Mathematical Physics Honours
This bachelor of science (BSc) honours program is offered jointly by the Departments of Mathematics and Physics. Entry requires permission of both.
Students should speak with an advisor as soon as possible to schedule their programs.
Graduates may undertake graduate work in mathematics or physics depending on interest. Some additional work in either mathematics or physics may be required.
Minimum Grade Requirement
Students wishing to enrol in physics courses must obtain a C- grade or better in prerequisite courses.
Program Requirements
Students complete 132 units, as specified below.
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum total of 46 units, including all of
Mathematical induction. Limits of real sequences and real functions. Continuity and its consequences. The mean value theorem. The fundamental theorem of calculus. Series. Prerequisite: MATH 152; or MATH 155 or 158 with a grade of B. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Ladislav Stacho |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Rectangular, cylindrical and spherical coordinates. Vectors, lines, planes, cylinders, quadric surfaces. Vector functions, curves, motion in space. Differential and integral calculus of several variables. Vector fields, line integrals, fundamental theorem for line integrals, Green's theorem. Prerequisite: MATH 152; or MATH 155 or MATH 158 with a grade of at least B. Recommended: It is recommended that MATH 240 or 232 be taken before or concurrently with MATH 251. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
David Muraki |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30β9:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Vijaykumar Singh |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30β9:20 a.m.
|
Surrey |
|
OP01 | TBD | ||
OP02 | TBD |
Vector calculus, divergence, gradient and curl; line, surface and volume integrals; conservative fields, theorems of Gauss, Green and Stokes; general curvilinear coordinates and tensor notation. Introduction to orthogonality of functions, orthogonal polynomials and Fourier series. Prerequisite: MATH 240 or 232, and 251. MATH 240 or 232 may be taken concurrently. Students with credit for MATH 254 may not take MATH 252 for further credit. Quantitative.
Introduction to experimental physics with an emphasis on measurement and experimental design. Includes elementary experiments in mechanics designed to support and enrich conceptual learning. Corequisite: PHYS 120 or 125. Students with credit for PHYS 130, 131, or 140 may not take PHYS 132 for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sarah Johnson |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 1:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Sarah Johnson |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 1:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Sarah Johnson |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 1:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Sarah Johnson |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Fri, 1:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Introduction to experimental physics with an emphasis on measurement and experimental design. Includes elementary experiments in electromagnetism and optics designed to support and enrich conceptual learning. PHYS 133 consists of 8 3-hour labs. Prerequisite: PHYS 132 or ENSC 120. Corequisite: PHYS 121 or 126. Students with credit for PHYS 130, 131, or 141 may not take PHYS 133 for further credit. Quantitative.
An intermediate mechanics course covering kinematics, dynamics, calculus of variations and Lagrange's equations, non-inertial reference frames, central forces and orbits, and rigid body motion. Prerequisite: PHYS 126 or 121 or 141, with a minimum grade of C- (or PHYS 102 with a minimum grade of B). Corequisite: MATH 251; MATH 232 or 240. Recommended: MATH 310 and PHYS 255. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Levon Pogosian |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
Introductory physics laboratory with experiments chosen from mechanics, heat, optics, electricity, magnetism, properties of matter, atomic and nuclear physics, along with lectures on the use of computers for data acquisition and data analysis in the physics laboratory. Prerequisite: PHYS 141 or 131 or 130, with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended co-requisite: PHYS 255. Students with credit for PHYS 234 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Nancy Forde |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
LA01 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 1:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
The physics of vibrations and waves. Topics include periodic motion, including free and forced oscillations, coupled oscillators, normal modes, and waves in one and higher dimensions. Prerequisite: PHYS 126 or 121 or 141 with a minimum C- grade; or PHYS 101 and 102 with a grade of B or better. Corequisite: MATH 251; MATH 232 or 240. Recommended concurrent: PHYS 211 and MATH 310. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Paul Haljan |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
Special relativity, including relativistic kinematics and dynamics; tests of relativity; matter waves and early quantum models; wave mechanics and its application to molecular, atomic and subatomic systems. Prerequisite: PHYS 255, with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.
