calendar.gif (14985 bytes)
Calendar Home Calendar Contents Contact Us Arts and Science Home

PHY Physics Courses


PHY100H
is primarily intended as a Science Distribution Requirement course for students in the Humanities and Social Sciences.


PHY100H1
The Magic of Physics 26L, 13T

In 1905 Einstein presented the first of a quartet of papers which 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 physics theory which is magical, and Einstein was not physics' only magician. We uncover the magic of the classical and the quantum world courtesy of Kepler, Newton, Maxwell, Einstein, Heisenberg and others. Topics include planetary motion, chaos, the nature of light, Schrodinger's cat, time travel, black holes, and quarks. No mathematics is required, and any necessary elementary classical physics is reviewed.
Exclusion: May not be taken in conjunction with any other PHY 100-series course


PHY110Y
can be taken as a Science course for Distribution Requirement purposes


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 OAC Physics. Students in other disciplines who wish some exposure to the methods and excitement of modern physics should consider either PHY100H or JPU200Y. (See "NOTE" after PHY100H giving description of laboratory)
Reference: Cutnell, Physics (Wiley)
Exclusion: OAC Physics, PHY100H, 138Y, 140Y
Prerequisite: OAC Mathematics (OAC Calculus recommended)
Corequisite: Students intending to take any higher level Physics course are expected to take at least MAT135Y


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; DC circuits; nuclear medicine; dose from radiation; nuclear physics. (See "NOTE" after PHY100H giving description of laboratory)
Reference: Eugene Hecht, Physics: Calculus
Exclusion: PHY100H, 110Y, 140Y
Prerequisite: OAC Calculus, OAC Physics
Corequisite: MAT135Y/137Y/157Y


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); planetary motion, gravitational collapse; black holes: Special Relativity and an introduction to elementary particle physics; the description of large numbers, e.g., a gas of weakly interacting particles (Statistical Mechanics); the breakdown of Newtonian mechanics in the microscopic world; introduction to Quantum Mechanics, wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle. (See "NOTE" after PHY100H giving description of laboratory)
Reference: Wolfson and Pasachoff, Physics with Modern Physics (2nd edition)
Exclusion: PHY100H/110Y/138Y
Prerequisite: OAC Calculus and OAC Physics
Corequisite: MAT137Y/157Y, (MAT223H/240H recommended)


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 of some of the great experiments of physics.
Prerequisite: PHY138Y/140Y
Corequisite: Any second year PHY offering


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.
Reference: Custom published booklets will be available for the various parts of the course.
Exclusion: PHY251H
Prerequisite: (PHY110Y, MAT135Y)/PHY138Y/140Y
Recommended preparation: BIO150Y/a CHM100-series course
Corequisite: None, but students taking any higher level Physics course are expected to have at least MAT235Y


PHY251H1
Electricity and Magnetism 26L, 13T

Point charges; Coulomb's inverse square law; electrostatic field and potential; Gauss' law; conductors; magnetostatistics; Ampere's law; Biot-Savart law; dielectric and magnetic materials; electrostatic and magnetostatic energy; Lorentz force; time varying fields; Faraday's law; Maxwell's equations.
Exclusion: PHY238Y
Prerequisite: PHY138Y/140Y
Corequisite: MAT235Y/237Y/257Y


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: PHY138Y/140Y
Corequisite: MAT235Y/237Y/257Y


PHY255H1
Oscillations and Waves 26L, 13T

Complex notation; free, damped and forced vibrations; 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: PHY138Y/140Y
Corequisite: MAT235Y/237Y/257Y (MAT244H recommended)


PHY256H1
Introduction to Quantum Physics 39L, 13T

Failures of classical physics; Planck radiation formula; photoelectric effect; particle nature of waves; Compton scattering; wave nature of particles; atomic spectra; atomic energy levels; Schrodinger equation; solutions for one-dimensional systems (infinite well, square well, harmonic oscillator); time dependence; uncertainty principle; packets; scattering and tunnelling in one-dimension.
Reference: French & Taylor, An Introduction to Quantum Physics
Prerequisite: PHY138Y/140Y
Corequisite: MAT235Y/237Y/257Y (MAT223H/240H recommended)


PHY299Y1
Research Opportunity Program

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. See page 42 for details.


