Faculty of Arts & Science 2011-2012 Calendar

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Physics

Faculty

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.

Students 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 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)

Web site: http://www.physics.utoronto.ca

Physics Programs

Enrolment in the Physics programs requires completion of four courses.

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

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.

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

First Year (3.5 FCE):
BIO130H1; (CHM138H1, CHM139H1)/CHM151Y1; (MAT135H1, MAT136H1)/MAT137Y1;
(PHY131H1, PHY132H1)/ (PHY151H1, PHY152H1) 
((PHY151H1, PHY152H1) recommended)

First or Second Year (0.5 FCE):
MAT223H1

Second Year: (3.5 FCE)
BCH210H1; BIO230H1; CHM247H1; MAT235Y1/MAT237Y1, MAT244H1; PHY250H1

Third Year: (4.0 FCE)
PSL300H1, PSL301H1; PHY224H1, PHY252H1, PHY254H1, PHY256H1, PHY354H1, PHY431H1

Fourth Year: (2.5 FCE)
PSL304H1/PSL305H1, PSL432H1, PSL350H1/BCH311H1; PHY350H1/PHY356H1/PHY357H1/PHY358H1/PHY385H1, PHY324H1/PHY407H1/PHY408H1

NOTES: We strongly recommend you consider taking the research project PHY478H1/PSL499H1.

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

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.

(16.0 full courses of their equivalent, including at least one 400-series course)

First Year (3.0 FCE):
(CHM138H1, CHM139H1)/CHM151Y1; (MAT135H1, MAT136H1)/MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1; PHY151H1/PHY131H1, PHY152H1/PHY132H1; (CHM151Y1, PHY151H1, PHY152H1 recommended)

First or second year (0.5 FCE):
MAT223H1/MAT240H1

Second Year (3.5 FCE):
BCH210H1; (CHM220H1, CHM221H1)/CHM225Y1; MAT235Y1/MAT237Y1; PHY250H1, PHY252H1

Second or Third Year (2.0 FCE):
MAT244H1; PHY224H1, PHY254H1; CHM247H1/CHM249H1

Third Year (3.0 FCE):
BCH335H1/BCH311H1, BCH340H1; CHM326H1/PHY356H1, CHM327H1, PHY350H1, PHY431H1

Third or Fourth Year (0.5 FCE):
APM346H1

Fourth Year (3.5 FCE)
BCH427H1; CHM328H1, CHM423H1/PHY456H1; PHY407H1/PHY324H1, PHY354H1, BCH473Y1/PHY479Y1/CHM499Y1

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

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.

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

Consult Professor S. W. Morris, Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies), Department of Physics.

First Year: (2.5 FCE)
(MAT135H1, MAT136H1)/MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1, MAT223H1/MAT240H1; (PHY151H1, PHY152H1)/(PHY131H1, PHY132H1)
(MAT137Y1, MAT223H1, (PHY151H1, PHY152H1) recommended) .

Second Year : (4.0 FCE)
MAT237Y1/MAT257Y1/MAT235Y1, MAT244H1/MAT267H1; PHY224H1, PHY250H1, PHY252H1, PHY254H1, PHY256H1
(MAT237Y1, MAT244H1 recommended)

Second or Third Year: (0.5 FCE)
PHY324H1

Third Year: (3.0 FCE)
APM346H1; MAT334H1; PHY350H1, PHY354H1, PHY356H1, PHY3/4XXH1

Third or Fourth Year: (3.0 FCE)
1. PHY424H1;
2. two of (PHY450H1, PHY452H1, PHY456H1, (PHY454H1/PHY460H1));
3. one of (PHY3/4XXH1/JGP438H1/JPH441H1);
4. one of (PHY405H1/PHY407H1/PHY408H1/PHY426H1);
5. plus one PHY4XXH1

Notes:

1. Students intending to pursue a career in Industry are encouraged to take advantage of the Professional Experience Year Program.
2. Students who do not include JPH441H1 as part of their program are expected to take another Arts & Science course with a significant emphasis on “Ethics and Social Responsibility”.

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

(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 may be tailored to be a natural counterpart to a second Major in mathematics, astronomy, computer science, environmental science, geology or the life sciences.  Students should consult the undergraduate chairs of Physics and the respective departments for advice on course selections.

