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 ariety 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 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 21) 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 341H1 and one of PHY 342H1 or PSCD03S (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 (416-287-7206). The ETP is now being offered to St. George students. We encourage you to give this career option serious consideration. See the ETP web page www.scar.utoronto.ca/~dyer/ETP/ for further 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. The contents of the brochure is also available on the Department's web site.

Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies):

Professor B. Statt, Room 328, McLennan Physical Laboratories (416-978-6674);

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

Enquiries:

Undergraduate Office, Room 301, McLennan Physical Laboratories (416-978-7057/5219)

Web Page:

http://www.physics.utoronto.ca

PHYSICS PROGRAMS

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 135Y1/137Y1, 223H1; PHY 140Y1

Second Year:

MAT 235Y1/237Y1, 244H1; PHY 225H1, 251H1, 252H1, 255H1, 256H1

Third Year:

APM 346H1; MAT 334H1; PHY 351H1, 352H1, 355H1

Fourth Year:



1. PHY 459H1, 478H1

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 353H1, 485H1, 487H1
Atmospheric Physics: PHY 315H1, 353H1, 499H1
Geophysics: JGP 438H1, PHY 359H1, 493H1, 494H1

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 150Y1; CHM (138H1, 139H1)/151Y1; MAT 135Y1/137Y1; PHY 138Y1/140Y1 (PHY 140Y1 recommended)

Second Year:

BCH 210H1; BIO 250Y1; CHM 247H1; MAT 235Y1/237Y1, 244H1; PHY 251H1

First or Second Year:

MAT 223H1

Third Year:

JBO 302Y1; PHY 225H1, 252H1, 255H1, 256H1, 346H1, 351H1

Fourth Year:

JLM 349H1; PHY 355H1, 407H1; PSL 303Y1, 432H1

NOTE: We strongly recommend you consider taking the research project PHY 478H1/PSL 499H1

PHYSICS (B.Sc.)

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

Specialist program (Hon.B.Sc.):

(13.0 full courses or their equivalent, including at least one 400-series course)

First Year:

MAT 137Y1/157Y1, 223H1; PHY 140Y1

Second Year:

MAT 237Y1, 244H1; PHY 225H1, 251H1, 252H1, 255H1, 256H1

Third Year:

APM 346H1; MAT 334H1; PHY 351H1, 352H1, 353H1, 355H1, 357H1/358H1/359H1

Fourth Year:

PHY 457H1; two of 459H/460H/480H

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 325Y1/326H1, 425Y1/426H1

Electronics Laboratory: PHY 305H1, 406H1

Computational Laboratory: PHY 307H1/308H1/309H1/407H1/408H1/409H1

Medical Imaging: PHY 445H1

Major programs (B.Sc.):



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

First Year:

MAT 137Y1, 223H1; PHY 140Y1

Second Year:



1. MAT 237Y1, PHY 225H1

2. Three of: PHY 251H1, 252H1, 255H1, 256H1

Third Year:



1. MAT 244H1; PHY 305H1/307H1/308H1/309H1/326H1

2. Two of: PHY 351H1, 352H1, 353H1, 355H1, 357H1, 358H1, 359H1

B. ‘GENERAL’ MAJOR (7 full courses or their equivalent)

NOTE: This program is intended for students in the Life Sciences

First Year:

MAT 135Y1/137Y1; PHY 138Y1/140Y1

Second Year:

MAT 235Y1/237Y1; PHY 225H1, 238Y1/(251H1, 255H1)

Third Year:



1. MAT 244H1, PHY 256H1, 305H1/307H1/308H1/309H1/326H1

2. One full course equivalent from: JPA 305H1, JGP 438H1, PHY 315H1, 346H1, 445H1

Minor programs (B.Sc.):



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

First Year:

PHY 140Y1

Second Year:



1. PHY 225H1

2. Three of: PHY 251H1, 252H1, 255H1, 256H1

Third Year:



1. PHY 305H1/307H1/308H1/309H1/326H1

2. One of PHY 351H1, 352H1, 355H1

B. ‘LIFE AND ENVIRONMENTAL’ MINOR (4 full courses or their equivalent)

First Year:

MAT 135Y1/137Y1; PHY 138Y1/140Y1

Second Year:

ENV 235Y1/JPU 200Y1/PHY 238Y1

Third Year:

One full course equivalent from: BIO 472H1; JPA 305H1/310H1; JGP 438H1; PHY 315H1, 346H1

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