Physics Courses

Key to Course Descriptions

For 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.

| Course Winter Timetable |


SCI199H1/Y1
First Year Seminar        52S

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 47.


PHY100H1
The Magic of Physics        26L, 13T

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.
Exclusion: PHY110Y1/138Y/140Y taken previously or concurrently
PHY100H1 is primarily intended as a Science Distribution Requirement course for students in the Humanities and Social Sciences.


PHY101H1
Emergence in Nature 26L, 13T

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.
Exclusion: PHY110Y1/138Y/140Y taken previously or concurrently
PHY101H1 is primarily intended as a Science Distribution Requirement course for students in the Humanities and Social Sciences.




Note

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
Basic Physics        78L, 39P, 26T

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 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.)
Reference: Cutnell, Physics 7th edition (Wiley)
Exclusion: Senior (e.g. SPH4U) high school Physics or equivalent taken within the previous 5 years, PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1. Note: Students will be required to withdraw from PHY110Y1 at any time if they are found to have senior high school Physics (see“Exclusions” on Page 35).
Prerequisite: Grade 12 “4U” Mathematics (Some calculus recommended or MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1
Co-requisite: Students intending to take any higher level Physics course are expected to take at least MAT135Y1.


PHY138Y1
Physics for the Life Sciences I 52L, 39P, 26T

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.)
Reference: Knight, Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 1st edition (Pearson) + Notes
Exclusion: PHY110Y1/140Y1
Prerequisite: MCB4U Functions & Calculus and SPH4U Physics
Co-requisite: MAT135Y1/137Y1/157Y1


PHY140Y1
Foundations of Physics 78L, 39P, 26T

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.
Reference: Knight, Physics for Scientists and Engineers 1st edition (Pearson)
Exclusion: PHY110Y1/138Y1
Prerequisite: MCB4U Functions & Calculus and SPH4U Physics
Co-requisite: MAT137Y1/157Y1, (MAT223H1/240H1 recommended)



PHY189H1
Physics at the Cutting Edge 39L

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.
Co-requisite: PHY138Y1/140Y1

Note

Exceptional first year students, for example those who have scored very high on the Canadian Association of Physics High School Exam, may be allowed direct enrollment in Physics Second Year Courses. Contact the Physics Undergraduate Office.


200-SERIES COURSES

Note

All 200-series PHY courses except PHY201H1 and PHY205H1 require MAT135Y1/137Y1/157Y1.

PHY201H1
Concepts of Physics 26L, 13T

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.
PHY201H1 is primarily intended as a Science Distribution Requirement course for students in the Humanities and Social Sciences.


PHY205H1
The Physics of Everyday Life        26L, 13T

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.

Exclusion: PHY110Y1/PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1 taken previously or concurrently
PHY205H1 is primarily intended as a Science Distribution Requirement course for students in the Humanities and Social Sciences.


JOP210H1
Holography for 3D Visualization        26L, 58P

An introduction to the theory and practice of holography. Human perception & 3D visualization; fundamentals of 3D modeling; ray and wave optics; interference, diffraction, coherence; transmission and reflection holograms; color perception; stereograms. Applications of holography in art, medicine, and technology. Computer simulation, design, and construction of holograms.
Prerequisite: PHY110Y1/PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1/180H1/MIE100H1


PHY225H1
Fundamental Physics Laboratory        26L, 78P

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.
Prerequisite: PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1
Co-requisite: PHY238Y1/PHY251H1/PHY252H1/PHY255H1/PHY256H1


ENV235Y1
Physics and Chemistry of Planet Earth       52L

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.
Prerequisite: (CHM138H1, CHM139H1)/CHM151Y1; MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1/JMB170Y1; PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1


PHY238Y1
Physics for the Life Sciences II        78L, 26T

Electromagnetism; biological effects of radiation; physical optics; macroscopic phenomena; heat engines and metabolism. Examples are taken, where applicable, from the life sciences.

Exclusion: PHY251H1
Prerequisite: (PHY110Y1, MAT135Y1)/PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1
Recommended preparation: BIO150Y1/a CHM100-series course
Co-requisite: None, but students taking any higher level Physics course are expected to have at least MAT235Y1


PHY251H1
Electricity and Magnetism        26L, 13T

Point charges; Coulomb’s Law; electrostatic field and potential; Gauss’ Law; conductors; electrostatic energy; magnetostatics; Ampere’s Law; magnetostatic energy; Lorentz Force; Faraday’s Law; dielectric and magnetic materials; Maxwell’s equations.