Basic laws of probability, sample distributions. Introduction to statistical inference and applications. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158. Students wishing an intuitive appreciation of a broad range of statistical strategies may wish to take STAT 100 first. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Distance Education | |||
Richard Lockhart |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Fri, 9:30β10:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
OP01 | TBD |
and either both of
An elementary introduction to computing science and computer programming, suitable for students with little or no programming background. Students will learn fundamental concepts and terminology of computing science, acquire elementary skills for programming in a high-level language and be exposed to diverse fields within, and applications of computing science. Topics will include: pseudocode, data types and control structures, fundamental algorithms, computability and complexity, computer architecture, and history of computing science. Treatment is informal and programming is presented as a problem-solving tool. Prerequisite: BC Math 12 or equivalent is recommended. Students with credit for CMPT 102, 125, 126, 128 or 130 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Anne Lavergne |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 9:30β11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D101 |
Anne Lavergne |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
D102 |
Anne Lavergne |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
D103 |
Anne Lavergne |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
D104 |
Anne Lavergne |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
D105 |
Anne Lavergne |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D106 |
Anne Lavergne |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Anne Lavergne |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 2:30β4:20 p.m.
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 2:30β3:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D201 |
Anne Lavergne |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D202 |
Anne Lavergne |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D203 |
Anne Lavergne |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D204 |
Anne Lavergne |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D205 |
Anne Lavergne |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D206 |
Anne Lavergne |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D207 |
Anne Lavergne |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D208 |
Anne Lavergne |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
A rigorous introduction to computing science and computer programming, suitable for students who already have some background in computing science and programming. Intended for students who will major in computing science or a related program. Topics include: fundamental algorithms; elements of empirical and theoretical algorithmics; abstract data types and elementary data structures; basic object-oriented programming and software design; computation and computability; specification and program correctness; and history of computing science. Prerequisite: CMPT120. Co-requisite: CMPT127. Students with credit for CMPT 126, 135 or CMPT 200 or higher may not take for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Bobby Chan |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 9:30β11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
or one of
A programming course which will provide the science student with a working knowledge of a scientific programming language and an introduction to computing concepts, structured programming, and modular design. The student will also gain knowledge in the use of programming environments including the use of numerical algorithm packages. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 (or 158). Students with credit for CMPT 120, 125, 126, 130, 135, or 128 may not take CMPT 102 for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Ali Madooei |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
A rigorous introduction to computing science and computer programming, suitable for students who already have substantial programming background. Topics include: fundamental algorithms and problem solving; abstract data types and elementary data structures; basic object-oriented programming and software design; elements of empirical and theoretical algorithmics; computation and computability; specification and program correctness; and history of computing science. Prerequisite: CMPT 120: Introduction to Computing Science and Programming I. Students with credit for CMPT 125, 128, 130, 135 or higher may not take CMPT 126 for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
and one of
Review of sequences and series, complex numbers and link to polar coordinates, vectors and parametric curves, introduction to multivariate integration, solution of first and second order ODE, linear independence, introduction to Fourier Series. Approximation algorithms for simple ODE systems. Prerequisite: Math 152 or equivalent. Permission of the Department. Corequisite Physics 125.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Nilima Nigam |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Fri, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 10:30β11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D101 |
Nilima Nigam |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
Designed for students specializing in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing science and engineering. Topics as for Math 151 with a more extensive review of functions, their properties and their graphs. Recommended for students with no previous knowledge of Calculus. In addition to regularly scheduled lectures, students enrolled in this course are encouraged to come for assistance to the Calculus Workshop (Burnaby), or Math Open Lab (Surrey). Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B+, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least B-, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 151, 154 or 157 may not take MATH 150 for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Jeremy Chiu |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, 8:30β9:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Abraham Punnen |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 1:30β2:20 p.m. |
Surrey Surrey |
|
OP01 | TBD | ||
OP02 | TBD |
Designed for students specializing in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing science and engineering. Logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions, inverse functions. Limits, continuity, and derivatives. Techniques of differentiation, including logarithmic and implicit differentiation. The Mean Value Theorem. Applications of differentiation including extrema, curve sketching, Newton's method. Introduction to modeling with differential equations. Polar coordinates, parametric curves. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least A, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least B, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 150, 154 or 157 may not take MATH 151 for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Matthew DeVos |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30β9:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Zhaosong Lu |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Surrey |
|
OPO1 | TBD | ||
OPO2 | TBD |
and one of
Method of characteristics for 1-D transport and wave equations. Similarity solutions including plane waves, traveling waves and scaling solutions, with applications in the physical sciences. Introduction to vector calculus, including differentiation, decompositions via potentials. Multivariate integration, including Green's, the Stokes and the Divergence theorem. Introduction to abstract vector spaces. Linear independence. Inner products and orthogonally. Some applications of infinite dimensional vector spaces. Prerequisite: A grade of C+ or higher in Math 125 AND Physics 125. Permission of the Department. Corequisite: Physics 126.