First Year: (2.0 FCE)
(MAT135H1, MAT136H1)/MAT137Y1; (PHY131H1, PHY132H1)/ (PHY151H1, PHY152H1)

Second Year: (3.0 FCE)
1. MAT235Y1/MAT237Y1, MAT223H1; PHY224H1
2. One full course equivalent from (PHY231H1, PHY331H1), PHY250H1, PHY252H1, PHY254H1, PHY256H1, ENV235H1

Third Year: (2.5 FCE)
1. MAT244H1, PHY324H1/PHY405H1/PHY407H1/PHY408H1/PHY424H1
2. One full course equivalent from: any PHY300+ courses, including JPA305H1
3. A half course from: any PHY400+ level course, including JPA405H1, JGP438H1, JPH441H1

Notes:
1. The Physics Major program is not designed primarily for students intending to pursue graduate studies in Physics.  Such students should consider a Specialist degree, or consult the Physics Undergraduate Chair about their course selections.
2. Students who do not include JPH441H as part of their program are expected to take another Arts & Science course with a significant emphasis on “Ethics and Social Responsibility”.

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

(4.0 full courses or their equivalent)

First Year: (1.0 FCE)
PHY151H1, PHY152H1

Second Year: (2.0 FCE)
1. PHY224H1
2. Three of: PHY250H1, PHY252H1, PHY254H1, PHY256H1

Third Year: (1.0 FCE)
1. PHY324H1
2. One of PHY354H1, PHY350H1, PHY356H1

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

Basic understanding of physics for students focusing their academic studies in Life Sciences and/or the Environment. Consult Physics Undergraduate Office, Room MP301 (416-978-7057/416-978-6674)

(4 full courses or their equivalent)

First Year: (2.0 FCE)
(MAT135H1, MAT136H1)/MAT137Y1; (PHY131H1, PHY132H1)/(PHY151H1, PHY152H1)

Second Year: (1.0 FCE)
Any other 1.0 full course equivalent from PHY courses at the 200+ level, including ENV235H1

Third Year: (1.0 FCE)
One full course equivalent from: Any 300 or 400 level PHY course, BIO472H1, JPA305H1, JPA405H1/JPA310H1; JGP438H1; BME595H1; PSL454H1

Physics and Astronomy: see Astronomy

Physics and Chemistry: see Chemical Physics in the Chemistry section

Geophysics: see Geology

Physics and Mathematics: see Mathematics

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

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.

(16.0 full courses or their equivalent, including at least 2 full-course equivalents at the 400 level)

First Year: (3.5 FCE)
PHY151H1, PHY152H1; MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1; MAT223H1; PHL100Y1

Second Year: (3.5 FCE)
MAT237Y1; MAT244H1; PHY250H1, PHY254H1, PHY256H1; HPS250H1

Third Year: (2.5 FCE)
MAT334H1; PHY252H1; PHY354H1; PHY350H1; PHY356H1

Fourth Year: (1.5 FCE)
PHY456H1; PHY483H1/PHY452H1; PHY491H1

Any Year: (5.0 FCE)
PHL245H1; PHL345H1/PHL347H1/PHL348H1/PHL349H1; PHL355H1; PHL356H1; PHL415H1/PHL482H1,
plus 2.5 additional PHL courses, including at least 0.5 at the 300+ level

Physics Courses

More detailed and current information on courses is available through the Physics Department web site. Many course numbers have changed in recent years: check the course descriptions and exclusions below for course equivalencies. Pre- and co-requisites are recommendations which may be waived in special circumstances. Students should consult the Physics Undergraduate Chair with questions about pre- and co-requisites prior to the beginning of term.

The 199Y1 and 199H1 seminars are designed to provide the opportunity to work closely with an instructor in a class of no more than twenty-four students. These interactive seminars are intended to stimulate the students’ curiosity and provide an opportunity to get to know a member of the professorial staff in a seminar environment during the first year of study. Details here.

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, Schrdingers cat, and quarks. No mathematics is required, and any necessary elementary classical physics is reviewed.

(PHY100H1 is primarily intended as a Breadth Requirement course for students in the Humanities and Social Science)

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.

PHY101H1 is primarily intended as a Breadth Requirement course for students in the Humanities and Social Sciences

A first university physics course primarily for students not intending to pursue a Specialist or Major program in Physical or Mathematical Sciences. Topics include: classical kinematics & dynamics, momentum, energy, force, friction, work, power, angular momentum, oscillations, fluids, viscosity.

