Academic Calendar 2006 (new)» UNDERGRADUATE COURSE INFORMATION» Physics
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Physics

Physics Courses
 
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113a/b132a/b201a/b202a/b203a/b208210a/b
222a/b259E277a/b278a/b279y308a/b309a/b
326F/G343a/b350a/b351a/b365a/b369F/G/Z378a/b
379y408a/b409a/b420a/b451a/b454a/b462a/b
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Physics 020, Physics I
Description: Mechanics, electricity and magnetism, oscillations and waves. This is a calculus-based laboratory course for students intending to pursue further studies in science, particularly the Physical Sciences.
Antirequisite(s): Physics 021, 024, 026, 028a/b, 029a/b, the former Physics 022, 025, 141a/b.
Prerequisite(s): OAC Physics or Grade 12U (SPH4U) Physics; OAC Algebra and Geometry or Grade 12U Geometry and Discrete Mathematics (MGA4U), or Mathematics 017a/b; OAC Calculus or Grade 12U Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus (MCB4U) or Mathematics 012a/b.
Corequisite(s): Calculus 050a/b plus Calculus 051a/b, or Applied Mathematics 026.
3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/tutorial hours, 1.0 course.
Note: This course is a suitable prerequisite for all programs in the Faculty of Science, and for professional schools having a Physics requirement.
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Physics 021, Conceptual Physics for Non-Scientists
Description: The concepts of physics are presented without mathematics. The topics include motion, force, mass, energy, momentum, rotational motion, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, lasers, and relativity. Demonstrations are an important component. This non- laboratory course is particularly suitable for Arts and Humanities and Social Science students.
Antirequisite(s): Physics 020, 024, 026, 028a/b, 029a/b, the former Physics 022, 025, 141a/b, a credit in OAC Physics or Grade 12U (SPH4U) within the last three years.
2 lecture hours, 1.0 course.
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Physics 024, Introductory Physics
Description: Topics include mechanics, waves, electricity and magnetism, fluid flow, thermal physics, elements of wave-particle duality. This is a calculus-based laboratory course for students intending to pursue further studies in science.
Antirequisite(s): Physics 020, 021, 026, 028a/b, 029a/b, the former 022, 025, 141a/b.
Prerequisite(s): OAC Calculus or Grade 12U Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus (MCB4U) or Mathematics 012a/b.
3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/tutorial hours, 1.0 course.
Note: The department recommends that students also take a concurrent course which includes calculus. Please be aware that some of the programs for which Physics 024 is a prerequisite also require Calculus 050a/b plus 051a/b, or Applied Mathematics 026. This course is a suitable prerequisite for programs in the Faculty of Science, and for Professional Schools having a Physics requirement.
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Physics 026, Physics for Engineering Students
Description: A calculus based course which discusses kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, work, energy, linear momentum, simple harmonic motion, electrostatics, d.c. circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic induction.
Antirequisite(s): Physics 020, 021, 024, 028a/b, 029a/b, the former Physics 022, 025, 141a/b.
Prerequisite(s): OAC Physics or Grade 12U (SPH4U) Physics; OAC Algebra and Geometry or Grade 12U Geometry and Discrete Mathematics (MGA4U) or Mathematics 017a/b; OAC Calculus or Grade 12U Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus (MCB4U) or Mathematics 012a/b.
Corequisite(s): Applied Mathematics 026.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/tutorial hours, 1.0 course.
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Physics 028a/b, Physics for the Biological Sciences I
Description: Fundamental physics concepts are introduced with an emphasis on applications in biological processes. Topics include bioenergetics (metabolism and respiration), membranes, electrical properties of molecules and principles of microscopy.
Antirequisite(s): Physics 020, 021, 024, 026, the former Physics 022, 025.
Prerequisite(s): one of the following four courses: Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus Gr.12 U (MCB4U); Geometry and Discrete Mathematics, Gr. 12U (MGA4U); OAC Calculus (MCAOA); OAC Algebra and Geometry (MAGOA).
3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/tutorial hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 029a/b, Physics for the Biological Sciences II
Description: Fundamental physics concepts are introduced with an emphasis on applications in biological processes. Topics include: nerve electricity, the eye and color vision, elasticity and sound, cardiovascular system and biomechanics.