Exclusion: PHY238Y1
Prerequisite: PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1
Co-requisite: MAT235Y1/MAT237Y1/MAT257Y1


PHY252H1
Thermal Physics        26L, 13T

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.
Reference: Kittel and Kroemer, Thermal Physics
Prerequisite: PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1
Co-requisite: MAT235Y1/MAT237Y1/MAT257Y1


PHY255H1
Oscillations and Waves        26L, 13T

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.
Prerequisite: PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1
Co-requisite: MAT235Y1/MAT237Y1/MAT257Y1 (MAT244H1 recommended)


PHY256H1
Introduction to Quantum Physics        39L, 13T

Failures of classical physics; the Quantum revolution; Stern-Gerlach effect; harmonic oscillator; uncertainty principle; interference packets; scattering and tunnelling in one-dimension.
Prerequisite: PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1
Co-requisite: MAT235Y1/MAT237Y1/MAT257Y1 (MAT223H1/MAT240H1 recommended)


PHY299Y1
Research Opportunity Program

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. See page 47 for details.


300-SERIES COURSES

Note

Students taking 300-series courses are invited to attend the Thursday afternoon Department colloquia.

JBO302Y1
Human Physiology and Biophysics        78L, 14T

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.

Exclusion: PSL201Y1, PSL302Y1
Prerequisite: BIO150Y1; CHM138H1; MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1; PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1


JPA305H1
Introduction to Archaeometry        26L, 13P

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)
Reference: Aitken, Physics and Archaeology; Tite, Methods of Physical Examination in Archaeology; Fleming, Dating in Archaeology


JPA310H1
Physics and Archaeometry        26L, 13P

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)
Prerequisite: Any 1st-year Physics course or permission of instructor
Co-requisite: JPA305H1


PHY305H1
Electronics Lab I        26L, 39P

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.
Prerequisite: PHY225H1, PHY251H1, PHY255H1


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
Introduction to Computational Physics        13L, 39P

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.

Exclusion: PHY407H1
Co-requisite: Any third-year lecture course in Physics


PHY308H1
Times Series Analysis        13L, 26P

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.

Exclusion: PHY408H1
Co-requisite: Any third-year lecture course in Physics


PHY309H1
Quantum Methods Using Computer Algebra        26L, 26P

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.

Exclusion: PHY409H1
Co-requisite: Any third-year lecture course in Physics


PHY315H1
Radiation in Planetary Atmospheres        26L

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.
Prerequisite: PHY238Y1/PHY251H1; MAT235Y1/MAT237Y1


PHY326H1
Advanced Physics Laboratory        150P

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.
Prerequisite: PHY225H1, PHY251H1, PHY256H1


PHY341H1
Physical Science in Contemporary Society        26L

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)
Prerequisite: must be registered in Early Teacher Project or Physics program


PHY342H1
Current Questions in Mathematics and Science       26L

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)
Prerequisite: must be registered in Early Teacher Project or Physics program


PHY346H1
Intermediate Biophysics        26L, 13T

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.
Prerequisite: MAT235Y1/MAT237Y1/MAT257Y1; PHY238Y1/PHY251H1


PHY351H1
Classical Mechanics        26L, 13T

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.
Prerequisite: MAT244H1/MAT267H1; PHY255H1


PHY352H1
Electromagnetic Theory        26L, 13T

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.
Prerequisite: MAT223H1/MAT240H1/MAT244H1; PHY251H1, PHY255H1


PHY353H1
Electromagnetic Waves        26L, 13T

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.
Prerequisite: PHY352H1


PHY355H1
Quantum Mechanics I         26L, 13T

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.

Exclusion: CHM326H1
Prerequisite: MAT223H1/MAT240H1/MAT244H1; PHY251H1, PHY256H1/CHM225Y1


PHY357H1
Nuclear and Particle Physics        26L, 13T

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.
Prerequisite: PHY355H1


PHY358H1
Atoms, Molecules and Solids        26L, 13T

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.
Prerequisite: PHY355H1


PHY359H1
Physics of the Earth        26L, 13T

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.
Prerequisite: PHY140Y1/PHY255H1, MAT235Y1/MAT237Y1, MAT244 (Or permission of instructor)


PHY371Y1/372H1
Supervised Reading in Physics        TBA

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.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department


PHY398H0/399Y0
Independent Experiential Study Project

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. See page 47 for details.




