, and electricity. Topics include a review of mechanics based on periodic motion; wave motion and standing waves; electric charge, field, potential, and circuits; the electromagnetic spectrum; optics; and thermodynamics. Applications to biology, human physiology, and medical technology will be emphasized. Recommended for students in the life or health sciences. Previous physics experience would be an asset but is not required. May only count as a science A course for advanced major and honours students in physics with permission of the Chair. Credit will be granted for only one of PHYS 102 or PHYS 100. Three credits and lab.

A calculus-based introduction to physics focusing on mechanics. Topics include Newton’s Laws; static equilibrium; kinematics and dynamics in 1 and 2 dimensions; momentum and energy conservation; work; and rotational dynamics. Recommended for those considering further study in any of the physical sciences, computer science, engineering, and mathematics. MATH 106 or 121 should be taken concurrently. Credit will be granted for only one of PHYS 121, 101, 100, or 120. Three credits and lab.

A calculus-based introduction to physics focusing on electricity and magnetism. Topics include simple harmonic motion; electric charge, force, field, and potential; Gauss’s Law; simple electric circuits; magnetism, magnetic forces and fields; electromagnetic induction and Faraday’s Law. Recommended for those considering further study in any of the physical sciences, computer science, engineering, and mathematics. MATH 107 or 122 should be taken concurrently. Credit will be granted for only one of PHYS 122 or PHYS 120. Prerequisite: PHYS 121; or PHYS 101 with permission of instructor. Three credits and lab.

This course provides an introduction to astronomy for students who have no background in mathematics or science. Topics include observing the night sky with and without optical aid, the development of astronomy and related sciences, time and calendars, the evolution of the solar system, sun, planets, comets, and meteors. Observing sessions will be arranged. This course is intended for non-science students, but may be taken by science students as an elective. PHYS 271 is recommended for science students. Credit will be granted for only one of PHYS 171 or PHYS 271. Three credits.

This course provides an introduction to astronomy for students who have no background in mathematics or science. Topics include stellar systems, galaxies, quasars, black holes, dark matter, dark energy, cosmology, cosmogony and life in the universe. Observing sessions will be arranged. This course is intended for non-science students, but may be taken by science students as an elective. PHYS 272 is recommended for science students. Credit will be granted for only one of PHYS 172 or PHYS 272. Three credits.

Topics include Einstein’s special relativity; wave description of matter; early atomic quantum theory; introduction to nuclear and particle physics; Schrödinger’s quantum mechanics. Prerequisite: PHYS 122; MATH 107 or 127 or ENGR 122/MATH 122. Three credits and lab.

Many technological devices, such as GPS and computer chips, function thanks to quantum physics and relativity. Interestingly however, observations in these fields defy common ideas about basic concepts like time or space. This course provides a conceptual introduction to modern physics and its applications for students from all faculties. Explanations are based on diagrams and basic geometry. Topics include warp drive, black holes, gravitational waves, quantum teleportation, entanglement, “mind-control”, and quantum computers. Three credits.

Topics include introductory concepts; resistive networks; response to linear circuits with energy storage; exponential excitation functions; steady-state AC circuits; analysis; network analysis; systems. Cross-listed as ENGR 237. Prerequisites: ENGR 221/MATH 221 concurrent; PHYS 121, 122. Three credits and lab.

This hands-on, practical course introduces digital electronics with applications to computer hardware and micro-computer peripherals. Topics include the families of digital electronic technology; combinational and sequential logic; digital device characteristics; micro-computer interfacing; data acquisition; instrument control; data transmission. Labs provide an opportunity to design and test practical digital devices. Cross-listed as ENGR 238. Prerequisites: PHYS 121, 122. Three credits and lab.

An introduction to complex numbers, treatment of experimental uncertainties, ordinary differential equations, partial differential operators, partial differential equations and Fourier series for dealing with the physics of oscillating systems and waves. Simple, damped, forced, and coupled oscillators are treated in detail. The one-dimensional wave equation is derived and solved. Fourier series are introduced in order to satisfy the initial conditions. Prerequisites: PHYS 122; MATH 107 or 127) or ENGR 122/MATH 122. Three credits.

The course covers conservative systems and potential energy; non-inertial frames; multi-particle systems; calculus of variations; Lagrangian mechanics; the connection between symmetries and conservation laws; central force problems; orbital mechanics; coupled oscillators and normal modes; Hamilton’s equations of motion. Prerequisites: PHYS 122; MATH 107 or 127 or ENGR 122/MATH 122. Three credits.

