The University of Western Ontario : Physics (S)




Academic Calendar 2012 UNDERGRADUATE COURSE INFORMATION Physics (S)

Physics (S)

Note: In order to find a course in the new 4 digit numbering system using an old 3 digit number, please refer to the conversion list below. Before registering for courses with the new 4 digit numbering system, please ensure that you have not previously taken the course in its 3 digit form.

Click here for conversion list of former 3-digit course numbers.

Physics 1021 - Conceptual Physics for Non-Scientists

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 1028A/B, 1029A/B, 1301A/B, 1302A/B, 1401A/B, 1402A/B, 1501A/B, 1502A/B, the former Physics 1020, 1024, 1026, Grade 12U Physics (SPH4U) if taken within the three years prior to the start of this course.

Prerequisite(s):

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 1.0 course.

Physics 1028A/B - Physics for the Biological Sciences I

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 1021, 1301A/B, 1302A/B, 1401A/B, 1402A/B, 1501A/B, 1502A/B, the former Physics 1020, 1024, 1026.

Prerequisite(s): One of the following four courses: Grade 12U Advanced Functions (MHF4U), the former Grade 12U Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus (MCB4U), the former Grade 12U Geometry and Discrete Mathematics (MGA4U), Mathematics 0110A/B.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/tutorial hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 1029A/B - Physics for the Biological Sciences II

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, the cardiovascular system and biomechanics.

Antirequisite(s): Physics 1021, 1302A/B, 1402A/B, 1502A/B, the former Physics 1020, 1024, 1026.

Prerequisite(s): One of Physics 1028A/B, 1301A/B, 1401A/B or 1501A/B.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/ tutorial hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 1301A/B - Introductory Physics I

A calculus-based laboratory course for students intending to pursue further studies in Science. Kinematics, force and motion, energy, linear momentum, rotation, torque and angular momentum, gravitation, heat, kinetics of gases.

Antirequisite(s): Physics 1021, 1028A/B, 1401A/B, 1501A/B, the former Physics 1020, 1024, 1026.

Prerequisite(s): Grade 12U Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) or the former Grade 12U Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus (MCB4U) or Mathematics 0110A/B.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/tutorial hours, 0.5 course.

Note: The department recommends that students also take a concurrent course that includes Calculus. Please be aware that some of the programs for which Physics 1301A/B is a prerequisite also require Calculus 1000A/B or 1100A/B or 1500A/B plus Calculus 1301A/B or 1501A/B, or Applied Mathematics 1413. This course, together with Physics 1302A/B, is a suitable prerequisite for modules in the Faculty of Science and modules offered by the basic medical science departments, and for professional schools having a Physics requirement.

Physics 1302A/B - Introductory Physics II

A calculus-based laboratory course for students intending to pursue further studies in Science. Oscillations, waves, fluids, electric fields and potential, DC circuits, magnetic fields, modern physics.

Antirequisite(s): Physics 1021, 1029A/B, 1402A/B, 1502A/B, the former Physics 1020, 1024, 1026.

Prerequisite(s): One of Physics 1301A/B or 1401A/B or 1501A/B, or a minimum mark of 70% in Physics 1028A/B.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/tutorial hours, 0.5 course.

Note: The department recommends that students also take a concurrent course that includes Calculus. Please be aware that some of the programs for which Physics 1302A/B is a prerequisite also require Calculus 1000A/B or 1100A/B or 1500A/B plus Calculus 1301A/B or 1501A/B, or Applied Mathematics 1413. This course, together with Physics 1301A/B, is a suitable prerequisite for modules in the Faculty of Science and modules offered by the basic medical science departments, and for professional schools having a Physics requirement.

Physics 1401A/B - Physics for Engineering Students I

A calculus-based laboratory course in physics for Engineering students. Kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, linear momentum, rotational motion, torque and angular momentum, oscillations.

Antirequisite(s): Physics 1021, 1028A/B, 1301A/B, 1501A/B, the former Physics 1020, 1024, 1026.

Prerequisite(s): Grade 12U Physics (SPH4U); Grade 12U Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) or the former Grade 12U Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus (MCB4U) or Mathematics 0110A/B.

Corequisite(s): Applied Mathematics 1413.

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/tutorial hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 1402A/B - Physics for Engineering Students II

A calculus-based laboratory course in physics for Engineering students. Electric fields and potential, Gauss’ law, capacitance, DC circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction.

Antirequisite(s): Physics 1021, 1029A/B, 1302A/B, 1502A/B, the former Physics 1020, 1024, 1026.

Prerequisite(s): Physics 1401A/B or permission of the Department.

Corequisite(s): Applied Mathematics 1413.