Riemann sum, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, definite, indefinite and improper integrals, approximate integration, integration techniques, applications of integration. First-order separable differential equations and growth models. Sequences and series, series tests, power series, convergence and applications of power series. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151; or MATH 154 or 157 with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 155 or 158 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Nathan Ilten |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30β9:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
OP01 | TBD |
and one of
Linear equations, matrices, determinants. Introduction to vector spaces and linear transformations and bases. Complex numbers. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors; diagonalization. Inner products and orthogonality; least squares problems. An emphasis on applications involving matrix and vector calculations. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151; or MACM 101; or MATH 154 or 157, both with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 240 make not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Ladislav Stacho |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Fri, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
Randall Pyke |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
OP01 | TBD | ||
OP02 | TBD |
Linear equations, matrices, determinants. Real and abstract vector spaces, subspaces and linear transformations; basis and change of basis. Complex numbers. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors; diagonalization. Inner products and orthogonality; least squares problems. Applications. Subject is presented with an abstract emphasis and includes proofs of the basic theorems. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151; or MACM 101; or MATH 154 or 157, both with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 232 cannot take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Bojan Mohar |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 1:30β2:20 p.m. Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Fri, 1:30β2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby Burnaby |
|
OP01 | TBD |
and one of
A general calculus-based introduction to mechanics. Topics include translational and rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12 or PHYS 100 or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. This prerequisite may be waived, at the discretion of the department, as determined by the student's performance on a regularly scheduled PHYS 100 final exam. Please consult the physics advisor for further details. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 125 or 140 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Erol Girt Bernd Stelzer |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D107 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D108 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 4:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D109 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D110 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D111 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D112 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D113 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D114 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D116 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D117 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 4:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D118 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Fri, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D119 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Fri, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An enriched course in mechanics for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics. Special relativity and classical topics such as translational and rotational dynamics and conservation laws will be given a much more sophisticated treatment than in our other first-year courses. Prerequisite: Permission of the department. Co-requisite: MATH 125. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 120 or PHYS 140 may not take PHYS 125 for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Howard Trottier |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Fri, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 9:30β10:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
A general calculus-based introduction to mechanics taught in an integrated lecture-laboratory environment. Topics include translational and rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12, or PHYS 100 or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 125 or 120 or 101 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Neil Alberding |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D101 |
Neil Alberding |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
Neil Alberding |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D201 |
Neil Alberding |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 4:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
LA01 |
Neil Alberding |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Wed, Fri, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
LA02 |
Neil Alberding |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Wed, Fri, 4:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
and one of
A general calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism and optics. Topics include electricity, magnetism, simple circuits, optics and topics from applied physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 120 or 125 or 140 (or PHYS 101 with a grade of A or B). Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 102, 126 or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
An enriched course in electromagnetism for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics. Classical topics such as waves, electricity and magnetism, as well as wave particle duality and the birth of Quantum Mechanics, will be given a much more sophisticated treatment than in our other first year courses. Prerequisite: PHYS 125 and permission of the department. Co-requisite: MATH 126. Students with credit in PHYS 102, 121 or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
A general calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism and optics taught in an integrated lecture-laboratory environment. Topics include electricity, magnetism, simple circuits, optics and topics from applied physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 120 or PHYS 125 or PHYS 140, with a minimum grade of C- (or PHYS 101 with a minimum grade of B). Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 126 or 121 or 102 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
It is recommended that students also complete CHEM 121 and 122.