Covers advanced circuit analysis techniques, starting with sinusoidal excitation. Topics include grounding and harmonics; symmetrical components and dealing with unbalanced networks; real and reactive power flow; balanced three-phase circuits for power distribution; phasors and complex impedance. Mutual inductance and magnetically coupled coils are used to introduce transformer behaviour and performance. Cross-listed as ENGR 246. Prerequisites: CSCI 161; ENGR 237 or PHYS 221. Three credits and three-hour lab.

The course examines the fundamental principles of medical imaging (radiography, CT, ultrasound, MRI, emission tomography, etc.). The basic physical concepts behind the interactions of light with matter, the production of X-rays and radioactivity will be introduced. Technical parameters important to all forms of diagnostic imaging such as image quality and data processing will be addressed. Credit will be granted for only one of PHYS 250 or PHYS 297(2019-2020). Three credits.

This course provides a quantitative and more detailed treatment of the topics covered in PHYS 172. These topics include stellar evolution, supernovae, quasars, pulsars, neutron stars, black holes, the universe, our galaxy, and cosmology. Observing sessions will be arranged. Credit will be granted for only one of PHYS 272 or PHYS 172. Prerequisites: PHYS 101 or 121; MATH 107 or 127; PHYS 122 recommended. Three credits.

This course is an introduction to the very broad topic of materials science from a physics perspective. Topics include continuum mechanics and elasticity, fluid mechanics, classical thermodynamic treatment of phase transitions, electronic structure of atoms, bonding, crystallography, electrochemistry, magnetic solids and electrical conductivity. Prerequisites: PHYS 201, 241. Three credits and lab.

This course presents a comprehensive study of electrostatics in the presence of conductors and dielectrics. Particular attention is paid to developing and solving the differential equations that describe the electric field and scalar potential. Topics include vector fields; Coulomb’s Law; Gauss’s Law; Poisson’s/Laplace’s equation; Green’s function; multipole expansion; method of images; polarization of materials; the displacement field; introduction to magnetostatics. Prerequisites: PHYS 122; MATH 267 or ENGR 222/MATH 222; PHYS 241 or MATH 361. Three credits.

This course introduces the statistical nature of physical systems from an energetic perspective. Topics covered: laws of thermodynamics; ideal gases and Einstein solids; entropy and its relation with temperature, pressure, and chemical potential; engines and refrigerators; Helmholtz and Gibbs free energy; chemical thermodynamics; Boltzmann statistics; partition functions; Maxwell distribution; Gibbs factors and quantum statistics; Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distributions; degenerate electron gases; blackbody radiation and Planck’s distribution; Debye theory of solids. Prerequisites: PHYS 242; CSCI 161 or ENGR 144. Three credits and lab.

The topic for 2023-2024 is General Relativity (GR). This course will cover the basics of GR: fundamentals of differential geometry, metric, geodesics, experimental tests of GR, black holes, cosmic expansion, gravitational waves, warped space-time, Einstein equation, Prerequisites: PHYS 241 or MATH/ENGR 221 or MATH 367; MATH 267 or MATH/ENGR 222. Three credits.

This course, a continuation of PHYS 322, covers magnetic fields in magnetic and non-magnetic materials, electromagnetic induction, the electric and magnetic fields of moving electric charges; Maxwell’s equations; and the propagation and radiation of electromagnetic waves in various media. Prerequisites: PHYS 322; ENGR 221/MATH 221 or MATH 367. Three credits.

This advanced course explores thermodynamics and its relationship to statistical mechanics. Topics include review of the thermodynamic postulates and conditions for equilibrium; extensive and intensive quantities; entropic and energetic formulations; Euler equation and Gibbs-Duhem relation; Legendre-transformed representations; response functions and Maxwell relations; stability; first-order phase transitions; van der Waals fluid; critical point and second-order phase transitions; Ising model of magnetic systems; connection to statistical mechanics through numerical models. Prerequisite: PHYS 344. Three credits and lab.

Students will prepare and present a proposal for a thesis, describing a project of original research they intend to perform under the supervision of a faculty member. Required for honours students with physics as science A. Three credits.

All students in the fourth year of a physics program are required to attend department seminars as scheduled. No credit.

Students will prepare and present a complete thesis based on original research they have performed under the supervision of a faculty member. Required for honours students with physics as science A. Three credits.

Students will prepare and present a report based on a project they have performed under the supervision of a faculty member. Required for advanced major students. No credit.