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Introduction

Physics is the study of natural phenomena at the most fundamental level. Physicists investigate the properties of the states of matter and the structure and behaviour of the components of matter. The gravitational, electromagnetic and nuclear interactions are examined and different systems of mechanics including classical, relativistic, quantum and statistical, are developed to describe interactions between systems ranging from sub-atomic to galactic in size.

A program in physics has much to offer you. Besides traditional careers in teaching and research, knowledge of Physics is a powerful tool for a career in the Environmental or Life Sciences. An understanding of Physics is essential for those who are concerned about how society is affected by the impact of modern technology. The conceptual tools one acquires as a physicist can be applied to many occupations.

The Specialist Program offers an intensive preparation for a career in Physics. By choosing ones courses from the wide variety offered, one can emphasize experimental, theoretical or even applied sides of physics. In fourth year, students intending to undertake graduate studies are encouraged to take an Option or part of an Option. Options are offered in Quantum Optics and Condensed Matter Physics, Sub-Atomic Physics and Planetary Physics, reflecting the research excellence of the faculty.

The Physics and Physiology Departments have just introduced a new biophysics program. This program is intended to combine the analytical problem solving skills of the physicist with a sound background in relevant biology. If you have an interest in biophysics please contact the Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies.

We have recently introduced a new program in Applied Physics which focuses more on subject matter which will help one in an industrial career. As part of this program, students are encouraged to take advantage of the Professional Experience Year program. The recently funded Nortel Applied Physics Laboratory is an integral part of the Applied Physics program.

The Professional Experience Year program ("PEY": see also Page 22) is available to eligible, full-time Specialist students after their second year of study.

Early Teacher Project: The purpose of the Early Teacher Project is to encourage the best physical and mathematical sciences students to pursue careers as mathematics and science teachers in Ontario secondary schools. It has been developed in cooperation with OISE/UT, University of Toronto. To participate students must continue to be registered in a Physics Specialist program (consult with coordinator) and participate in an orientation session in second year. Subsequently, these students will work with experienced teachers in classrooms of primary/secondary schools in the third and fourth years. There will also be a workshop/seminar component organized jointly by University of Toronto at Scarborough and OISE/UT. Completion of the Early Teacher Project requires completion of PHY 341H and one of PHY 342H or PSCD 03S (at Scarborough). These courses may have to be chosen as electives since they are not required in all our programs.

Successful completion of the Early Teacher Project, together with a Physics related Specialist program with a 2.5 GPA standing in the best fifteen FCEs will guarantee admission to OISE/UT for at least 30 students each year. The Early Teacher Project is administered at Scarborough through the coordinator for the ETP, Professor Charles Dyer (287-7206). The ETP is being offered to St. George students for the first time this year. We encourage you to give this career option serious consideration. See the ETP web page www.scar.utoronto.ca/~dyer/ETP/ for futher details.

The Department produces an Undergraduate Brochure which gives detailed information on programs and courses, and describes the operation of the Department and the counselling services available. All students, most particularly those entering first year, are strongly urged to pick up a copy from the Department Office before term begins.

Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies):

Professor B. Statt, Room 328, McLennan Physical Laboratories (978-6674);

E-mail address: ugchair@physics.utoronto.ca

Enquiries:

Undergraduate Office, Room 301, McLennan Physical Laboratories (978-7057/5219)

Web Page:

http://www.physics.utoronto.ca

PHYSICS PROGRAMS

Enrolment in the Physics programs requires completion of four courses; no minimum GPA is required.

APPLIED PHYSICS (Hon.B.Sc.)
Consult Professor B. Statt, Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies), Department of Physics.

Specialist program:
(13.5 full courses or their equivalent, including at least one 400-series course)

First Year:
MAT 135Y/137Y, 223H; PHY 140Y

Second Year:
MAT 235Y/237Y, 244H; PHY 225H, 251H, 252H, 255H, 256H

Third Year:
APM 346H; MAT 334H; PHY 351H, 352H, 355H

Fourth Year:

1. PHY 459H, 478H
2. In addition, students are required in their 3rd/4th year to take 2.0 courses in practical physics from:
PHY 305-308H; 406-408H; 325Y/326H; 425Y/426H; 495H/496H; and
3. An equivalent of 1.5 courses selected from one of the following streams:
Condensed Matter Physics and Quantum Optics: PHY 353H, 485H, 487H
Atmospheric Physics: PHY 315H, 497H, 498H, 499H
Geophysics: JGP 438H, PHY 359H, 493H, 494H
NOTE: Students intending to pursue a career in Industry are strongly urged to take advantage of the Professional Experience Year Program.

