PHYS 1001H - Introductory Physics I
PHYS 1002H - Introductory Physics II
PHYS-FRSC 1020H - Forensic Physics
PHYS 1060H - Physics for the Life Sciences
PHYS 1510H - Introductory Astronomy I
PHYS 1520H - Introductory Astronomy II
PHYS 2091H - Physical Science for Teacher Education - Light and Colour
PHYS 2093H - Physical Science for Teacher Education - Electricity and Motion
PHYS-MATH 2150H - Ordinary Differential Equations
PHYS-COIS 2250H - Electronics
PHYS-COIS 2310H - Computational Physics
PHYS 2610H - Introductory Quantum Physics
PHYS 2620H - Atomic, Molecular and Nuclear Physics
PHYS-MATH 3130H - Classical Mechanics
PHYS-MATH 3150H - Partial Differential Equations
PHYS-MATH 3160H - Methods of Applied Mathematics
PHYS-COIS 3200Y - Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS-BIOL 3510H - Astrobiology: Life in the Universe
PHYS 3610H - Foundations of Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 3900Y, 3910H - Reading Course
PHYS 4000Y, 4010H - Project Course
PHYS 4050H - Advanced Experimental Techniques
PHYS 4140H - Advanced Classical Mechanics
PHYS 4220H - Electromagnetic Theory
PHYS 4240H - Modern Optics
PHYS 4310H - Condensed Matter Physics
PHYS 4520H - Astrophysics: Galaxies & Cosmology
PHYS 4610H - Advanced Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 4700H - Statistical and Thermal Physics
PHYS 4900Y, 4901H - Reading Course
PHYS 1001H Introductory Physics I:
Kinematics, dynamics, translational and rotational motion, fluids, elasticity. Prerequisite: 4U Advanced Functions, or equivalent (see pg. 268 of Undergraduate Calendar) or permission of the department. Strongly recommended: 4U credits in Physics and Calculus and Vectors, and concurrent enrolment in first-year calculus. MATH 1100Y (110) or 1101Y is required for upper-level Physics courses. Excludes PHYS 1000Y (100) and PHYS – FRSC 1020H (102H).
Lectures: Three class meetings including tutorial fortnightly.
Laboratory: Three-hour laboratory weekly.
Instructor: B. Atkinson
Lab Co-ordinator: D. Marshall
PHYS 1002H Introductory Physics II:
Electricity, magnetism, optics, quantum physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 1001H or PHYS 1020H or permission of the department. Recommended: 4U credits in Physics, Advanced Functions, and Calculus and Vectors. Strongly recommended: concurrent enrolment in first-year calculus. MATH 1100Y (110) or 1101Y is required for upper-level Physics courses. Excludes PHYS 1000Y (100) and PHYS – FRSC 1030H (103H).
Lectures: Three class meetings including tutorial fortnightly.
Laboratory: Three-hour laboratory weekly.
Instructor: R. Wortis
Lab Co-ordinator: D. Marshall
PHYS-FRSC 1020H Forensic Physics:
Kinematics, dynamics, translational and rotational motion, fluids, elasticity, thermal physics. Prerequisite: 4U Calculus or Algebra, or equivalent (see pg. 268 of Undergraduate Calendar) or permission of the department. Recommended: 4U credits in Physics, Calculus and Algebra. Excludes PHYS 1000Y (100)(1001H) and PHYS – FRSC 102H
Lectures: Three class meetings including tutorial fortnightly.
Laboratory: Three-hour laboratory weekly.
Instructor: B. Atkinson
Lab Co-ordinator: D. Marshall
PHYS 1060H Physics for the Life Sciences:
The application of basic physical concepts to biological systems. Topics include forces and motion, energy and metabolism, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics. Recommended: 4U Math. Excludes PHYS 1000Y (100), 1001H, 1002H, PHYS – FRSC 1020H (102H), PHYS 1030H.
Lectures: Three class meetings including tutorial fortnightly.
Laboratory: Three-hour laboratory weekly.
Instructor: S. Armitage
Lab Co-ordinator: TBD
PHYS 1510H Introductory Astronomy I - Peterborough: (Fall)
PHYS 1510H Introductory Astronomy I - Durham: (Winter)
A general course accessible to all students. Topics include sky phenomena, the history of astronomy, telescopes and detectors, and an exploration of the Solar System. No prerequisite. Excludes PHYS 1500Y (150), Not to be counted towards a major in Physics.
Lectures: One lecture weekly plus periodic workshops for astronomical observations.