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/tutorial hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 1501A/B - Enriched Introductory Physics I

A calculus-based laboratory course for students intending to pursue further studies in science, particularly the physical sciences. Newton’s laws, energy, linear momentum, rotations and angular momentum, gravitation and planetary motion.

Antirequisite(s): Physics 1021, 1028A/B, 1301A/B, 1401A/B, the former Physics 1020, 1024, 1026.

Prerequisite(s): Grade 12U Physics (SPH4U); Grade 12U Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) or the former Grade 12U Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus (MCB4U) or Mathematics 0110A/B.

Corequisite(s): Calculus 1000A/B or 1100A/B or 1500A/B or Applied Mathematics 1413.

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/tutorial hours, 0.5 course.

Note: This course, together with Physics 1502A/B, is a suitable prerequisite for all modules in the Faculty of Science, for all modules offered by the basic medical science departments and for professional schools having a Physics requirement.

Physics 1502A/B - Enriched Introductory Physics II

A calculus-based laboratory course for students intending to pursue further studies in science, particularly the physical sciences. Relativity, the electromagnetic interaction, the strong and weak interactions, oscillations and waves.

Antirequisite(s): Physics 1021, 1029A/B, 1302A/B, 1402A/B, the former Physics 1020, 1024, 1026.

Prerequisite(s): One of Physics 1501A/B (preferred) or Physics 1301A/B or 1401A/B, or a minimum mark of 80% in Physics 1028A/B; Calculus 1000A/B or 1100A/B or 1500A/B.

Corequisite(s): Calculus 1501A/B (preferred) or Calculus 1301A/B, or Applied Mathematics 1413.

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/tutorial hours, 0.5 course.

Note: This course, together with Physics 1501A/B, is a suitable prerequisite for all modules in the Faculty of Science, for modules offered by the basic medical science departments and for professional schools having a Physics requirement.

Physics 2032A/B - The Physics of Music and Sound

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.

Antirequisite(s):

Prerequisite(s):

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 2065A/B - Going Faster and Farther: the Science of the Sporting Environment

The athlete’s goal is typically to go faster or throw farther than the competition. Designed for non-science students, 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.

Antirequisite(s): Physics 1028A/B, 1301A/B, 1401A/B, 1501A/B or the former Physics 1020, 1024, 1026.

Prerequisite(s):

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

May not be taken for credit by students in the Faculty of Science.

Physics 2070A/B - Understanding Earth's Atmosphere

This course is designed for non-science students and 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.

Antirequisite(s): Physics 1028A/B, 1301A/B, 1401A/B, 1501A/B, 2700A/B or the former Physics 1020, 1024, 1026.

Prerequisite(s):

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

May not be taken for credit by students in the Faculty of Science.

Physics 2101A/B - Intermediate Electromagnetism

The physics of electromagnetic fields, including Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves, is studied with emphasis on practical calculations. Modern physics is introduced via Special Relativity.

Antirequisite(s):

Prerequisite(s): Physics 1301A/B or 1401A/B or 1501A/B with a minimum mark of 60% or Physics 1028A/B with a minimum mark of 80%; Physics 1302A/B or 1402A/B or 1502A/B with a minimum mark of 60% or Physics 1029A/B with a minimum mark of 80%, or a minimum mark of 60% in the former Physics 1020 or 1024 or 1026; a minimum mark of 60% in each of (Calculus 1000A/B or 1100A/B or 1500A/B) and (Calculus 1301A/B or 1501A/B), or in Applied Mathematics 1413.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

Physics 2102A/B - Introduction to Modern Physics

Introduction to quantum mechanics, wave-particle duality, atomic physics, nuclear physics, particle physics and the origins of the universe.

Antirequisite(s):

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

Physics 2110A/B - Oscillations and Waves

A unified treatment of oscillatory and wave motion, with examples from mechanics, electromagnetism, optics and materials science. Topics include simple harmonic motion, forced oscillations and resonance, coupled oscillations, transverse waves on strings and in crystals, longitudinal waves in gases and solids, electromagnetic waves, Fourier methods, nonlinear oscillations and chaos.

Antirequisite(s):

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s): Mathematics 1600A/B, or the former Linear Algebra 1600A/B.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 2 laboratory/tutorial hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 2128A/B - Fundamental Concepts of Medical Imaging

Fundamental concepts in medical imaging, including atomic physics, nuclear physics, and sound and electromagnetic waves. These topics will be discussed with an emphasis on basic medical sciences applications, including their role in X–ray computed tomography, mammography, positron emission tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Antirequisite(s): Physics 1301A/B, 1302A/B, 1401A/B, 1402A/B, 1501A/B, 1502A/B, 2101A/B, 2102A/B, 2600A/B, the former Physics 1020, 1024, 1026, Medical Biophysics 2128A/B.