Antirequisite(s): Physics 020, 021, 024, 026, the former Physics 022, 025.
Prerequisite(s): Physics 028a/b.
3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/ tutorial hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 104a/b, Understanding Earth's Atmosphere
Description: This course examines the atmosphere in which we live, how it affects our everyday life, and how we in turn, as the technologically dominant earth-borne species, affect it. Atmospheric phenomena such as wind, temperature, composition, precipitation and electricity are used to illustrate basic physical principles. Suitable for non-science students.
Antirequisite(s): Physics 203a/b; the former Physics 103
2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 113a/b, Going Faster and Farther: the Science of the Sporting Environment
Description: The athlete’s goal is typically to go faster or throw farther than the competition. This course will highlight examples in many different sports where an understanding of physical principles has helped in “cheating” the wind or the water to improve performance.
2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 132a/b, The Physics of Music and Sound
Description: Designed for non-science students. Fascinating physical insight into: intriguing properties of sound waves; harmony of the cosmos and scales; colour of sound of musical instruments; generation and perception of musical sound. Acquaintance with musical notation is advantageous. May not be taken for credit by students in the Faculty of Science.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 201a/b, Physics II
Description: The physics underpinning Maxwell's equations will be studied, and then applied to bulk matter. Principal topics: magnetism, Ampere's Law, Faraday's Law, Maxwell's equations, capacitors, dielectrics and conduction and Special Relativity.
Antirequisite(s): The former Physics 200, 243b.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum mark of 60% in Physics 020 or 024 or 026 or the former 025, or a minimum average of 80% in Physics 028a/b and 029a/b; a minimum mark of 60% in each of Calculus 050a/b and (051a/b or 081a/b), or in Applied Mathematics 026.
3 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.
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Physics 202a/b, Physics III
Description: Quantum physics, waves and matter, the hydrogen atom, nuclear physics, particle physics.
Antirequisite(s): The former Physics 200.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum mark of 60% in Physics 020 or 024 or 026 or the former 025, or a minimum average of 80% in Physics 028a/b and 029a/b; a minimum mark of 60% in each of Calculus 050a/b and (051a/b or 081a/b), or in Applied Mathematics 026.
3 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.
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Physics 203a/b, Introduction to Planetary Atmospheres
Description: Basic physical principles are used to investigate the dynamics, thermodynamics and composition of planetary atmospheres. Further insight in earth's atmosphere will be gained by comparisons with other planetary atmospheres.
Antirequisite(s): Physics 104a/b, the former Physics 463a/b.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum mark of 60% in Physics 020 or 024 or 026 or the former 025, or in each of Physics 028a/b and 029a/b; a minimum mark of 60% in each of Calculus 050a/b and (051a/b or 081a/b), or in Applied Mathematics 026.
2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.
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Physics 208, Introduction to Materials Science
Description: Crystal structure and interatomic forces, material preparation and growth, quantum properties, statistical properties, X-Ray, neutron and electron diffraction, thermal properties; specific heat, thermal conductivity, electrical properties; free electron model and energy bands, magnetism and magnetic resonance, superconductivity, semiconductors, optical properties, defects in solids.
Prerequisite(s): Physics 020, 024, 026, 028a/b plus 029a/b, or the former Physics 022, 25; Chemistry 020 or 023; (Calculus 050a/b and (051a/b or 081b)) or Applied Mathematics 026.
Corequisite(s): (Calculus 250a/b and Calculus 251a/b) or (Calculus 280a/b and Calculus 281a/b) or (Applied Mathematics 290a and Applied Mathematics 291b).
3 lecture hours, 1.0 course.
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Physics 210a/b, Introduction to Medical Physics
Description: Physical principles and experimental techniques applied to medicine and biology. Application of x-rays and gamma rays in medical diagnosis and therapy. Physical principles of lasers, ultrasound, and magnetic fields in mapping structures, identifying functions, diagnosis and therapy of the human body. Site visits may be made to important medical centers.
Antirequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 475a.
Prerequisite(s): Physics 020 or 024 or 026 or (028a/b and 029a/b) or the former 025; Calculus 050a/b and (051a/b or 081b), or Applied Mathematics 026.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 222a/b, Physics for the Biological Sciences III
Description: Advanced physics concepts are introduced with an emphasis on applications in Physiology and Medicine. Topics include: blood as a non-Newtonian fluid, locomotion at joints, underlying concepts of X-rays, radiology, ECG and MRI.