Instructor: D. Patton (Peterborough) , P. Dawson (Durham)
PHYS 1520H Introductory Astronomy II:
A general course accessible to all students. Topics include stars, their properties, structure, and evolution, white dwarfs, novae and supernovae, neutron stars, black holes, galaxies, and cosmology. Prerequisite: PHYS 1510H (1501H). Excludes PHYS 1500Y (150). Not to be counted towards a major in Physics.
Lectures: One lecture weekly plus periodic workshops for astronomical observations.
Instructor: D. Patton
PHYS 2091H Physical Science for Teacher Education - Light and Colour:
A survey course with a laboratory component intended for concurrent education students and others who are not majoring in a physical science or mathematics but who expect to go on to a career in teaching in elementary schools. Emphasis is placed on empirical results obtained through experiment and the construction of conceptual models. Not to be counted towards a major in Physics. Not open to students who have declared a Physics major (single or joint) or are concurrently registered in PHYS 1000Y (100). Normally open only to students who are in the Concurrent or Consecutive Education programs or who are pursuing the Emphasis in Teacher Education, but limited spaces may be available for non Teacher Education students (consult with department secretary). Excludes PHYS 209.
Lectures/Labs: Three hours weekly
Instructor: J. Beda
PHYS 2093H Physical Science for Teacher Education - Electricity and Motion:
Hands-on, lab course designed to meet the needs of future elementary school teachers. Primary topics will include simple circuit and circuit elements, static electricity, forces, pulleys, levers, and gears. Students will work with their classmates to investigate physical systems and develop their own models to explain how they work, and refine those models through guided activities and group and classroom discussions. Not open to students who have declared a Physics or Math major.
Lectures: Three hours weekly
Instructor: J. Beda
PHYS-MATH 2150H Ordinary Differential Equations:
First order equations; qualitative and numerical methods. Second order linear equations. Linear systems. Applications to physical and biological models. Laplace transforms. Prerequisite: 60% or higher in MATH 1120H or 1100Y or 1101Y. Recommended: MATH 1350H.
For more information visit the Mathematics Department.
PHYS-COIS 2250H Electronics:
(Offered in alternate years - offered in 2014-2015)
An applied course in the electronic circuits most commonly used in laboratory sciences. Circuit theory, test instruments, operational amplifiers, semiconductor theory, measurement sensors, power control, digital circuits, AC circuit theory, filters, DC power supplies, RC timing circuits, amplifiers, oscillators. Prerequisite: PHYS 1000Y (100) and MATH 1100Y (110) or 1101Y. Excludes PHYS 325H and PHYS – COSC 225H.
Lectures: Three class meetings weekly.
Laboratory: Three-hour laboratory weekly.
Instructor: A. Slepkov
Lab Co-ordinator: E. Stokan
PHYS-COIS 2310H Computational Physics:
(Offered in alternate years - NOT offered in 2016-2017)
Use of computational methods to solve a range of problems in physics which are not accessible to analytical treatment. Typical topics include the motion of real projectiles, planetary motion and chaos, electric fields, waves, and random systems. Prerequisite: PHYS 1000Y (100), MATH 1100Y (110) or 1101Y. Excludes PHYS – COSC 231H.
Lectures: Three lectures weekly.
Instructor: B. Atkinson
PHYS 2610H Introductory Quantum Physics:
Special relativity, particle-like aspects of radiation, atomic structure, wave-like properties of matter, Schrodinger equation and applications to one-dimensional systems. Prerequisite: PHYS 1001H and 1002H (1000Y or 100) and MATH 1100Y (110) or 1101Y. Pre- or co-requisite: PHYS – MATH 2150H (205H). Excludes PHYS 202H.
Instructor: P. Clancy
Lab Co-ordinator: D. Marshall
PHYS 2620H Atomic, Molecular and Nuclear Physics:
Quantum mechanics of one-electron atoms, magnetic dipole moments and spin, transitions and selection rules, identical particles, excited states of atoms, molecules, nuclear and particle physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 2610H (202H), PHYS – MATH 2150H (205H) and MATH 2110H (201H). Excludes PHYS 203H.
Laboratory: Three-hour laboratory weekly.
Instructor: P. Clancy
Lab Co-ordinator: D. Marshall
PHYS 2700H Thermal Physics:
The laws of thermodynamics and their applications, thermodynamic potentials, kinetic theory of gases, introduction to statistical thermodynamics. Prerequisite: PHYS 1001H and 1002H (1000Y or 100) and 2610H (202H) and MATH 2110H (201H). Excludes PHYS 270H.
Lectures: Two lectures weekly.
