Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV

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To view the current Academic Calendar go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar.html

| Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV Calendar | Summer 2020

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 120 units, as specified below.

Lower Division Requirements

Students must complete all of

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
Ralf Wittenberg
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
OP01 TBD
OP02 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 101 or 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. 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 – Aug 28, 2020: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
Michael Chen
Aug 24 – Aug 28, 2020: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHYS 201 - Physics Undergraduate Seminar (1)

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.

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 III (3)

Introduction to modern techniques in experimental physics, including computer-aided data acquisition, electronics, control theory, and statistical data analysis. Prerequisite: PHYS 130, 133 or 141 (no substitutions). Corequisite: PHYS 255. Quantitative.

PHYS 233 - Physics Laboratory IV (3)

Statistical data analysis, experimental design and scientific communication, studied in the context of experiments spanning a range of physical systems. Prerequisite: PHYS 231 or ENSC 280. Quantitative.

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: Chemistry 12 with a minimum grade of C, or CHEM 109 or 111 with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CHEM 120 or 123 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Rebecca Goyan
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Rebecca Goyan
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D201 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D202 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D203 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D204 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D205 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
LA03 TBD
LA06 TBD
LB03 TBD
LB06 TBD
LC01 TBD
LC02 TBD
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: Permission of the Department. Chemistry 12 or CHEM 111. Students with credit for CHEM 120 or CHEM 121 may not take this course for further credit. 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 120 or 121 with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CHEM 124 or CHEM 180 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Hogan Yu
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
Burnaby
D101 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.

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 with a minimum grade of C-; or CHEM 120 or 121 and permission of the Department. Students who intend to take further laboratory courses in chemistry should take CHEM 124 concurrently with CHEM 126. Students with credit for CHEM 122 or CHEM 180 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

and either both 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, 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.

or CMPT 120 - Introduction to Computing Science and Programming I (3) **

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 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
CMPT 129 - Introduction to Computing Science and Programming for Mathematics and Statistics (3)

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 MACM 203 - Computing with Linear Algebra (2)

Using a mathematical software package for doing calculations in linear algebra. Development of computer models that analyze and illustrate applications of linear algebra. All calculations and experiments will be done in the Matlab software package. Topics include: large-scale matrix calculations, experiments with cellular automata, indexing, searching and ranking pages on the internet, population models, data fitting and optimization, image analysis, and cryptography. Prerequisite: One of CMPT 102, 120, 126, 128 or 130 and one of MATH 150, 151, 154 or 157 and one of MATH 232 or 240. MATH 232 or 240 can be taken as corequisite. Students in excess of 80 units may not take MACM 203 for further credit. Quantitative.

or all of

CMPT 120 - Introduction to Computing Science and Programming I (3) **

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 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
CMPT 125 - Introduction to Computing Science and Programming II (3)

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 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
CMPT 127 - Computing Laboratory (3)

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 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
Anne Lavergne
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Anne Lavergne
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and one of

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

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.

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
Justin Chan
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 2:30–3:20 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)

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.

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
Pengyu Liu
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: 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
Randall Pyke
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OP01 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
Shuxing Li
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby

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. 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.

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. 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
Neil Alberding
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 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 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.

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 MATH 155. Students with credit for PHYS 126 or 121 or 102 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

* 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 to satisfy this requirement

+ recommended

Upper Division Requirements

Students complete a minimum total of 53 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
Vijay Singh
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
Salimi Mehdi
May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D201 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D202 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D203 May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 1:30–2:20 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 - Advanced Physics Laboratory I (4)

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.

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 121 or PHYS 126 or PHYS 141; MATH 251; both with a minimum grade of C-. 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 320, 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; PHYS 384 or both MATH 314 and MATH 419; all 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 (no substitution); PHYS 255 or ENSC 380. Students with credit for PHYS 324 or 425 may not take PHYS 421 for further credit. Quantitative.

PHYS 431 - Advanced Physics Laboratory II (4)

Advanced experiments in Physics. May include special projects. Prerequisite: PHYS 385 and PHYS 332W, both with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.

PHYS 432 - Undergraduate Honours Thesis (6)

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.

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 twelve additional upper division units in physics. MATH 462 can be used to meet this requirement. PHYS 346 cannot be used to meet this requirement.

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.