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Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV Calendar | Summer 2016

Physics Honours

Bachelor of Science

This bachelor of science (BSc) honours program provides an in-depth understanding of basic physics in preparation for post-graduate study in physics and closely related disciplines.

Students should speak with an advisor as soon as possible to schedule their programs.

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

CMPT 102 - Introduction to Scientific Computer Programming (3)

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.

MATH 251 - Calculus III (3)

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
Steven Ruuth
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OP01 TBD
MATH 252 - Vector Calculus (3)

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.

PHYS 132 - Physics Laboratory I (1) *

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.

PHYS 133 - Physics Laboratory II (1) *

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Michael Chen
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHYS 211 - Intermediate Mechanics (3)

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.

PHYS 231 - Physics Laboratory II (3)

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.

PHYS 233 - Physics Laboratory III (2)

Experiments chosen from among mechanics, heat, optics, electricity, magnetism, properties of matter, atomic and nuclear physics. Engineering Science students will do a selected set of experiments. Prerequisite: PHYS 231 or ENSC 220, with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Neil Alberding
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHYS 255 - Vibrations and Waves (3)

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.

PHYS 285 - Introduction to Relativity and Quantum Mechanics (3)

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.

and one of

CHEM 121 - General Chemistry and Laboratory I (4)

Atomic and molecular structure; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; elements; periodic table; gases liquids, solids, and solutions. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: BC high school chemistry 12 or CHEM 109 or CHEM 111. Students may not count both CHEM 120 and 121 for credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Rebecca Goyan
Sophie Lavieri
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Jenny Wong
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Surrey
D201 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Surrey
D202 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
D203 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Surrey
LA03 kobi Khazaei
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
LA04 kobi Khazaei
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
LB03 kobi Khazaei
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
LB04 kobi Khazaei
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
LC01 Jenny Wong
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey
LE01 TBD
LE02 TBD
CHEM 123 - Enriched Chemistry I and Laboratory (4)

An enriched chemistry course, covering atomic and molecular structure; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; elements; periodic table; gases, liquids, solids, and solutions, focusing on current chemistry research and applications. The topics will be covered with more sophistication than in other 1st year chemistry courses, and thus a thorough mastery of high-school chemistry will be assumed. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: By permission of the Department. BC high school chemistry 12 or CHEM 111. Students may not count more than one of CHEM 120, 121 or 123 for credit. Recommended: MATH 125 (or 151 or 154) and PHYS 125 (or 120 or 101) as a corequisite. Quantitative.

and one of

CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II (2)

Chemical equilibria; electrochemistry; chemical thermodynamics; kinetics. Students who intend to take further laboratory courses in chemistry should take CHEM 122 concurrently with CHEM 126. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 or 120. Recommended: MATH 152 (or 155) and PHYS 121 (or 102) as a corequisite. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Sharon Hannah
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
CHEM 124 - Enriched Chemistry II (3)

An enriched chemistry course, covering chemical equilibria; electrochemistry; chemical thermodynamics; kinetics, energy and nuclear science, focusing on current chemistry research and applications. The topics will be covered with more sophistication than in other 1st year chemistry courses, and thus a thorough mastery of high-school chemistry will be assumed. Prerequisite: CHEM 123; or CHEM 121 (or 120) and permission of the Department. Students may not count more than one of CHEM 122 or 124 for credit. Corequisite: Students who intend to take further laboratory courses in chemistry should take CHEM 124 concurrently with CHEM 126. Recommended: MATH 126 (or 152 or 155) and PHYS 126 (or 121 or 102) as a corequisite. Quantitative.

and one of

MATH 125 - Introduction to Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences-l (3)

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.

MATH 150 - Calculus I with Review (4)

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
Distance Education
Veselin Jungic
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OP01 TBD
MATH 151 - Calculus I (3)

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.

and one of

MATH 126 - Introduction to Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences-ll (3)

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.

MATH 152 - Calculus II (3)

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
Justin Gray
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
OP01 TBD

and one of

MATH 232 - Applied Linear Algebra (3)

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
Imin Chen
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
Randall Pyke
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Mon, Wed, Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
OP01 TBD
OP02 TBD
MATH 240 - Algebra I: Linear Algebra (3)

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
Joseph Evers
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OP01 TBD

and one of

PHYS 120 - Mechanics and Modern Physics (3)

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.

PHYS 125 - Mechanics and Special Relativity (3) +

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.

PHYS 140 - Studio Physics - Mechanics and Modern Physics (4) *

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.

and one of

PHYS 121 - Optics, Electricity and Magnetism (3)

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Michael Chen
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHYS 126 - Electricity, Magnetism and Light (3) +

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.

PHYS 141 - Studio Physics - Optics, Electricity and Magnetism (4) *

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Neil Alberding
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Surrey
D101 Neil Alberding
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
LA01 Neil Alberding
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey

* 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 total of 52 units, including all of

MATH 310 - Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations (3)

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
Justin Gray
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.

D110 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHYS 321 - Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism (3)

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.

PHYS 332W - Optics Laboratory (4)

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.

PHYS 344 - Thermal Physics (3)

Heat, temperature, heat transfer, kinetic theory, laws of thermodynamics, entropy, heat engines, applications of thermodynamics to special systems, phase transitions. Prerequisite: PHYS 126 or PHYS 121 or PHYS 141, MATH 251. Quantitative.

PHYS 384 - Methods of Theoretical Physics I (3)

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.

PHYS 385 - Quantum Mechanics I (3)

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.

PHYS 413 - Advanced Mechanics (3)

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.

PHYS 415 - Quantum Mechanics II (3)

Foundations of quantum mechanics, time-dependent perturbation theory, radiation, variational methods, scattering theory, advanced topics, and applications. Prerequisite: PHYS 385 and either PHYS 384 or MATH 314 and 419, with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.

PHYS 421 - Electromagnetic Waves (3)

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.

PHYS 431 - Advanced Physics Laboratory I (4)

Advanced experiments in Physics. May include special projects. Prerequisite: PHYS 385 and either PHYS 332 or (PHYS 326 and 465), with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.

PHYS 432 - Undergraduate Honours Thesis (6)

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.

PHYS 445 - Statistical Physics (3)

Postulates of statistical mechanics, partition functions, applications to gases, paramagnetism and equilibrium. Quantum statistics and applications. Prerequisite: PHYS 344 or CHEM 360, with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended: PHYS 385. Quantitative.

and at least nine units chosen from

PHYS 347 - Introduction to Biological Physics (3)

A physics perspective on cellular structure and composition; random walks and diffusion; properties of fluids, cell motion; entropy and the properties of soft materials; structure and function of proteins; signal propagation in nerves. Prerequisite: Completion of 45 units including CHEM 122, MATH 152 (or 155), PHYS 121 (or 102 or 126 or 141), with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended: BISC 101. Quantitative.

PHYS 390 - Introduction to Astrophysics (3)

Characteristics of stars and their evolution, thermodynamics of stellar interior, origin of the elements, galaxies, cosmology, and origin of the planets. Prerequisite: PHYS 211 and either CHEM 120 or 121, with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.

PHYS 395 - Computational Physics (3)

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.

PHYS 455 - Modern Optics (3)

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.

PHYS 465 - Solid State Physics (3)

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.

PHYS 485 - Particle Physics (3)

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.

PHYS 490 - General Relativity and Gravitation (3)

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.

and three additional upper division credits in physics. PHYS 346 cannot be used to meet this requirement.

Faculty of Science Honours Requirements

In addition to the above requirements, students must also satisfy Faculty of Science honours program requirements by completing additional upper division units to total a minimum of 60 upper division units.

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 units 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.