* students with credit for PHYS 140 and 141 are not required to complete PHYS 132 or 133
+ recommended
Upper Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 58 units, including all of
A presentation of the problems commonly arising in numerical analysis and scientific computing and the basic methods for their solutions. Prerequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158, and MATH 232 or 240, and computing experience. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Brenda Davison |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
First-order differential equations, second- and higher-order linear equations, series solutions, introduction to Laplace transform, systems and numerical methods, applications in the physical, biological and social sciences. Prerequisite: MATH 152; or MATH 155/158 with a grade of at least B, MATH 232 or 240. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Natalia Kouzniak |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Fri, 12:30β1:20 p.m. |
Surrey Surrey |
|
D101 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D102 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D103 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
Mary Catherine Kropinski |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, 4:30β5:50 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E101 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E102 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E103 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 6:00β6:50 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E104 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E105 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Functions of a complex variable, differentiability, contour integrals, Cauchy's theorem, Taylor and Laurent expansions, method of residues. Prerequisite: MATH 251. Students with credit for MATH 424 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Stephen Choi |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
First-order linear equations, the method of characteristics. The wave equation. Harmonic functions, the maximum principle, Green's functions. The heat equation. Distributions and transforms. Higher dimensional eigenvalue problems. An introduction to nonlinear equations. Burgers' equation and shock waves. Prerequisite: MATH 310 and one of MATH 314, 320, 322, PHYS 384. An alternative to the above prerequisite is both of MATH 254 and MATH 310, both with grades of at least A-. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Ralf Wittenberg |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and one of
Convergence in Euclidean spaces, Fourier series and their convergence, Legendre polynomials, Hermite and Laguerre polynomials. Prerequisite: MATH 232 or 240 and one of MATH 314, 320, 322, PHYS 384. Students with credit for MATH 420 or MATH 719 may not complete this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Metric spaces, normed vector spaces, measure and integration, an introduction to functional analysis. Prerequisite: MATH 320. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Weiran Sun |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and one of
Formulation, analysis and numerical solution of continuous mathematical models. Applications may be selected from topics in physics, biology, engineering and economics. Prerequisite: MATH 310 and one of MATH 314, MACM 316, MATH 418, PHYS 384. An alternative to the above prerequisite is both of MATH 251 and MATH 310, both with grades of at least B+. Students with credit for MATH 361 or MATH 761 may not complete this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Incompressible fluid flow phenomena: kinematics and equations of motion, viscous flow and boundary layer theory, potential flow, water waves. Aerodynamics. Prerequisite: one of MATH 314, MATH 418, PHYS 384. An alternative to the above prerequisite is both of MATH 251 and MATH 310, both with grades of at least B+. Quantitative.
The topics included in this course will vary from term to term depending on faculty availability and student interest. Prerequisite: Will be specified according to the particular topic or topics offered under this course number.
and one of
A first course in computer algebra also called symbolic computation. It covers data-structures and algorithms for mathematical objects, including polynomials, general mathematical formulae, long integer arithmetic, polynomial greatest common divisors, the Risch integration algorithm. Other topics include symbolic differentiation, simplification of formulae, and polynomial factorization. Students will learn Maple for use on assignments. Prerequisite: CMPT 307 or MATH 332 or MATH 340. Quantitative.
Development of numerical methods for solving linear algebra problems at the heart of many scientific computing problems. Mathematical foundations for the use, implementation and analysis of the algorithms used for solving many optimization problems and differential equations. Prerequisite: MATH 251, MACM 316, programming experience. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Benjamin Adcock |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 9:30β11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
Stability and bifurcation in continuous and discrete dynamical systems, with applications. The study of the local and global behaviour of linear and nonlinear systems, including equilibria and periodic orbits, phase plane analysis, conservative systems, limit cycles, the Poincare-Bendixson theorem, Hopf bifurcation and an introduction to chaos. Prerequisite: MATH 310. Quantitative.
