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Home | Calendar Contents | Registrar's Office Home | Arts & Science Home Physics CoursesFor Distribution Requirement purposes, all PHY courses are classified as SCIENCE courses. Note Books listed in course descriptions will not necessarily be the texts
for the course, but do indicate the level of presentation. More detailed and
current information on courses is available through the Physics Department
website. Pre- and co-requisites are recommendations which may be waived
in special circumstances - students should consult the Department prior
to the
beginning of term. |
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SCI199H1/Y1 Undergraduate seminar that focuses on specific ideas, questions, phenomena or controversies, taught by a regular Faculty member deeply engaged in the discipline. Open only to newly admitted first year students. It may serve as a distribution requirement course; see page 45. PHY100H1 In 1915 Einstein presented a quartet of papers that revolutionized our understanding of gravity. He commented: “Hardly anyone who has truly understood this theory will be able to resist being captivated by its magic.” The General Theory of Relativity is not the only theory of physics that is magical, and Einstein was not physics’ only magician. We uncover the wonders of the classical and the quantum world courtesy of Galileo, Newton, Maxwell, Einstein, Heisenberg and others. Topics include planetary motion, chaos, the nature of light, time travel, black holes, matter waves, Schrödinger’s cat, and quarks. No mathematics is required, and any necessary elementary classical physics is reviewed. PHY101H1 The universe is not a rigid clockwork, but neither is it formless and random. Instead, it is filled with highly organized, evolved structures that have somehow emerged from simple rules of physics. Examples range from the structure of galaxies to the pattern of ripples on windblown sand, to biological and even social processes. These phenomena exist in spite of the universal tendency towards disorder. How is this possible? Self-organization challenges the usual reductionistic scientific method, and begs the question of whether we can ever really understand or predict truly complex systems. First Year Laboratory Taken by all students enrolled in PHY110Y1 and PHY138Y1.
An introductory course in experimentation, starting with selected experiments,
which each student is obliged to complete, but from there on, offering
choices. Emphasis is on the general principles of experimentation: planning,
use of
instruments, error estimation, data analysis and comparison with theory,
the keeping of complete records, and genuine exploratory work. Laboratories
are given in alternate weeks; students taking Physics, Chemistry or Biology
laboratories may schedule these on the same afternoon of alternate weeks. PHY110Y1 Designed for students who do not intend to take more than one course in Physics, but who wish to acquire a working knowledge of basic physics needed in other areas of science. The course is offered at a level similar to Grade 12 or old OAC Physics. Students in other disciplines who wish some exposure to the methods and excitement of modern physics should consider either PHY100H1, PHY201H1, or PHY205H1. (See “NOTE” after PHY100H1 giving description of laboratory.) PHY138Y1 This course is recommended strongly for students following a life science program. This course introduces topics in physics relevant for life sciences. Mechanics; torque and statics; work, power and energy; viscous forces; vibrations and waves; sound; optics; electric and magnetic forces and fields; dielectric and conductors; nuclear medicine; dose from radiation; nuclear physics. (See “NOTE” after PHY100H1 giving description of laboratory.) PHY140Y1 The first physics course in many of the Specialist and Major Programs in Physical Sciences. It provides an introduction to the concepts, approaches and tools the physicist uses to describe the physical world while laying the foundation for classical and modern mechanics. Topics include: the motion of single particles and rigid, extended bodies (Newtonian Mechanics); the concepts of force, work, and energy; simple harmonic motion; planetary motion, gravitation; black holes; special relativity; an introduction to elementary particle physics; electrostatics; the breakdown of Newtonian mechanics in the microscopic world; atomic and nuclear physics; an introduction to Quantum Mechanics, wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle. Students take the Physics Specialist Laboratory in alternating weeks. The first component consists of dynamics and mechanics experiments in our computer based laboratory. The second component consists of a free choice experiments chosen from a list of basic experimental techniques, standard and classic experiments. PHY189H1 A limited enrollment seminar course for First Year Science students interested in current research in Physics. Students will meet active researchers studying the universe from the centre of the earth to the edge of the cosmos. Topics may range from string theory to experimental biological physics, from climate change to quantum computing, from superconductivity to earthquakes. The course may involve both individual and group work, essays and oral presentations. 200-SERIES COURSESNote All 200-series PHY courses except PHY201H1 and PHY205H1 require