BIOPHYSICS (Hon.B.Sc.)
Consult Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies), Department of Physics or Physiology.

Specialist program:
(15.5 full courses or their equivalent, including at least one 400-series course)

First Year:
BIO 150Y; CHM 137Y/(138H, 139H)/151Y; MAT 135Y/137Y; PHY 138Y/140Y (PHY 140Y recommended)

Second Year:
BCH 210H; BIO 250Y; CHM 247H; MAT 235Y/237Y, 244H; PHY 251H

First or Second Year:
MAT 223H

Third Year:
JBO 302Y; PHY 225H, 252H, 255H, 256H, 346H, 351H

Fourth Year:
JLM 349H; PHY 355H, 407H; PSL 303Y, 432H
NOTE: We strongly recommend you consider taking the research project PHY 478H/PSL 499H

PHYSICS (B.Sc.)
Consult Professor B. Statt, Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies), Department of Physics.

Specialist program (Hon.B.Sc.):
(12.5 full courses or their equivalent, including at least one 400-series course)

First Year:
MAT 137Y/157Y, 223H; PHY 140Y

Second Year:
MAT 237Y, 244H; PHY 225H, 251H, 252H, 255H, 256H

Third Year:
APM 346H; MAT 334H; PHY 351H, 352H, 353H, 355H, 357H/358H/359H

Fourth Year:
PHY 457H, 459H/460H
NOTE: Third/Fourth Year Laboratories:
All specialists must take a minimum of 1.5 courses in practical physics in third/fourth year. One half-course must be in the Advanced Physics Laboratory.
Advanced Physics Laboratory: PHY 325Y/326H, 425Y/426H
Electronics Laboratory: PHY 305H, 406H
Computational Laboratory: PHY 307H/308H/309H/407H/408H/409H
Medical Imaging: PHY 445H

Major programs (B.Sc.):

A. ‘CORE’ MAJOR (7.5 full courses or their equivalent)

First Year:
MAT 137Y, 223H; PHY 140Y

Second Year:

1. MAT 237Y, PHY 225H
2. Three of: PHY 251H, 252H, 255H, 256H

Third Year:

1. MAT 244H; PHY 305H/307H/308H/309H/326H
2. Two of: PHY 351H, 352H, 353H, 355H, 357H, 358H, 359H
B. ‘GENERAL’ MAJOR (7 full courses or their equivalent)
NOTE: This program is intended for students in the Life Sciences

First Year:
MAT 135Y/137Y; PHY 138Y/140Y

Second Year:
MAT 235Y/237Y; PHY 225H, 238Y/(251H, 255H)

Third Year:

1. MAT 244H, PHY 256H, 305H/307H/308H/309H/326H
2. One full course equivalent from: JPA 305H, JGP 438H, PHY 315H, 346H, 445H

Minor programs (B.Sc.):

A. ‘CORE’ MINOR (4 full courses or their equivalent)

First Year:
PHY 140Y

Second Year:

1. PHY 225H
2. Three of: PHY 251H, 252H, 255H, 256H

Third Year:

1. PHY 305H/307H/308H/309H/326H
2. One of PHY 351H, 352H, 355H
B. ‘LIFE AND ENVIRONMENTAL’ MINOR (4 full courses or their equivalent)

First Year:
MAT 135Y/137Y; PHY 138Y/140Y

Second Year:
ENV 235Y/JPU 200Y/PHY 238Y

Third Year:
One full course equivalent from: BOT 323H; JPA 305H/310H; JGP 438H; PHY 315H, 346H

EARTH SYSTEMS: PHYSICS AND ENVIRONMENT — See DIVISION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY — See ASTRONOMY

PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY — See CHEMICAL PHYSICS

PHYSICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE — See COMPUTER SCIENCE

PHYSICS AND GEOLOGY — See GEOLOGY

PHYSICS AND MATHEMATICS — See MATHEMATICS

PLANETARY SCIENCE — See ASTRONOMY