Prerequisite(s): Physics 029a/b or the former Physics 022.
3 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.
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Physics 259E, Intermediate Physics Laboratory
Description: Students will gain a thorough introduction to experimental methods through experiments on electricity and magnetism, thermal physics, optics and modern physics.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum mark of 60% in Physics 020 or 024 or 026 or the former 025, or a minimum average of 80% in Physics 028a/b and 029a/b; a minimum mark of 60% in each of Calculus 050a/b and (051a/b or 081a/b), or in Applied Mathematics 026.
Corequisite(s): Physics 201a/b and 202a/b or the former Physics 200.
2 lecture hours, 4 laboratory hours, 1.0 course.
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Physics 277a/b, Special Topics in Electronics
Description: Printed circuit design and construction.
3 lab hours at Fanshawe College in four designated weeks. Non-credit.
This course is restricted to students registered in the Joint Three-Year BSc Physics Fanshawe program.
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Physics 278a/b, Special Topics in Physics.
Description:
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Department.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 279y, Year Two Seminar
Description: A forum for students to meet the third and fourth year students and faculty in an informal setting. We will discuss research areas, practise giving and critiquing talks, and provide information on careers.
1 lecture hour, half course, Non-credit.
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Physics 308a/b, Engineered Materials I
Description: Low-dimensional systems: growth and characterization, adhesion, mechanical stability, phase separation, diffusion, overview of physical properties as function of dimensionality. Important systems: Ge/Si, III-V heterostructures, MBE, CVD and other techniques used in semiconductor growth, ion implantation, lithographic patterning techniques, bandgap engineering.
Antirequisite(s): The former Physics 455a/b.
Prerequisite(s): Physics 208.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 309a/b, Bio-Materials I
Description: Mechanical Properties: rigidity and elasticity, tensile strength, mobility, adhesion. Electric properties: water as an electric dipole, dielectric properties of membranes, electrochemistry of body fluids, pH regulation in blood. Thermodynamic and kinetic properties: energy production and storage in cells, semipermeable membranes, facilitated transport across membranes, filtration and counter-current processes.
Prerequisite(s): Biology 022 or 023; Chemistry 020 or 023; (Calculus 250a/b and 251a/b ) or (Calculus 280a/b and 281a/b) or (Applied Mathematics 290a and 291b).
Corequisite(s): Physics 208.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 326F/G, Computer Simulations in Physics
Description: A project oriented computation course using applications of numerical methods to problems in medical physics, science of materials, atmospheric physics and astrophysics. Projects will involve choosing a physical problem, posing scientific questions, and implementing a computer simulation. Techniques for programming, analysis, and presentation will be developed.
Prerequisite(s): Physics 201a/b and 202a/b or the former 200; Physics 259E; Calculus 251a/b or 281a/b or the former Applied Mathematics 291b.
3 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 343a/b, Introduction to Thermal Physics
Description: Thermodynamics applied to classical and quantum systems. Thermodynamic laws, interactions, engines, phase transformations of pure substances, Boltzmann statistics, simple quantum systems.
Prerequisite(s): Physics 201a/b and 202a/b or the former Physics 200; 259E.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 350a/b, Classical Mechanics I
Description: This course provides students with the tools to tackle more complex problems than those covered in introductory mechanics. D'Alembert's principle, principle of least action, Lagrange's equations, Hamilton's equations, Poisson brackets, canonical transformations, central forces, rigid bodies, oscillations. Optional topics including: special relativity, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, constrained systems, field theory.
Antirequisite(s): Applied Mathematics 353a/b.
Prerequisite(s): Calculus 251a/b or 281a/b, Linear Algebra 040a/b, Physics 020 or 024 or 026 or the former 025.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 351a/b, Quantum Mechanics I
Description: The Schrodinger equation in one dimension, wave packets, stationary states, the harmonic oscillator, the postulates of Quantum Mechanics, operators and eigenvalue equations, angular momentum, the hydrogen atom.
Antirequisite(s): Chemistry 374a/b.