a 100-series MAT prerequisite. See Co-requisite entries under 100-series PHY courses above. PHY201H1 A conceptual overview of some the most interesting advances in physics and the intellectual background in which they occurred. The interrelationship of the actual practice of physics and its cultural and intellectual context is emphasized. PHY205H1 An introduction to the physics of everyday life. This conceptual course looks at everyday objects to learn about the basis for our modern technological world. Topics may include anything from automobiles to weather. PHY225H1 The 2nd year Physics Laboratory. Topics including experimental techniques, instrumentation, and data analysis are introduced through experiments, complementary lectures, and library research to some of the great experiments of physics. ENV235Y1 See “Centre for Environment” The formation and evolution of Earth as a planet in the Solar System:
origin of the elements, composition of planets, mantle-core differentiation,
tectonics, geologic change and time scales. The biosphere: i.e., the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and crust: operation as a physicochemical system, atmospheric composition and roles of major and minor constituents, ocean/atmosphere energy budgets, circulations and couplings; climate, glaciation. The effects of human intervention and natural processes: e.g., groundwater quality, atmospheric change, volcanic activity. Given by the Departments of Physics and Chemistry. PHY238Y1 Electromagnetism; biological effects of radiation; physical optics; macroscopic phenomena; heat engines and metabolism. Examples are taken, where applicable, from the life sciences. PHY251H1 Point charges; Coulomb’s Law; electrostatic field and potential; Gauss’ Law; conductors; electrostatic energy; magnetostatistics; Ampere’s Law; magnetostatic energy; Lorentz Force; Faraday’s Law; dielectric and magnetic materials; Maxwell’s equations. PHY252H1 The quantum statistical basis of macroscopic systems; definition of entropy in terms of the number of accessible states of a many particle system leading to simple expressions for absolute temperature, the canonical distribution, and the laws of thermodynamics. Specific effects of quantum statistics at high densities and low temperatures. PHY255H1 Complex notation; free, damped and forced harmonic oscillations; resonance; AC circuits; coupled oscillators; normal modes; travelling waves; simple harmonic wave; wave equation; wave impedance; transverse and longitudinal waves; flow of energy in waves; reflection and transmission at interfaces; group and phase velocity; Fourier series and Fourier transforms. PHY256H1 Failures of classical physics; the Quantum revolution; Stern-Gerlach effect; harmonic oscillator; uncertainty principle; interference packets; scattering and tunnelling in one-dimension. PHY299Y1 Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. See page 45 for details. 300-SERIES COURSESNote Students taking 300-series courses are invited to attend the Thursday
afternoon Department colloquia. JBO302Y1 Principles of Human Physiology with tutorials on the biophysical concepts applied to physiological processes. Restricted to students enrolled in the Biophysics and Physiology (Theoretical) programs. JPA305H1 Introduction to methods for remote sensing of buried archaeological remains, (magnetics, resistivity, electromagnetics), dating (Carbon 14, TL, ESR, etc.) and analysis (X-Ray, INAA) of ancient materials. Application of methods and interpretation of results in archaeological contexts. Issues of art and authenticity are also addressed. Course includes a laboratory component. (Not offered every year) (Given by the Departments of Physics and Anthropology) JPA310H1 Introduction to the principles behind archaeometric methods for remote sensing, dating, and analysis of archaeological materials, and interpretation of results. Course includes both field and in-house laboratory components. Offered in conjunction with JPA305H1. (Not offered every year) (Given by the Departments of Physics and Anthropology) PHY305H1 The laboratory functions as an integrated lecture course/laboratory program. Passive linear circuits: theorems, networks, and equivalents; meters, transient and steady responses, power, transformers, transmission lines. Digital devices: gates logic, Boolean algebra, minimization, flip-flops, counters, delays. Op-amps: dependent sources, amplifiers, integrators, feedback, slew rate, filters. Diodes: peak detector, rectification, regulators. Noise: sources, grounding, shielding, ground loops. Transistors: characteristics, analysis, amplifier design. Note Computational Laboratory: Students may select one or more modules from PHY307H1/PHY308H1/PHY309H1 below.
The laboratory functions as an integrated lecture course/laboratory program.