The second university physics course primarily for students not intending to pursue a Specialist or Major program in Physical or Mathematical Sciences. Topics include: waves, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, special relativity.

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: mathematics of physics, energy, momentum, conservation laws, kinematics, dynamics, and gravity.

The second physics course in many of the Specialist and Major Programs in Physical Sciences. Topics include special relativity and electromagnetism.

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.

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.

Note

ALL 200-series PHY courses except PHY201H1 and PHY205H1 require (MAT135H1,MAT136H1)/MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1.

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 Breadth Requirement course for students in the Humanities and Social Sciences

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.

PHY205H1 is primarily intended as a Breadth Requirement course for students in the Humanities and Social Sciences

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.

Develops the core practical experimental and computational skills necessary to do Physics. Students tackle simple physics questions involving mathematical models, computational simulations and solutions, experimental measurements, data and error analysis.

An introductory course for students interested in understanding the physical phenomena occurring in biological systems and the applications of physics in life sciences. Topics may include physical processes inside living cells and systems; medical physics and imaging.

The nature of physical processes in the Earth’s environment, the global energy balance sheet, sustainable energy source, wind, solar, geothermal, waves and tidal energy. Hazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes. The physical principles of remote sensing and environmental monitoring of temperature, radioactivity, and ice cover.

Point charges; Coulombs Law; electrostatic field and potential; Gauss Law; conductors; electrostatic energy; magnetostatics; Amperes Law; Lorentz Force; Faradays Law; Maxwells equations. (formerly PHY251H1)

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.

The course analyzes the linear, nonlinear and chaotic behaviour of classical mechanical systems such as harmonic oscillators, rotating bodies, and central field systems. The course will develop the analytical and numerical tools to solve such systems and determine their basic properties. The course will include mathematical analysis, numerical exercises using Python, and participatory demonstrations of mechanical systems. (formerly PHY255H1)

Failures of classical physics; the Quantum revolution; Stern-Gerlach effect; harmonic oscillator; uncertainty principle; interference packets; scattering and tunneling in one-dimension.

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details here.

Note

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

Introduction to methods for remote sensing of buried archaeological remains, dating, and analysis of ancient materials. Application of methods and interpretation of results in archaeological contexts. (Offered in alternate years) (Given by the Departments of Physics and Anthropology)

Topics in the history of physics from antiquity to the 20th century, including Aristotelian physics, Galileo, Descartes, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, relativity, quantum physics, and particle physics. The development of theories in their intellectual and cultural contexts.

A modular based practical course that further develops the core experimental and computational skills necessary to do Physics: Mathematical models, computational simulations and solutions, experimental measurements, data and error analysis.

A course for students interested in a deeper understanding of physical phenomena occurring in biological systems. Thermodynamics, diffusion, entropic forces, fluids, biological applications.

Solving Poisson and Laplace equations via method of images and separation of variables, Multipole expansion for electrostatics, atomic dipoles and polarizability, polarization in dielectrics, Ampere and Biot-Savart laws, multipole expansion in magnetostatics, magnetic dipoles, magnetization in matter, Maxwell’s equations in matter. (formerly PHY352H1)

Symmetry and conservation laws, stability and instability, generalized co-ordinates, Hamiltons principle, Hamiltons equations, phase space, Liouvilles theorem, canonical transformations, Poisson brackets, Noethers theorem. (formerly PHY351H1)

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. (formerly PHY355H1)

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.

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; Blochs theorem; nearly-free electron model; Kronig-Penney model; energy bands; metals, semiconductors, and insulators; Fermi surfaces. This course is not a prerequisite for any PHY400-level course.

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. Consult the department web pages for some possible topics. This course may also be available in the summer.

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. Consult the department web site for some possible topics. This course may also be available in the summer.

An introduction to the physics of light. Topics covered include: electromagnetic waves and propagation of light; the Huygens and Fermat principles; Geometrical optics and optical instruments; Interference of waves and diffraction; Polarization; Introduction to photons, lasers, and optical fibers.

This course provides an introduction to climate physics and the earth-atmosphere-ocean system.  Topics include solar and terrestrial radiation; global energy balance; radiation laws; radiative transfer; atmospheric structure; convection; the meridional structure of the atmosphere; the general circulation of the atmosphere; the ocean and its circulation; and climate variability.