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: PHY225H, 251H, 255H


PHY307H1
Introduction to Computational Physics 13L, 39P

Problem solving using Mathematica; introductory exercises; the physical pendulum, integration methods; the heat equation, finite difference methods; coupled spin systems, Monte Carlo methods; visualization and the statistical analysis of experimental data.
Corequisite: Any third-year lecture course in Physics


PHY308H1
Times Series Analysis 13L, 39P

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.
Corequisite: Any third-year lecture course in Physics


PHY309H1
Quantum Methods Using Computer Algebra 13L, 39P

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, Runge-Lenz algebra, harmonic and Morse oscillators. General techniques for computer-aided problem solving are developed.
Corequisite: 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: PHY238Y/251H; MAT235Y/237Y


PHY325Y1/326H1
Physics Laboratory 150P

Experiments in this course are designed to form a bridge to current experimental research. A wide range of experiments are available using contemporary techniques and equipment. In addition to the standard set of experiments a limited number of research projects are also available. The laboratory is open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Prerequisite: PHY225H, 251H, 256H


PHY346H1
Intermediate Biophysics 26L

Linear systems analysis; transport in biological systems; control of the oculomotor system; electrical properties of nerves and membrane. Non-linear dynamics and simple neural networks.
Prerequisite: MAT235Y/237Y/257Y; PHY238Y/251H


PHY351H1
Classical Mechanics 26L, 13T

Review of elementary mechanics, generalized co-ordinates and constraints, Lagrange's equations, Hamilton's principle, planetary motion, small oscillations and stability, Hamilton's equations, phase space, Liouville's theorem, canonical transformations, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, action-angle variables, invariant tori, perturbation theory.
Prerequisite: MAT244H/267H; PHY255H


PHY352H1
Electromagnetic Theory 26L, 13T

Review of vector calculus, transformation properties of vectors, electrostatics, special theory of relativity, development of the equations of electrodynamics from the Einstein principle of relativity and the laws of electrostatics, basic formulae of magnetostatics, electromagnetic plane waves, and, in the unlikely event that time permits, retarded potentials and radiation.
Prerequisite: MAT223H/240H/244H; PHY251H, 255H


PHY353H1
Electromagnetic Waves 26L, 13T

Review of Maxwell's equations; waves in free space; 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; energy and momentum of E-M waves; geometrical optics; interference, coherence effects; interferometers; Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction; Fourier optics; holography.
Prerequisite: PHY352H


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.
Reference: Cohen-Tannoudji, Quantum Mechanics, Vol. 1, Wiley
Exclusion: CHM326H
Prerequisite: MAT223H/240H/244H; PHY251H, 256H/CHM225Y/229H


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: PHY355H


PHY358H1
Atoms, Molecules and Solids 26L, 13T

Variational principle; fine and hyperfine structure of the hydrogen atom; the helium atom; exchange terms; coupling schemes; Hund's rules; simple molecules; ortho and para states; bonding and antibonding orbitals; rotation and vibration of molecules; crystal binding; electron in a periodic potential; reciprocal lattice; Bloch's theorem; Kronig-Penney model and energy bands; metals, semiconductors and insulators; Fermi surfaces; chemical potential. This course is not a prerequisite for any PHY 400-level course.
Prerequisite: PHY355H


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 internal divisions in the planet; age and thermal history of the planet; Earth's magnetic field and its origin; earthquakes and seismology; Earth's gravitational field and the concept of isostasy; development and evolution of the Earth's large scale surface features (plate tectonics, plate loading and flexure).
Prerequisite: PHY251H, 252H, 255H


