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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 enroll in physics courses must obtain a C- grade or better in prerequisite courses.
Program Requirements
Students complete 120 units, as specified below.
Lower Division Requirements
Students must complete all of
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Ralf Wittenberg |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
||
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 101 or 120 or 125. Students with credit for PHYS 130, 131, or 140 may not take PHYS 132 for further credit. Quantitative.
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. Prerequisite: PHYS 132 or 140 or ENSC 120 (no substitutions), with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: PHYS 102 or 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 |
---|---|---|---|
D101 |
Aug 24 β Aug 28, 2020: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Michael Chen |
Aug 24 β Aug 28, 2020: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, 1:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
A seminar to expose students majoring in any Physics program to opportunities available with a physics degree. Seminar will include invited speakers, group discussions, and student presentations on topics including modern physics research, industrial physics, career opportunities, and communication and other professional skills. May be repeated once for credit. Graded as pass/fail (P/F). Prerequisite: PHYS 121 or PHYS 126 or PHYS 141, with a minimum grade of C-, or PHYS 102 with a minimum grade of B.
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.
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.
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. Prerequisite: or 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 |
---|---|---|---|
Tim Swartz |
Distance Education | ||
Rachel Altman |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Fri, 10:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
OP01 | TBD |
and either both 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, 128, 130 or 166 may not take this course for further credit. Students who have taken CMPT 125, 129 or 135 first may not then take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
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, 128, 130 or 166 may not take this course for further credit. Students who have taken CMPT 125, 129, 130 or 135 first may not then take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Hazra Imran |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
A second course in computing science and programming intended for students studying mathematics, statistics or actuarial science and suitable for students who already have some background in computing science and programming. Topics include: a review of the basic elements of programming: use and implementation of elementary data structures and algorithms; fundamental algorithms and problem solving; basic object-oriented programming and software design; computation and computabiiity and specification and program correctness. Prerequisite: CMPT 102 or CMPT 120. Students with credit for CMPT 125 or 135 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
or all 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, 128, 130 or 166 may not take this course for further credit. Students who have taken CMPT 125, 129, 130 or 135 first may not then take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Hazra Imran |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 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: CMPT 120. Corequisite: CMPT 127. Students with credit for CMPT 126, 129, 135 or CMPT 200 or higher may not take for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Toby Donaldson |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Mon, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Wed, Fri, 12:30β1:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
Builds on CMPT 120 to give a hands-on introduction to programming in C and C++, the basics of program design, essential algorithms and data structures. Guided labs teach the standard tools and students exploit these ideas to create software that works. To be taken in parallel with CMPT 125. Prerequisite: CMPT 120 or CMPT 128 or CMPT 130. Corequisite: CMPT 125.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Anne Lavergne |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 8:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Anne Lavergne |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 11:30 a.m.β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Anne Lavergne |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 2:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and one of
Review of limits and differentiation. Complex numbers and link to polar coordinates. Mathematics of kinematics, including vectors and parametrics curves. Area and Riemann sums. Definite and indefinite integration. Fundamental Theorems of Calculus. Techniques of integration and approximation of integrals. Series and tests of convergence. Taylor series. Solution of first and constant-coefficient second order ODE. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or MATH 151 or MATH 154 with a grade of at least B or IB Mathematics HL with a score of 6 or better or AP Calculus AB or BC with a grade of at least 4, or BC Calculus 12 and a pass on the Calculus Challenge Exam. And Permission of the Department. Recommended corequisite: Physics 125.
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Justin Chan |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
OP01 | 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.
and one of
Partial differentiation and applications. Taylor series of functions of two variables. 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. Curvilinear coordinate systems. Multivariate integration, including Green's, the Stokes and the Divergence theorem. Introduction to abstract vector spaces. Linear independence. Inner products and orthogonality. Fourier Series. Prerequisite: A grade of C+ or higher in Math 125 or Math 152. And Permission of the Department. Recommended 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 |
---|---|---|---|
Pengyu Liu |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: 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 |
---|---|---|---|
Randall Pyke |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
OP01 | 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 |
---|---|---|---|
Shuxing Li |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
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.
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. Corequisite: MATH 125 or MATH 151. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 120 or PHYS 140 may not take PHYS 125 for further credit. Quantitative.
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. Students with credit for PHYS 125 or 120 or 101 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
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.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Neil Alberding |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D107 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D108 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
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 or permission of the department. Corequisite: MATH 126 or MATH 152. 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 MATH 155. 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
** students with computing experience may be able to test out of CMPT 120
+ 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 |
---|---|---|---|
Manfred Trummer |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Mon, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Mon, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Mon, 4:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D107 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Mon, 5:30β6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D108 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 10:30β11:20 a.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 |
---|---|---|---|
Vijay Singh |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 4:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D107 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D108 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Salimi Mehdi |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D201 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D202 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D203 |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 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.
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.
Section | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Mon, 12:30β2:20 p.m.
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 12:30β1:20 p.m. |
Distance Education |
Metric spaces, normed vector spaces, measure and integration, an introduction to functional analysis. Prerequisite: MATH 320. Quantitative.
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.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Steven Ruuth |
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Mon, 10:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
May 11 β Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 10:30β11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
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
Data structures and algorithms for mathematical objects. Topics include long integer arithmetic, computing polynomial greatest common divisors, the fast Fourier transform, Hensel's lemma and p-adic methods, differentiation and simplification of formulae, and polynomial factorization. Students will use a computer algebra system such as Maple for calculations and programming. 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.
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 investigating a range of physical phenomena such as Brownian motion, molecular order, chaotic dynamics, Doppler broadening of stellar spectra, and biophysical forces using techniques such as interference, optical trapping, and spectroscopy. Attention will also be given to more general skills, including experimental design, operating and troubleshooting experimental equipment, modeling of experimental results, data analysis, and the presentation of experimental results. Biological Physics students will do a selected set of experiments. Prerequisite: Either PHYS 233 or both (PHYS 231 and either CHEM 266 or PHYS 347) and either PHYS 285 or CHEM 260, all with a minimum grade of C-. PHYS 347 may be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 332 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.
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.
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 (no substitution); PHYS 255 or ENSC 380. Students with credit for PHYS 324 or 425 may not take PHYS 421 for further credit. Quantitative.
and two of
Computer-based approaches to solving complex physical problems. Includes topics such as Monte-Carlo and molecular dynamics techniques applied to thermal properties of materials; dynamical behavior of systems, including chaotic motion; methods for ground state determination and optimization, including Newton-Raphson, simulated annealing, neural nets, and genetic algorithms: symplectic methods; and analysis of numerical data. Prerequisite: MATH 310, PHYS 255, CMPT 102, 120, or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended: PHYS 344 or equivalent. Quantitative.
Undergraduate research and preparation of an honours thesis over the fall and the subsequent spring 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.
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.
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.
*or both of MATH 498 and MATH 499W
University Honours Degree Requirements
Students must also satisfy University degree requirements for degree completion.
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 Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements 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
- At least half of the program's total units must be earned through Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV study.
- At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV study.
Elective Courses
In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.