Prerequisite(s): Physics 1028A/B and 1029A/B, Calculus 1000A/B or 1100A/B or 1500A/B, and Calculus 1301A/B or 1501A/B.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Note: The sequence Physics 1028A/B, 1029A/B, 2128A/B, 2129A/B is a suitable prerequisite for third-year courses for which Physics 2101A/B, 2102A/B are a prerequisite.

Physics 2129A/B - Research and Problem Solving Techniques in Biophysics

Research and problem–solving strategies are applied to topics in biophysics. These include vector principles, molecular spectroscopy and lasers, advanced microscopy with a focus on methodology and resolution, non–equilibrium effects at membranes and in homeostasis with an overview of the role of partial derivatives, data and error analysis.

Antirequisite(s): Physics 1301A/B, 1302A/B, 1401A/B, 1402A/B, 1501A/B, 1502A/B, 2101A/B, 2102A/B, the former Physics 1020, 1024, 1026, Medical Biophysics 2129A/B.

Prerequisite(s): Physics 2128A/B or Medical Biophysics 2128A/B.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Note: The sequence Physics 1028A/B, 1029A/B, 2128A/B, 2129A/B is a suitable prerequisite for third-year courses for which Physics 2101A/B, 2102A/B are a prerequisite.

Physics 2600A/B - Introduction to Medical Physics

A practical introduction to key physical principles as applied to medical imaging and radiation therapy. Topics covered will include: imaging metrics, ionizing radiation and radiation safety, radioactivity, radiation therapy, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.

Antirequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 4475A/B.

Prerequisite(s): (Physics 1028A/B or 1301A/B or 1401A/B or 1501A/B) and (Physics 1029A/B or 1302A/B or 1402A/B or 1502A/B), or the former Physics 1020 or 1024 or 1026; Calculus 1000A/B or 1100A/B or 1500A/B and Calculus 1301A/B or 1501A/B, or Applied Mathematics 1413.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 2700A/B - Introduction to Planetary Atmospheres

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 2070A/B.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

Physics 2810A/B - Physical Properties of Materials

The properties of materials are described in terms of their atomic structure and interatomic bonding. The basic physical principles underlying mechanical, electrical, and magnetic properties are discussed in the context of modern materials including polymers and semiconductors.

Antirequisite(s): Materials Science 2810A/B, the former Physics 2800 and the former Materials Science 2800.

Prerequisite(s): (Calculus 1000A/B or 1100A/B or 1500A/B) and (Calculus 1301A/B or 1501A/B), or Applied Mathematics 1413; Chemistry 1100A/B and 1200B, or the former Chemistry 023, 1020, 1050; (Physics 1028A/B or 1301A/B or 1401A/B or 1501A/B) and (Physics 1029A/B or 1302A/B or 1402A/B or 1502A/B), or the former Physics 1020 or 1024 or 1026.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 2910F/G - Introduction to Physical Measurement

Students will gain an introduction to experimental techniques through experiments on electricity and magnetism, and modern physics. Concurrent lectures will cover circuit theory and experimental design.

Antirequisite(s): The former Physics 2900E.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 2930A/B - Special Topics in Physics.

Antirequisite(s):

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Department.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 2950Y - Year Two Seminar

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.

Antirequisite(s):

Prerequisite(s):

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 1 lecture hour, 0.5 course, non-credit.

Physics 3151A/B - Classical Mechanics I

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 3151A/B.

Prerequisite(s): (Physics 1028A/B or 1301A/B or 1401A/B or 1501A/B) and (Physics 1029A/B or 1302A/B or 1402A/B or 1502A/B), or the former Physics 1020 or 1024 or 1026; Calculus 2303A/B or 2503A/B, Mathematics 1600A/B or the former Linear Algebra 1600A/B.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 3200A/B - Quantum Mechanics I

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 3374A/B.

Prerequisite(s): Physics 2101A/B and 2102A/B, or Physics 2128A/B and 2129A/B; Physics 2110A/B.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 3300A/B - Electromagnetic Theory I

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.

Antirequisite(s):

Prerequisite(s): Physics 2101A/B and 2102A/B, or Physics 2128A/B and 2129A/B.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 3380A/B - Optics and Photonics

An introduction to the principles of optics and modern optical devices. Topics include geometrical optics, interference, diffraction, reflection, transmission, and polarization, modulation of light waves, fiber-optical light guides, optical communication systems, integrated optics.