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


PHY406H1
Computer and Interface Systems Lab 26L, 39P

The laboratory functions as an integrated lecture course/laboratory program.
Computer as controller and data collector; programming and interface methodologies; the principles of analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion; elementary data analysis; collection methodologies; simple data analysis concepts; signal processing techniques; implementation in modern laboratory environment, examples and experiments.
Prerequisite: PHY225H, 251H, 255H
Recommended preparation: PHY305H


PHY407H1
Introduction to Computational Physics 13L, 39P

Problem solving using Mathematica; introductory exercises; the physical pendulum, integration methods; the heat equation, finite difference methods; coupled spin systems, Monte Carlo methods; visualization and the statistical analysis of experimental data.
Prerequisite: Any third-year lecture course in Physics


PHY408H1
Times Series Analysis 13L, 39P

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.
Prerequisite: Any third-year lecture course in Physics


PHY409H1
Quantum Methods Using Computer Algebra 13L, 39P

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, variational methods, scattering in 3D and time dependent processes. General techniques for computer-aided problem solving are developed.
Prerequisite: Any third-year lecture course in Physics


PHY425Y1/426H1
Advanced Physics Laboratory 150P

Experiments in this course are designed to form a bridge to current experimental research. A wide range of experiments are available using contemporary techniques and equipment. In addition to the standard set of experiments and limited number of research projects are also available. The laboratory is a continuation of PHY325Y and is open from 9:00am. - 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Prerequisite: PHY325Y/326H


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. Three student labs are held in the imaging research laboratories at Sunnybrook Hospital. Students not in a physics specialist program should consult the coordinator about the recommended background.
Reference: E. Krestel, Imaging Systems for Medical Diagnostics, Siemans, 1990
Prerequisite: MAT244H/APM346H; MAT235Y/237Y; PHY238Y/251H
Recommended preparation: PHY307H/308H


PHY457H1
Quantum Mechanics II 26L, 13T

Quantum dynamics in Heisenberg and Interaction Pictures; Coherent States, Electron in a Magnetic Field; Continuous and Discrete Symmetries in Quantum Mechanics; Bloch's Theorem, Localized States in a Disordered Lattice; Green's Function Method; WKB Approximation, Rayleigh-Schrodinger and Brillouin-Wigner Perturbation Theory; Time Dependent Perturbation Theory, Fermi's Golden Rule; Absorption and Emission of Light from Atoms; Variational Techniques; Scattering Theory, Lippman-Schwinger Equation, Partial Wave Analysis, S-Matrix and T-Matrix Theory.
Prerequisite: PHY355H


PHY459H1
Macroscopic Physics 26L, 13T

Thermal equilibrium and temperature; equations of state; entropy; free energies; Maxwell relations; phase transitions; third law; superfluids; superconductors; elements of hydrodynamics; conservation laws; solenoidal and irrotational flow; entropy production; constitutive relations; Navier-Stokes equation.
Prerequisite: PHY252H, 351H


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: PHY351H


PHY471Y1/472H1
Supervised Reading in Physics TBA

These self-study courses are similar to PHY371Y/372H, 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


PHY480H1
Basic Statistical Mechanics 26L

Topics include: 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.


PHY481H1
Statistical Mechanics of Interacting Systems 26L

Topics include: thermodynamic fluctuations, distribution functions, interacting classical fluids, phase transitions, Ising model, mean field theory, scaling and universality.


PHY482H1
Symmetries in Physics 26L

Topics include: the origin and implications of symmetry in physics; the basic language of group theory; discrete groups and matrix groups; groups of physical transformations; the representation of groups; tensor operators and the Wigner-Eckart theorem; Lie groups. Applications to some of the following: crystal symmetries; electronic bands in crystals; vibrations of molecules; SU(2) and SU(3) in particle and nuclear physics.