Prerequisite(s): Physics 201a/b and 202a/b or the former Physics 200.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 365a/b, Electromagnetic Theory I
Description: A study of static electric and magnetic fields using vector calculus; time varying electric and magnetic fields, Maxwell's equations and solutions; wave propagation in continuous and discontinuous media, wave guides; retarded potentials, radiation.
Prerequisite(s): Physics 201a/b and 202a/b or the former Physics 200.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 369F/G/Z, Senior Physics Laboratory
Description: A senior physics laboratory designed to familiarize the student with the basic concepts of modern physics, with emphasis on the development of experimental skills and including an introduction to computer programming and its use in experimental analysis.
Antirequisite(s): Physics 359E.
Prerequisite(s): Physics 259E.
6 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 378a/b, Special Topics in Physics.
Description:
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Department.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 379y, Year Three Seminar
Description: A forum for students to meet the second and fourth year students and faculty in an informal setting. We will discuss research areas, practise giving and critiquing talks, and provide information on careers.
1 lecture hour, half course, Non-credit.
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Physics 408a/b, Engineered Materials II
Description: Semiconductor nanostructures: specifications of useful 1D and 0D systems quantum wires and quantum dots). Lithographic and sub-lithographic methods, self-assembly concepts. Photonic bandgap materials, applications in electronic and optoelectronic integration.
Antirequisite(s): The former Physics 465b.
Prerequisite(s): Physics 308a/b.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 409a/b, Bio-Materials II
Description: Interface between artificial materials and biological systems, materials for bone fixation and ligament repair, biodegradable implants, advanced metallic implants and prostheses, artificial blood vessels, artificial intraocular lenses, materials in dentistry, interaction of artificial bio-materials with the musculoskeletal system, DNA-interconnect molecules to build nanostructures with inorganic building blocks.
Prerequisite(s): Physics 309a/b.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 420a/b, Electromagenetic Theory II
Description: Static fields (Green's functions); time varying fields; Maxwell's equations, conservation laws; nonrelativistic motion of particles in static, uniform external fields; Rutherford scattering; plane waves; simple radiating systems; fields of a moving charge; relativistic formulation.
Antirequisite(s): Applied Mathematics 420b.
Prerequisite(s): Physics 365a/b.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 451a/b, Quantum Physics II
Description: Potential scattering, spin, addition of angular momenta, stationary and time-dependent perturbation theory, systems of identical particles, applications to atomic, molecular, solid state, nuclear, particle and atmospheric physics.
Antirequisite(s): Applied Mathematics 356b, the former Physics 352a/b.
Prerequisite(s): Physics 351a/b.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 454a/b, Introduction to Elementary Particles
Description: Phenomenology; conservation laws and invariance principles; analysis of reactions and decays; the identification of particles; the particle spectrum; unitary symmetry; quarks; models of strong interaction dynamics.
Antirequisite(s): Applied Mathematics 455a/b
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Department.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 462a/b, Nuclear Magnetic Imaging
Description: Concepts from electromagnetic theory, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics will be applied to illuminate the principles and techniques of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Applications of NMR to materials science, chemistry, and medicine will be discussed.
Corequisite(s): Physics 343a/b, 351a/b, 365a/b, 451a/b, or permission of the Department.
0.5 course.
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Physics 472a/b, Radiological Physics
Description: An introduction to the instrumentation and techniques of radiation therapy.
Corequisite(s): Physics 365b.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 477a/b, Special Topics in Physics
Description:
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Department.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 478a/b, Special Topics in Physics
Description:
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Department.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Physics 479y, Year Four Seminar
Description: A forum for students to meet the second and third year students and faculty in an informal setting. We will discuss research areas, practise giving and critiquing talks, and provide information on careers.
1 lecture hour, half course. Non credit.
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Physics 489y, Seminar
Description: A forum for students to meet students and faculty in an informal setting. We will discuss research areas, practice giving and critiquing talks, and visit laboratories and Plants.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the Science of Materials program.
1 lecture hour, half course. Non credit.
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Physics 491E, Honors Research
Description: The student will work on a research project, either experimental or theoretical, under faculty supervision, and present the results in a written report and in a seminar.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the fourth year of an honors Physics program.
1.0 course.
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Academic Calendar 2006 (new)» UNDERGRADUATE COURSE INFORMATION» Physics