and all of
Development and application of Maxwell's equations in vector differential form. Notation and theorems of vector calculus; electric charge, fields, potentials, capacitance and field energy; conductors; methods for solving electrostatic problems; electric fields in matter; electrical current and the magnetic field; Ampere's law and the vector potential; magnetic fields in matter; electromotive force, electrical resistance, Faraday's law and inductance; Maxwell's correction to Ampere's law and electromagnetic waves. Prerequisite: PHYS 121 or 126 or 141 (or PHYS 102 with a minimum grade of B); MATH 252 or 254; MATH 310, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for PHYS 221 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Experiments in optics and modern physics, including diffraction, interference, spectroscopy, lasers and holography. Engineering Science students will do a selected set of experiments. Prerequisite: PHYS 233 and 285, or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for PHYS 332 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Barbara Frisken |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
Barbara Frisken |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, 2:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Applications of mathematical methods in physics, differential equations of physics, eigenvalue problems, solutions to wave equations. Prerequisite: MATH 252 or 254; MATH 310; PHYS 255 or ENSC 380, with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: PHYS 211. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Malcolm Kennett |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
Wave mechanics and the Schroedinger equation, the harmonic oscillator, introduction to Dirac notation, angular momentum and spin, the hydrogen atom, atomic structure, time-independent perturbation theory, atomic spectra, and applications. Prerequisite: MATH 252 or 254; PHYS 285 or ENSC 380 or CHEM 260, with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: PHYS 211; MATH 310. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Michel Vetterli |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Central forces, rigid body motion, small oscillations. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics. Prerequisite: PHYS 384, with a minimum grade of C- or permission of the department. Non-physics majors may enter with MATH 252, 310 and PHYS 211, with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Igor Herbut |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
A continuation of PHYS 321: properties of electromagnetic waves and their interaction with matter. Transmission lines and waveguides; antennas, radiation and scattering; propagation of electromagnetic waves in free space and in matter; reflection and refraction at boundaries; polarization, interference and diffraction. Prerequisite: PHYS 321; PHYS 255 or ENSC 380, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for PHYS 324 or 425 may not take PHYS 421 for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Mike Hayden |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30β9:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and two of
Computer based approaches to the solution of complex physical problems. A partial list of topics includes: Monte-Carlo and molecular dynamics techniques applied to thermal properties of materials; dynamical behavior of conservative and dissipative systems, including chaotic motion; methods for ground state determination and optimization, including Newton-Raphson, simulated annealing, neural nets, and genetic algorithms; the analysis of numerical data; and the use of relevant numerical libraries. Prerequisite: MATH 310, PHYS 211, CMPT 101 or 102, with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended: PHYS 344 or equivalent. Quantitative.
Undergraduate research and preparation of an honours thesis over two consecutive semesters. The research project may be in experimental or theoretical physics. Prospective students must obtain agreement of a faculty member willing to supervise the project. Prerequisite: All students interested in taking this course must consult with their faculty supervisor regarding prerequisites.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Paul Haljan |
TBD |
Optical physics, including geometrical and physical optics, waves in anisotropic media, coherence, image formation and Fourier optics, guided wave optics and selected advanced topics such as lasers, nonlinear optics, photonics and quantum optics. Prerequisite: PHYS 321 or 221, with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: PHYS 385. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Steve Dodge |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
Crystal structure, lattice vibrations and thermal properties of solids, free electron model, band theory, and applications. Prerequisite: PHYS 385, with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.
Physics of elementary particles. Symmetries, strong interactions, electromagnetic interactions, weak interaction. Prerequisite: PHYS 385 or CHEM 464, with a minimum grade of C- or permission of the department. Recommended: PHYS 380. Students with credit for NUSC 485 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Gravity and space-time, Einstein's equations and their solution, tests of relativity, black holes, stellar equilibrium and collapse, and cosmological models. Prerequisite: PHYS 285 or MATH 471; PHYS 384, with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Andrew Debenedictis |
Sep 8 β Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 4:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Faculty of Science Honours Requirements
In addition to the above requirements, students must also satisfy Faculty of Science honours program requirements as follows:
- students are required to complete additional upper division units to total a minimum of 60 upper division units (excluding EDUC 401 to 406)
- students who were enrolled at Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV between fall 1991 and summer 2006 are required to complete a minimum of 12 units in subjects outside the Faculty of Science (excluding EDUC 401 to 406) including six units minimum to be completed in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV within the student’s major subject | |
Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division | |
B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth | Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division 6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc 6 units Humanities: B-Hum 6 units Sciences: B-Sci |
6 |
Additional Breadth | 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements) Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |
Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit
The University’s residency requirement stipulates that, in most cases, total transfer and course challenge credit may not exceed 60 units, and may not include more than 15 as upper division work.
Elective Courses
In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.