400-SERIES COURSES

Note

A program including one or more of PHY 470-472, PHY 478-479, or PHY 480-499 must be endorsed by the Department. Students taking 400-series courses are invited to attend Thursday afternoon Department colloquia.

JPA400Y1
Advanced Physics and   Archaeology      156P

An introduction to research in archaeometry and archaeological prospecting. Possible projects: magnetic and resistivity surveying of archaeological sites; thermoluminescence measurements; neutron activation analysis and x-ray fluorescence analysis of artifacts; radiocarbon dating by atom counting; lead isotope analysis. (Offered only occasionally by the Departments of Physics and Anthropology)
Prerequisite: JPA310H1


PHY407H1
Introduction to Computational Physics        13L, 39P

For course description see PHY307H1.

Exclusion: PHY307H1
Prerequisite: PHY308H1/PHY309H1 or enrollment in Biophysics program


PHY408H1
Times Series Analysis        13L, 26P

For course description see PHY308H1.

Exclusion: PHY308H1
Prerequisite: PHY307H1/PHY309H1


PHY409H1
Quantum Methods Using Computer Algebra        26L, 26P

For course description see PHY309H1.

Exclusion: PHY309H1
Prerequisite: PHY307H1/PHY308H1


PHY426H1
Advanced Physics Laboratory II        150P

Prerequisite: PHY326H1


PHY428H1
Advanced Physics Laboratory III        150P

Prerequisite: PHY426H1/325Y1


PHY429H1
Advanced Physics Laboratory IV        150P

Experiments in these advanced laboratory courses are designed to form a bridge to current experimental research. A wide range of experiments relevant to modern research in physics is available. Thse lcourses are a continuation of PHY326, but students have more freedom to progressively focus on specific areas of physics or to do extended experiments or projects. The lab is open from 9:00am. - 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Prerequisite: PHY428H1


JGP438H1
Shallow Crust Geophysics        26L, 52P

An introduction to the geophysical exploration of the subsurface. Topics covered include gravity, seismic, magnetic, electrical and electromagnetic surveying and their application in prospecting, hydrogeology, and environmental assessments. This course is intended primarily for geological engineering and geology students.

Exclusion: PHY496H1
Prerequisite: GLG306H1; MAT223H1/MAT235Y1; PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1 or permission of instructor


PHY445H1
Medical Imaging        26L, 20P, 13T

The mathematical, physical and engineering basis for medical imaging is introduced by combining the mathematical description of linear systems with the physics of imaging systems utilizing x-rays, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance techniques. The combination of mathematics and physics that has lead to the development of modern medical imaging systems is emphasized. Data for problem sets and labs will be processed using MATLAB software. Students not in a physics specialist program should consult the lecturer about the recommended background
See Course Website at http://www.ecf.utoronto.ca/apsc/courses/BME595f for textbook and references
Prerequisite: MAT244H1/APM346H1; MAT235Y1/MAT237Y1; PHY238Y1/PHY251H1
Recommended preparation: PHY307H1/PHY308H1


PHY457H1
Quantum Mechanics II        26L, 13T

Quantum dynamics in Heisenberg and Schrödinger Pictures; WKB approximation; Variational Method; Time-Independent Perturbation Theory; Spin; Addition of Angular Momentum; Time-Dependent Perturbation Theory; Scattering.
Prerequisite: PHY355H1


PHY459H1
Macroscopic Physics        26L, 13T

Thermal equilibrium and temperature; the three laws of thermodynamics; entropy and free energy, phases and phase transitions; Fluid dynamics; the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations; vorticity, waves; stability and instability; turbulence.
Prerequisite: PHY252H1, PHY351H1


PHY460H1
Nonlinear Physics        26L

Nonlinear oscillator; nonlinear differential equations and fixed point analysis; stability and bifurcation; Fourier spectrum; Poincare sections; attractors and aperiodic attractors; KAM theorem; logistic maps and chaos; characterization of chaotic attractors; Benard-Rayleigh convection; Lorenz system.
Prerequisite: PHY351H1


PHY471Y1/472H1
Supervised Reading in Physics        TBA

These self-study courses are similar to PHY371Y1/372H1, at a higher level.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department


PHY478H1/479Y1
Undergraduate Research Project        TBA

An introduction to research in Physics. For further information contact the Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department




FOURTH-YEAR OPTIONAL ADVANCED PHYSICS COURSES

Note

The Department of Physics offers senior undergraduate students a set of specialized optional courses. NONE of these courses are required to complete a Specialist Program in Physics but taking several of these courses is recommended strongly to students wishing to pursue graduate studies.