PHY483H1
Relativity Theory I 26L

Topics include: special theory of relativity, Lorentz transformations, kinematics, energy-momentum tensor and hydrodynamics; relativistic particle dynamics, and electrodynamics, introduction to gravitation theory, geodesics, curvature tensor and Bianchi identities; variational principle and Einstein's gravitational field equations; gravitational waves.


PHY484H1
Relativity Theory II 26L

Topics include: General theory of relativity; Schwarzschild solution, Kruskal coordinates, gravitational collapse and black holes. Experimental tests of gravitational theories. Cosmology; Friedmann-Robertson-Walker metric, Hubble red-shifts. Current models in Cosmology.


PHY485H1
Modern Optics 26L

Lasers, and the interaction of light with matter. In addition to the semiclassical theory of the laser, linear and nonlinear optical elements ranging from optical resonators to acousto-optic modulators, along with a survey of laser types and their applications are discussed. A number of modern topics from quantum optics, including laser cooling, squeezed light and the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen effect are also considered.
Prerequisite: PHY353H, 355H


PHY486H1
Photons and Atoms 26L

Introduction to quantum electrodynamics, quantization of the electromagnetic field; semiclassical picture of atom-radiation field interaction, Einstein coefficients, laser theory from the Einstein rate equations; resonance interaction of light with two-level atoms, optical solution propagation, coherent and squeezed states of light, quantum theory of atom-radiation field interactions, radiative decay and the lamb shift, photonic band gap materials and quantum theory of the laser.
Prerequisite: PHY352H, 353H, 355H, 457H, 480H


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.


PHY488H1
Introduction to Particle Theory 26L

Introduction to quantum field theory and elementary particle physics. Topics include: canonical quantization, symmetries and conservation laws, S-matrix expansion, Feynman diagrams, Dirac equation, gauge invariance, quantum electrodynamics and, if time permits, an introduction to nonabelian gauge theories and weak interactions.


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.
Prerequisite: PHY488H or an A grade level in PHY357H


PHY490H1
Introductory Nuclear Physics 26L

Introductory aspects of Nuclear Physics and quantum chromodynamics, nuclear force, bulk properties of nuclei, nuclear transitions, nuclear structure, nuclear reactions.


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 casuality, 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: PHY457H


PHY493H1
Geophysical Imaging I 26L

This course covers wavefield and ray approximation methods for imaging the interior of the Earth using seismology.


PHY494H1
Geophysical Imaging II 26L

How to investigate Earth structure at depths ranging from meters to tens of kilometers 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).
Corequisite: PHY359H


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: JGP438H
Corequisite: PHY493H/494H


PHY497H1
Introduction to Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics 26L

Topics include: the equations of classical hydrodynamics: conservation of mass, momentum, and energy; Bernoulli's theorem; Ertel's theorem; nondimensional analysis, dynamics of stratifield flow: static stability; convection; shear flow instability and the Miles-Howard theorem; internal gravity waves; gravity wave drag and Eliassen-Palm theorem; introduction to dynamics of rotating, stratified flow and baroclinic instability.


PHY498H1
Atmospheric Physics - Clouds 26L

Topics include: thermodynamics of water substances in the atmosphere; nucleation of liquid water in water vapour and condensation nuclei; nucleation of the ice phase and ice nuclei; growth of cloud droplets and ice particles; initiation of precipitation particles; precipitation processes; role of clouds in atmospheric circulations; effects of latent heat release in PV distribution; concept of CISK; examples of CISK driven systems.


PHY499H1
Earth Observations from Space 26L

Topics include: review of radiation; satellite orbits; scanning geometries; remote sensing and the atmosphere effect; visible, microwave, and infra-red techniques; remote sounding; scanning techniques; the retrieval problem; microwave, ultra-violet, and infra-red techniques; advanced techniques.


Calendar Home ~ Calendar Contents~ Contact Us ~ Arts and Science Home

Copyright © 1999, University of Toronto