Instructor: P. Clancy
PHYS-MATH 3130H Classical Mechanics:
Particle motion in one dimension, resistive forces. Oscillatory motion; waves on a string, acoustic waves in gases, harmonic oscillator, damped, and damped, driven oscillators, resonance, Q-factor. Fourier Series. Particle motion in three dimensions, conservative forces and fields. Accelerated coordinate systems and inertial forces. Central forces, gravitation, Kepler’s Laws, spacecraft motion, stability of orbits. Prerequisites: MATH 1100Y (110) or 1101Y and PHYS 1001H/1002H (1000Y or 100). Pre- or co-requisite: MATH 2110H (201H), MATH 2150H. Excludes PHYS – MATH 313.
Lectures: Three class meetings and tutorial weekly.
Instructor: D. Patton
PHYS-MATH 3150H Partial Differential Equations:
The heat equation, wave equation, telegraph equation, Laplace equation, Poisson equation and Schrodinger equation, in one, two, and three dimensions, in Cartesian, Polar, and/or Spherical coordinates. Physical interpretations. Properties of harmonic functions. Classification of PDEs. Fourier theory: uniform, pointwise, and L2 convergence. Initial/boundary value problems: existence and uniqueness of solutions. Solutions to I/BVPs using orthogonal eigenfunction expansions. Solutions to I/BVPs using convolutional transforms. Prerequisite: 60% or higher in MATH 2150H and 2110H. Strongly recommended: MATH 1350H.
For more information visit the Mathematics Department.
PHYS-MATH 3160H Methods of Applied Mathematics:
Differential equations in applied mathematics, including Bessel, Legendre, hypergeometric, Laguerre, Hermite, Chebyshev, etc. Series and numerical solutions. Properties of the special functions arising from these equations. Prerequisite: 60% or higher in MATH-PHYS 2150H. Recommended: MATH 2200H.
For more information visit the Mathematics Department.
PHYS-COIS 3200Y Electricity and Magnetism:
Electrostatics, magnetostatics, electric and magnetic properties of matter, Maxwell’s equations, elec-tromagnetic wave propagation. Prerequisite: PHYS 1001H and 1002H (1000Y or 100), PHYS – MATH 2150H (205H), MATH 2110H (201H) and 2120H (202H). Excludes PHYS – COSC 321, 3210.
Laboratory: Laboratory or problem session weekly.
Instructor: R. Shiell (Fall), Patrick Clancy (Winter)
Lab Co-ordinator: tba
PHYS-BIOL 3510H Astrobiology: Life in the Universe:
An examination of prospects for extraterrestrial life, based on material from disciplines such as astro-physics, planetary science, molecular biology, paleobiology, chemistry and statistics. Topics include the Drake Equation in various guises, the Fermi-Hart Paradox, the effects on life-bearing worlds of giant meteoroid impacts, and the history of life on Earth. Prerequisite: PHYS 1510H and 1520H, or 1500Y (150), or permission of instructor. Not to be counted toward a major in Physics. Excludes PHYS 250, 251H.
Lectures: Three class meetings weekly.
Instructor: D. Patton
Lab-Cordinator: tba
PHYS 3610H Foundations of Quantum Mechanics:
This course builds on the modern physics and elementary quantum
mechanics introduced in the second year of the physics program. We begin with a discussion of the
postulates of quantum mechanics, followed by the formal solution of the time dependent
Schrödinger equation. Along the way, we develop the mathematics of Hilbert spaces, states,
operators, Dirac notation and matrix representation of quantum mechanics. The Schrödinger
equation is explicitly solved in various systems, mostly one-dimensional.Prerequisites:PHYS 2620H and PHYS-MATH 2150H. MATH 2350H is recommended.
Lectures: Two class meetings weekly.
Instructor: R. Wortis
PHYS 3900Y, 3910H Reading Course:
Designed to allow advanced students in Physics to pursue independent study under the direction of
departmental faculty. Available only in exceptional circumstances and with the approval of the department.
PHYS 4000Y/4010H Project Course:
An experimental or theoretical project on some topic of advanced physics or astronomy. Past projects have included construction of a laser, field emission electron microscopy, spectroscopic analysis of auto exhaust, atomic potential theory, wind turbine testing, surface physics, thermal conductivity. Projects are selected in consultation with members of the department, and potentially with the assistance of active professionals within the Peterborough community.
Prerequisite:An overall average of at least 77% in Physics and Mathematics.
Coordinator: D. Patton
PHYS 4000Y/4010H Application Form
PHYS 4050H Advanced Experimental Techniques:
This course instructs students in four techniques commonly found within research laboratories and industrial workplaces. These include: principal component analysis, microcontroller programming, analysis of control systems, and interferometry. Students work in small groups and complete a report and individual interview for each lab, and a group presentation on one lab.
Pre-requisite: PHYS-COIS 2250H Electronics
Lectures: One weekly three-hour-meeting.