Note

Most Advanced Courses are offered every year, but some are not. Please check the Physics Department website for current offerings. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they have adequate preparation for any of the Advanced courses. Please contact the course instructor or the Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies for more information.

PHY480H1
Basic Statistical Mechanics        26L

Classical and quantum statistical mechanics of noninteracting systems; the statistical basis of thermodynamics; ensembles, partition function; thermodynamic equilibrium; stability and fluctuations; formulation of quantum statistics; theory of simple gases; ideal Bose and Fermi systems.


PHY483H1
Relativity Theory I        26L

Basis to Einstein’s theory: differential geometry, tensor analysis, gravitational physics leading to General Relativity. Theory starting from solutions of Schwarzschild, Kerr, etc.


PHY484H1
Relativity Theory II        26L

Applications of General Relativity to Astrophysics and Cosmology. Introduction to black holes, large-scale structure of the universe.


PHY485H1
Modern Optics        26L

Basic optics, diffraction theory, Gaussian beams, laser resonators, semiclassical laser theory and ultrafast pulse generation. Selected reviews from the range of modern areas of research, e.g. laser cooling, photonic bandgap stru ctures, extreme optics, quantum information, and other topics.
Prerequisite: PHY353H1, PHY355H1


PHY487H1
Condensed Matter Physics        26L

Introduction to the concepts used in the modern treatment of solids. The student is assumed to be familiar with elementary quantum mechanics. Topics include: crystal structure, the reciprocal lattice, crystal binding, the free electron model, electrons in periodic potential, lattice vibrations, electrons and holes, semiconductors, metals.


PHY489H1
Introduction to High Energy Physics        26L

This course surveys the experimental basis and theoretical framework of the “Standard Model” of Particle Physics and its possible extensions. Topics include the standard electroweak model, scattering and parton distributions, strong interactions and quantum chromodynamics.


PHY491H1
Current Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics        26L, 13T

Review of conventional, textbook quantum mechanics. Formal measurement theory and wave function collapse; quantum states and nonseparability, violation of local causality, Bell theorems, “quantum tricks”, decoherence and the emergence of classical behaviour. Hidden variables, deBroglie-Bohm theory and generalizations, many-worlds interpretation and other theories of “beables”. Consistent histories approach of Omnes and Gell-Mann and Hartle; nature of “True” and “Reliable” statements.
Prerequisite: PHY457H1


PHY493H1
Geophysical Imaging I        26L

This course covers wavefield and ray approximation methods for imaging the interior of the Earth (including hydrocarbon reservoirs and mineral deposits) using seismology.


PHY494H1
Geophysical Imaging II        26L

How to investigate Earth structure at depths ranging from metres to tens of kilometres using gravity, magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic and nuclear geophysical methods. Current methodologies and the theoretical basis for them are presented.


PHY495H1
Experimental Global Geophysics        26L

This course deals with the numerical analysis of data associated with space geodesy, earthquake seismology, geomagnetism and palaeomagnetism, isotope geochronology, as well as numerical simulations of a wide variety of geodynamic processes (e.g. mantle convection, post-glacial rebound, Earth tides).
Co-requisite: PHY359H1


PHY496H1
Experimental Applied Geophysics        39P

A laboratory course (with introductory lectures) dealing with physical methods for exploring Earth structure; i.e., seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic, and nuclear methods. It is designed to give “hands on” experience with the techniques of geophysical data analysis as well as data acquisition.

Exclusion: JGP438H1
Co-requisite: PHY493H1/PHY494H1


PHY498H1
Advanced Atmospheric Physics        26L

A preparatory course for research in experimental and theoretical atmospheric physics. Content will vary from year to year. Themes may include techniques for remote sensing of the Earth’s atmosphere and surface; theoretical atmosphere-ocean dynamics; the physics of clouds, precipitation, and convection in the Earth’s atmosphere.