Calendar
Home | Calendar Contents | Registrar's Office Home | Arts & Science Home
PhysicsOn this page: Introduction | Programs | See also: Faculty Members | Course Descriptions | Course Winter Timetable | 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 with great success to many occupations. The Specialist Program offers an intensive preparation for a career in Physics. By choosing 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 advanced optional courses. Optional courses are offered in Sub-Atomic Physics, Quantum Optics and Condensed Matter Physics, or Geophysics and Atmospheric Physics, reflecting the research excellence of the faculty. The Physics and Physiology Departments offer a 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. The Applied Physics program focuses more on subject matter that 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 Nortel Applied Physics Laboratory is an integral part of the Applied Physics program. A number of joint Physics Specialist programs are also offered in cooperation with the Departments of Astronomy, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environment, Geology, Mathematics, Philosophy, and Physiology. The Professional Experience Year program (“PEY”: see also page 17 and www.peyonline.com) is available to eligible, full-time Arts & Science 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 PHY341H1 and one of PHY342H1 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 Departmental website 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 consult the website before term begins. Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies): Professor D. Bailey, 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 site: http://www.physics.utoronto.ca Physics ProgramsEnrolment in the Physics programs requires completion of four courses; no minimum GPA is required. Students with a good grade in PHY110Y1 may apply to the Physics Undergraduate Office for permission to enter a Physics Program requiring PHY138Y1 or PHY140Y1. Applied Physics (Science program)Consult Professor D. Bailey, 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: Second Year: Third Year: Fourth Year: Note: Students intending to pursue a career in Industry are strongly urged to take advantage of the Professional Experience Year Program. Biophysics (Science program)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: Second Year: Second Year: Third Year: Fourth Year: NOTES: We strongly recommend you consider taking the research project PHY478H1/PSL 499H1. Physics (Science program)Consult Professor D. Bailey, Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies), Department of Physics. Specialist program: (13.0 full courses or their equivalent, including at least one full-course at the 400 level) First Year: Second Year: Third Year: Fourth Year: 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: PHY326H1, PHY426H1, PHY428H1, PHY429H1 Major programs:
Minor programs:
Earth Systems: Physics and Environment : see Centre for EnvironmentPhysics and Astronomy: see AstronomyPhysics and Chemistry: see Chemical Physics in the Chemistry sectionPhysics and Computer Science: see Computer SciencePhysics and Geology: see GeologyPhysics and Mathematics: see MathematicsPhysics and Philosophy (Science program)Consult Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies), Department of Physics or Philosophy. Specialist program: (16.0 full courses or their equivalent, including at least 2 full-course equivalents at the 400 level) First Year: Second Year: Third Year: Fourth Year: Any Year: Planetary Science: see Astronomy and Astrophysics
|