Instructor: R. Shiell
PHYS 4140H Advanced Classical Mechanics:
This course concerns the study of applied mathematics as found in the
classical mechanics of particles, rigid bodies, and continuous media. Topics to be covered include:
Lagrangian mechanics, Hamiltonian mechanics, dynamics of systems of particles, motion of rigid
bodies, and dynamics of oscillating systems. Prerequisites: MATH 2110H, MATH-PHYS 2150H, and PHYS-MATH 3130H. Excludes PHYS-MATH 3140H.
Lectures: Three class meetings weekly.
Instructor: P. Clancy
PHYS 4220H Electromagnetic Theory:
Maxwell’s equations, the interactions of electromagnetic fields with matter, the relativistic formula-tion of electromagnetism and its applications. Prerequisite: PHYS – COIS 3200Y (3210 or PHYS – COSC 321), PHYS – MATH 3150H (305H). Excludes PHYS 420, 421H.
Lectures: Three class meetings weekly.
Instructor: B. Atkinson
PHYS 4240H Modern Optics:
(Offered in alternate years - offered in 2016-2017)
Properties of light: polarization, interference, coherence and diffraction. Interaction of light with matter: Einstein coefficients and quantum-mechanical treatment of matter. Laser operation and applications: absorption, gain and saturation; three and four-level laser systems; longitudinal and transverse modes; specific laser systems. Concepts in modern quantum optics. Pre- or co-requisite: PHYS 2620H (203H), PHYS – COIS 3200Y, (3210 or PHYS – COSC 321), PHYS – MATH 3150H (305H). Excludes PHYS 424H.
Lectures: Three class meetings weekly.
Instructor: A. Slepkov
PHYS 4310H Condensed Matter Physics:
(Offered in alternate years - NOT offered in 2016-2017)
Crystallography, crystal binding, lattice vibrations and thermal properties of solids, band theory, electron transport, semiconductors, magnetism. Prerequisite: PHYS 2700H (270H), 2620H (203H). Pre- or co-requisite: PHYS – COIS 3200Y (3210 or PHYS – COSC 321), PHYS – MATH 3150H (305H). Excludes PHYS 430, 431H.
Lectures: Two class meetings weekly.
Instructor: R. Wortis
PHYS 4520H Astrophysics: Galaxies & Cosmology:
(Offered in alternate years -NOT offered in 2016-2017)
An introduction to modern astrophysics, which applies the principles of physics to the study of gal-axies and cosmology. Topics include the Milky Way galaxy, the nature of galaxies, galaxy evolution, the structure of the universe, active galactic nuclei and quasars, cosmology, and the early universe. Prerequisite: PHYS 2620H (203H). Pre- or co-requisite: PHYS – MATH 3130H (313H) and PHYS – MATH 3150H (305H). Strongly recommended: PHYS 1510H and PHYS 1520H (or 1500Y or 150).
Lectures: Three class meetings weekly.
Instructor: D. Patton
PHYS 4610H Advanced Quantum Mechanics:
Advanced topics in quantum mechanics. Spherically symmetric potentials, theory of angular momentum,
perturbation theory, selected special topics. Prerequisite: PHYS 3610H and MATH 3150H. Recommended: MATH 2350H. Excludes PHYS 4600Y.
Lectures: Two class meetings weekly.
Instructor: E. Stokan
PHYS 4700H Statistical and Thermal Physics:
The statistical meaning of entropy and temperature; microcanonical, canonical, and grand canon- ical ensembles; derivation of distributions for distinguishable and indistinguishable particles and applications; additional topics may include advanced methods in classical statistical mechanics, an introduction to phase transitions, and cryogenics. Prerequisite: PHYS 2620H (203H), 2700H (270H), MATH 2110H (201H). Pre- or co-requisite: PHYS – MATH 3150H (305H). Excludes PHYS 430, 470H.
Lectures: Two class meetings weekly.
Instructor: B. Atkinson
PHYS 4000Y, 4010H Project Course:
An experimental or theoretical project on some topic of advanced physics. Past projects have included frequency control of a laser, astrophysics, surface physics, high temperature super-con-ductivity, etc. Projects are selected in consultation with members of the department; students must obtain approval for the project on the form provided, by the preceding March. An overall average of at least 77% in Physics and Mathematics will normally be required. Excludes PHYS 460, 462H.
Students may take only one of PHYS 4000Y or 4010H for credit.
PHYS 4900Y, 4901H Reading Course:
Courses designed to allow advanced students in Physics to pursue independent study under the direction of departmental faculty. These courses will be available only in exceptional circumstances, and with the approval of the department.