Antirequisite(s):

Prerequisite(s): 0.5 course from: Physics 2101A/B, 2129A/B, 2810A/B, Materials Science 2810A/B, the former Physics 2800, the former Materials Science 2800; Calculus 2302A/B or 2502A/B.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Typically offered in alternate years only.

Physics 3400A/B - Introduction to Thermal Physics

Thermodynamics applied to classical and quantum systems. Thermodynamic laws, interactions, engines, phase transformations of pure substances, Boltzmann statistics, simple quantum systems.

Antirequisite(s):

Prerequisite(s): Physics 2101A/B and 2102A/B, or Physics 2128A/B and 2129A/B; Physics 2110A/B or the former Physics 2900E.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 3809A/B - Biological Materials

Composition of biomaterials: chemical bonds, functional groups; water: pH, buffer; DNA: genetic code, amino acids; proteins: primary, secondary, tertiary structure; lipids: phase diagrams, monolayers, LB technology, double layers, biomembranes, function, physical properties, electrical properties, Gouy-Chapman theory, Nernst potential, transport proteins; the cell: energy and energy storage, muscle and nerve cells.

Antirequisite(s):

Prerequisite(s): Physics 2810A/B or Materials Science 2810A/B or the former Physics 2800 or the former Materials Science 2800; Chemistry 1100A/B and Chemistry 1200B or the former Chemistry 023, 1020, 1050.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Typically offered in alternate years only.

Physics 3900F/G/Z - Senior Physics Laboratory

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):

Prerequisite(s): Physics 2910F/G, or the former Physics 2900E.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 6 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 3926F/G - Computer Simulations in Physics

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.

Antirequisite(s): Applied Mathematics 3911F/G.

Prerequisite(s): Physics 2101A/B and 2102A/B, or Physics 2128A/B and 2129A/B; Physics 2110A/B and 2910F/G, or the former Physics 2900E; Calculus 2303A/B or 2503A/B.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 3930A/B - Special Topics in Physics.

Antirequisite(s):

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Department.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 3950Y - Year Three Seminar

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.

Antirequisite(s):

Prerequisite(s):

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 1 lecture hour, 0.5 course, non-credit.

Physics 4251A/B - Quantum Physics II

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 4251A.

Prerequisite(s): Physics 3200A/B.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 4351A/B - Electromagenetic Theory II

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 4351A.

Prerequisite(s): Physics 3300A/B.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 4551A/B - Introduction to Elementary Particles

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 4551A/B.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Department.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 4662A/B - Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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.

Antirequisite(s):

Prerequisite(s): Physics 2102A/B or Physics 2129A/B or Medical Biophysics 2129A/B, or permission of the Department.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 4672A/B - Radiological Physics

An introduction to the instrumentation and techniques of radiation therapy.

Antirequisite(s):

Prerequisite(s):

Corequisite(s): Physics 3300A/B.

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 4810A/B - Electronic Materials and Devices

An introduction to the principles governing modern electronic devices. Topics include crystal structure (lattices, reciprocal lattices, X-ray diffraction), lattice vibrations (phonons, thermal properties), metals (free-electron model, energy bands), semiconductors (band gaps, mobility, doping), and semiconductor devices (diodes, transistors, device fabrication).

Antirequisite(s):

Prerequisite(s): 0.5 course from: Physics 2102A/B, 2129A/B, 2810A/B, Materials Science 2810A/B, the former Physics 2800, the former Materials Science 2800; Calculus 2302A/B or 2502A/B.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Typically offered in alternate years only.

Physics 4850A/B - Nanomaterials

Synthesis, properties, characterization and application of materials structured on the nanometer scale. Fabrication methods including epitaxy, lithography, and self-assembly. Optical and electronic properties of nanomaterials including carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, nanoparticles. Interaction with electrons and photons. Characterization methods, including electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, plasmon resonance.

Antirequisite(s):

Prerequisite(s): 0.5 course from: Physics 2102A/B, 2129A/B, 2810A/B, the former Physics 2800, the former Materials Science 2800; Calculus 2302A/B or 2502A/B.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Typically offered in alternate years only.

Physics 4930A/B - Special Topics in Physics

Antirequisite(s):

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Department.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 4931A/B - Special Topics in Physics

Antirequisite(s):

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Department.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Physics 4950Y - Year Four Seminar

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.

Antirequisite(s):

Prerequisite(s):

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 1 lecture hour, 0.5 course, non credit.

Physics 4999E - Honors Research

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.

Antirequisite(s):

Prerequisite(s): Registration in the fourth year of an honors Physics program.

Corequisite(s):

Pre-or Corequisite(s):

Extra Information: 1.0 course.

Academic Calendar 2012 UNDERGRADUATE COURSE INFORMATION Physics (S)