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 Earths large scale surface features through plate tectonics; the age and thermal history of the planet; Earths gravitational field and the concept of isostasy; mantle rheology and convection; Earth tides; geodetic measurement techniques, in particular modern space-based techniques. (formerly PHY359H1)

Summer study in an off-campus location.  Consult the Physics Department web pages for a list of opportunities.

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. See page 48 for details. Consult the Physics Department web pages for information about opportunities.

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. See page 48 for details. Consult the Physics Department web pages for information about opportunities.

Note

Students taking 400-series courses are invited to attend Thursday afternoon Department colloquia.

Introduction to the principles behind archaeometric methods for remote sensing, dating, and analysis of archaeological materials, and interpretation of results. Offered in conjunction with JPA305H1. (Offered in alternate years) (Given by the Departments of Physics and Anthropology)  (formerly JPA310H1)

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. (formerly PHY305H1)

This is an introduction to problem solving by computer where symbolic, numeric and graphical approaches are combined. The emphasis is on a range of ordinary and partial differential equations encountered in physics. Special functions, wave functions, Lagrangians and Monte Carlo methods are also considered.

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.

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.

These courses are a continuation of PHY424H1, but students have more freedom to progressively focus on specific areas of physics, do extended experiments, projects, or computational modules.

Advanced  Practical Physics II

Advanced Practical Physics III

An introduction to the physical phenomena involved in the biological processes of living cells and complex systems. Models based on physical principles applied to cellular processes will be developed. Biological computational modeling will be introduced. (formerly PHY346H1)

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.

Complex nature of the scientific method; connection between theory, concepts and experimental data; insufficiency of reductionism; characteristics of pathological and pseudo-science; public perception and misperception of science; science and public policy; ethical issues; trends in modern science.

Special Relativity, four-vector calculus and relativistic notation, the relativistic Maxwell’s Equations, electromagnetic waves in vacuum and conducting and non-conducting materials, electromagnetic radiation from point charges and systems of charges. (formerly PHY353H1)

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. (formerly PHY480H1)

The theory of continuous matter, including solid and fluid mechanics.Topics include the continuum approximation, dimensional analysis, stress, strain, the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations, vorticity, waves, instabilities, convection and turbulence. (formerly PHY459H1)

Quantum dynamics in Heisenberg and Schrdinger Pictures; WKB approximation; Variational Method; Time-Independent Perturbation Theory; Spin; Addition of Angular Momentum; Time-Dependent Perturbation Theory; Scattering. (formerly PHY457H1)

The theory of nonlinear dynamical systems with applications to many areas of physics. Topics include stability, bifurcations, chaos, universality, maps, strange attractors and fractals. Geometric, analytical and computational methods will be developed.

Students are required to consult the Physics Undergraduate Associate Chair before enrolling in PHY471Y1/PHY472H1, PHY478H1/PHY479Y1.

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. Consult the department web pages for some possible topics. This course may also be available in the summer.

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. Consult the department web pages for some possible topics. This course may also be available in the summer.

An individual experimental or theoretical research project undertaken 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 independent research. Consult the department web site for some possible topics. This course may also be available in the summer.

An individual experimental or theoretical research project undertaken with the advice of, and under the direction of, a faculty member. A student may take advantage of this course either to specialize further in a field of interest or to explore independent research. Consult the department web site for possible topics. This course may also be available in the summer.

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. Most Advanced Courses are offered every year, but some are not. Please check the Physics Department web site for current offerings.

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they have adequate preparation for any of the Optional Advanced courses. Please contact the course instructor or the Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies for more information.

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

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

Maxwells equations in media, basic optics and imaging, manipulations of polarization, coherence and diffraction theory, Gaussian beams, laser resonators, simple semiclassical laser theory. End-of year student seminars from the range of modern areas of research, e.g., laser cooling, photonic bandgap structures, extreme optics, quantum information, and other topics.

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.

This course introduces the basics of fundamental particles and the strong, weak and electromagnetic forces that govern their interactions in the Standard Model of particle physics. Topics include relativistic kinematics, conservation laws, particle decays and scattering processes, with an emphasis on the techniques used for calculating experimental observables.

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.

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 Earths atmosphere and surface; theoretical atmosphere-ocean dynamics; the physics of clouds, precipitation, and convection in the Earths atmosphere. (formerly PHY498H1)

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

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.

A research project done in consultation with an individual staff member on a geophysics-related topic leading to a detailed written report and oral presentation.  The course will also involve weekly lectures where the student will be introduced to various geophysical research methods and current research topics in geophysics.