PhysicsOn this page: Introduction | Programs | See also: Faculty Members | Course Descriptions | Course Winter Timetable | Introduction |
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Physics forms the bedrock of our understanding of Nature. Any physical object or process, or even the structure of the whole universe itself, can be the subject of physics. Physicists study an extremely diverse array of systems, from the simplest subatomic particles to the most complex processes found in biological cells or in the Earth’s climate. Physics provides a comprehensive set of fundamental tools that can be brought to bear on many problems across a wide variety of fields. The student can choose between Specialist Programs in Physics or Physics combined with numerous other sciences, as well as Philosophy. In addition, the Physics Major and Minor programs give the student the option of mixing Physics with the nearly limitless array of science and non-science programs available across the University. As well, students have the opportunity to do original research and to undertake independent supervised studies for course credit. A program in physics has much to offer. Beyond the traditional careers of teaching and research, a knowledge of physics is a powerful asset for professions like Medicine or Law, or for careers involving the environmental, geological or biological sciences. An understanding of physics is essential for those who are concerned about how society is affected by the impact of climate change or advanced technology. The conceptual problem-solving tools one acquires as a physicist can be applied with great success to many occupations. The Physics Specialist Program offers intensive training in all aspects of physics. Courses can be selected in order to emphasize the experimental, theoretical or applied sides of physics. In fourth year, students intending to undertake graduate studies are encouraged to take advanced optional courses. These courses are offered in areas such as Relativity, High Energy Physics, Quantum Optics, Condensed Matter, Geophysics and Atmospheric Physics, reflecting the research excellence of the faculty. Specialist Programs in Biological Physics and Molecular Biophysics are offered that combine the analytical problem solving skills of the physicist with sound backgrounds in relevant biology and biochemistry. The interface between biology and physics lies at the forefront of the rapidly growing field of quantitative biology. The Professional Experience Year program (“PEY”: see also page 19 and www.peyonline.com) is available to eligible, full-time Arts & Science Specialist students after their second year of study. Physics students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to apply their scientific and mathematical skills in a 12-16 month professional internship. The Departmental web site gives detailed information on programs and courses, and describes the operation of the Department and the counseling services available. All students, most particularly those entering first year, are strongly urged to consult the web site before term begins. Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies):Professor S. W. Morris, 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) Physics ProgramsEnrolment in the Physics programs requires completion of four courses; no minimum GPA is required. Biological Physics (Science program)Consult Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies), Department of Physics or Physiology. The Biological Physics specialist program focuses on the physical principles that organize complex biological phenomena. How does diffusion limit the ability of cells to measure the concentration of chemicals? How do neurons transmit and process information? How does blood flow through a beating heart? In general, Biological Physics deals with problems at the interface of Physics, Biochemistry, and Systems Biology, and covers the full range of scales, from the molecular, to the cellular and the organismic. Students in this program will be trained to think rigorously and quantitatively about a wide range of interdisciplinary problems, and will be well prepared to work in a variety of fields such as medicine and biotechnology, and to undertake graduate work in the fast emerging field of Biological Physics. Specialist program: First Year: Second Year: Second Year: Third Year: Fourth Year: Molecular Biophysics (Science program)Consult Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies), Department of Physics, Biochemistry, or Chemistry. Molecular Biophysics is the application of physics and physical chemistry
to biological problems at the molecular level. Ideas, instrumentation
and computational models of physics and chemistry are used to understand the
molecules of life. What are the three-dimensional structures of these
molecules?
How do these structures change over time? How do molecules interact to
relay information? What are the forces that govern biomolecular interactions?
How
can we manipulate these molecules for the benefit of humankind? These
are some of the questions that molecular biophysicists attempt to address rigorously.
Of course many of the answers to these questions will have profound implications
for human health. The Molecular Biophysics Program combines mathematics,
physics, chemistry and biochemistry in an unusual and exciting opportunity
for undergraduates, including undergraduate research in some of the finest
laboratories in the world. Specialist program: (16.0 full courses of their equivalent, including at least one 400-series course) First Year (3.0 FCE): Physics (Science program)Consult Professor S. W. Morris, Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies), Department of Physics. The Physics Specialist Program offers rigorous training in the full
spectrum of core physics subfields, as well as their numerous important
applications.
Practical courses treat the experimental and computational aspects
and complement the lecture courses. Physics concerns many of the
ultimate questions in our
scientific understanding of the universe. What is the nature of matter
and energy at the smallest scales? What are the physical processes
that
govern
the Earth’s
climate? What is the nature of light and how can it be controlled? How
do the collective properties of solids emerge from those of individual
atoms? How do biological processes organize themselves to maintain their
survival? What is the structure and evolution of the Earth and the other
planets? How can quantum information be used for computation? Physics
seeks answers to these questions using a combination of theory, computation
and precision experiment, and the results find application across all
of science. Specialist program: First Year: Second Year: Third Year: Third Year: Fourth Year: Notes: 1. Students intending to pursue a career in Industry are encouraged to
take advantage of the Professional Experience Year Program. Major program (7.5 full courses or their equivalent, including at least 2.0 full-course equivalents at the 300+ level, with at least 0.5 full-course equivalents at the 400 level) A Physics Major program is appropriate for students interested in a more
flexible and diverse undergraduate physics program. A Physics Major
is an excellent counterpart for studies in other Mathematical, Physical,
Life, or Environmental Sciences, Archaeology, technological or science
based
business
or policy, education or teaching. First Year: Second Year: Third Year: Notes: Minor programs: A. ‘Core’ Minor (4 full courses or their equivalent) First Year: Second Year: Third Year: B. ‘Life, Environmental, and General’ Minor (4 full courses or their equivalent) First Year: Second Year: Third Year: 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. Physics has deep historical roots in natural philosophy and
many aspects of contemporary Physics raise profound philosophical
questions about
the nature of reality. The interdisciplinary Physics and
Philosophy Program allows the student to engage with both Physics and
Philosophy
at their
deepest levels,
and to more fully explore the connections between them. 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: Planetary Science: see Astronomy and Astrophysics |