Students taking a second module can receive a 4th year credit (see listings
for PHY407H1/PHY408H1/PHY409H1). PHY307H1 Problem solving with computers, using both algebraic and numerical methods. After a brief introduction to the basic techniques, various physics problems are treated with increasingly more sophisticated techniques. Examples include the physical pendulum, heat equation, quantum mechanics, Monte Carlo simulation, differential equation, and graphical presentation of results. PHY308H1 The analysis of digital sequences; filters; the Fourier Transform; windows; truncation effects; aliasing; auto and cross-correlation; stochastic processes, power spectra; least squares filtering; application to real data series and experimental design. PHY309H1 Classic quantum mechanics problems are explored using Maple computer algebra and graphics. These include bound state and scattering problems in 1D, angular momentum and spin, commutator algebra, scattering in 3D and time dependent processes. General techniques for computer-aided problem solving are developed. PHY315H1 The role of radiation in the generation, maintenance and evolution of planetary atmospheres and climate: Radiation laws, absorption and emission. Simple radiative exchange processes and atmospheric models. Energy balance. Radiation and climatic change. Comparative radiation studies in planetary atmospheres. Pollution and man-made effects. PHY326H1 Experiments in this course are designed to form a bridge to current experimental research. A wide range of exciting experiments relevant to modern research in physics is available. The laboratory is open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. PHY341H1 Complex nature of the scientific method; inter-connection between theory, concepts and experimental data; characteristics of premature, pathological and pseudo-science; public perception and misperception of the scientific method; the supposed end of the Golden Era of Science; the insufficiency of reductionism; trends in modern science. (Offered in alternate years with PHY342H1) PHY342H1 Topics of current prominence in the physical sciences and mathematics are discussed. Topics change each year as the sciences evolve. Appropriate topics might include: high-temperature superconductivity, cosmology, chaos and non-linear dynamics. (Offered in alternate years with PHY341H1) PHY346H1 Molecular structure of biological systems: bonds, orbitals, molecular excitation and energy transfer, theory of absolute reaction rate, formation of biomacromolecules. Energetics and dynamics of biological systems: state functions, entropy and stability, thermodynamic basis of biochemical reactions, analysis of fluxes, electric fields in cells and organisms. The kinetics of biological systems: problems and approaches of system and compartmental analysis, models of biochemical reactions and some complex biological processes. PHY351H1 Symmetry and conservation laws, stability and instability, generalized co-ordinates, Hamilton’s principle, Hamilton’s equations, phase space, Liouville’s theorem, canonical transformations, Poisson brackets, Noether’s theorem. PHY352H1 Review of vector & tensor calculus, transformation properties of vectors & tensors, electrostatics, basic formulae of magnetostatics, electrodynamics (Maxwell’s Equations), gauge transformations of scalar & vector potentials, retarded potentials, Liénard-Wiechert potentials, radiation, special theory of relativity, relativistic mechanics and relativistic electrodynamics. PHY353H1 Review of Maxwell’s equations; electric fields in matter; magnetic fields in matter; electromotive force; electromagnetic induction; electromagnetic waves in vacuum; waves in dielectric and conductive materials, skin effect; waves in dispersive media: polarization phenomena; Fresnel equations; reflection and refraction from an interface; Brewster angle, total internal reflection; interference, coherence effects; interferometers; Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction; waveguides, optical fibres, radiation. PHY355H1 The general structure of wave mechanics; eigenfunctions and eigenvalues; operators; orbital angular momentum; spherical harmonics; central potential; separation of variables; hydrogen atom; Dirac notation; operator methods; harmonic oscillator and spin. PHY357H1 The subatomic particles; nuclei, baryons and mesons, quarks, leptons and bosons; the structure of nuclei and hadronic matter; symmetries and conservation laws; fundamental forces and interactions, electromagnetic, weak, and strong; a selection of other topics, CP violation, nuclear models, standard model, proton decay, supergravity, nuclear and particle astrophysics. This course is not a Prerequisite for any PHY 400-level course. PHY358H1 Quantum theory of atoms, molecules, and solids; variational principle and perturbation theory; hydrogen and helium atoms; exchange and correlation energies; multielectron atoms; simple molecules; bonding and antibonding orbitals; rotation and vibration of molecules; crystal binding; electron in a periodic potential; reciprocal lattice; Bloch’s theorem; nearly-free electron model; Kronig-Penney model; energy bands; metals, semiconductors, and insulators; Fermi surfaces. This course is not a Prerequisite for any PHY 400-level course. PHY359H1 Designed for students interested in the physics of the Earth and the planets. Study of the Earth as a unified dynamic system; determination of major internal divisions in the planet; development and evolution of the Earth’s large scale surface features through plate tectonics; the age and thermal history of the planet; Earth’s gravitational field and the concept of isostasy; mantle rheology and convection; Earth tides; geodetic measurement techniques, in particular modern space-based techniques. PHY371Y1/372H1 An individual study program chosen by the student with the advice of, and under the direction of, a staff member. A student may take advantage of this course either to specialize further in a field of interest or to explore interdisciplinary fields not available in the regular syllabus. PHY398H0/399Y0 An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. See page 45 for details.
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Reference: Knight, Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 1st edition (Pearson)
+ Notes