Undergraduate Calendar Content
2005-2006
PHYS
PHYSICS
Note: See beginning of Section H for abbreviations, course numbers and coding.
Not all courses are offered every year. Consult with the Department concerning availability of courses
from year to year.
All prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of C or better. No more than one of the
combinations PHYS 1040, 1045, PHYS 1050, 1055, PHYS 1940/1945 and PHYS 1913, 1918 may be
taken for credit.
All of the combinations PHYS 1040, 1045, PHYS 1050, 1055, and PHYS 1940, 1945 are acceptable
prerequisites for second year physics courses.
Courses with a 5 for the first digit are advanced courses which may be taken only with the permission of
the instructor.
PHYS 1040 Elements of Physics
6 ch (3C)
Covers fundamentals of mechanics, vectors, forces; kinematics; conservation laws; gravitation, wave
motion, sound, light, diffraction, interference. Electric fields, potentials; magnetic fields. Modern atomic
and nuclear physics. Note: This course is reserved for students registered in the Science Faculty only;
space is limited. PHYS 1045 is the lab course which accompanies PHYS 1040. Co-requisite: MATH 1003
or equivalent. The Saint Thomas University course which is equivalent to UNB MATH 1003 is STU MATH
1013. Students cannot receive credit for both PHYS1040 and 1940. Note: Students without high school
physics must expect to do extra work at times to keep up with the pace of the course. Students without
high school physics and who are weak in mathematics are advised to postpone university physics until
they have passed MATH 1003.
PHYS 1045 Physics Laboratory
4 ch (3L) [W]
Laboratory for students in PHYS 1040 and PHYS 1940. Weekly exercises in practical physics, covering
topics in mechanics, sound, light, electricity, atomic and nuclear physics. Co-requisite: PHYS 1040 or
PHYS 1940.
PHYS 1050 Enriched Introductory Physics
6 ch (3C 1T)
Essentials of atomic and nuclear spectroscopy, nuclear decay, release of nuclear energy. Linear and
rotational mechanics, hydromechanics, gravitation, kinetic theory. Oscillations and waves, geometrical
and wave optics. Electrical and magnetic fields, electric potential, orbital motion, particle accelerators.
Atomic structure, principle of the laser. Corequisites: PHYS 1055, MATH 1003/1013. Note: PHYS 1050
can be substituted for PHYS 1040 as prerequisite or corequisite in any program at UNB. Enrolment may
be limited.
PHYS 1055 Enriched Introductory Laboratory
4 ch (3L) [W]
Laboratory exercises in radioactivity, spectroscopy, mechanics and optics with applications of the
cathode-ray oscilloscope and semiconductors. Corequisite: PHYS 1050. Note: PHYS 1055 may be
substituted for PHYS 1045 as prerequisite or corequisite in any program at UNB. Enrolment may be
limited.
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PHYS 1913 Fundamentals of Physics (for Engineers)
3 ch (3C 1T)
Vectors, kinematics. Momentum, force, KE and PE. Simple Harmonic Motion. Standing waves. Kinetic
theory of gases. Circular orbits. Gravitation. Electrostatics. Charge, electric field and potential. Atomic
structure. Prerequisites: At least 70% in two years of high school Physics plus Grade 12 Mathematics.
Students with less than 70% in two years of high school Physics plus Grade 12 Mathematics must take
PHYS 1940 instead. Students with less than 80% in two years of high school Physics and Grade 12
Mathematics should take PHYS 1913 in second term.
PHYS 1918 Physics Laboratory (for Engineers)
2 ch (3L) [W]
Weekly exercises in practical physics, covering topics in mechanics, electrostatics and atomic physics.
Corequisite: PHYS 1913.
PHYS 1940 Elements of Physics
6 ch (3C 1T)
Covers fundamentals of mechanics, vectors, forces; kinematics; conservation laws; gravitation, wave
motion, sound, light, diffraction, interference. Electric fields, potentials; magnetic fields. Modern atomic
and nuclear physics. Note: This course is equivalent to PHYS 1040 but is available to students registered
in faculties other than the Faculty of Science. Students cannot receive credit for both PHYS1040 and
1940. PHYS 1045 is the lab course which accompanies PHYS 1940. Co-requisite: MATH 1003 or
equivalent. Students must already have taken MATH 1003 or be taking it in the FALL term in which they
register for PHYS 1940.The Saint Thomas University course which is equivalent to UNB MATH 1003 is
STU MATH 1013. Note: Students without high school physics must expect to do extra work at times to
keep up with the pace of the course. Students without high school physics and who are weak in
mathematics are advised to postpone university physics until they have passed MATH 1003.
PHYS 2011 Elementary Mechanics
4 ch (3C 1P)
Scalar and vector quantities, statics, kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, power, rotational motion,
impulse and momentum, moments of inertia, basic kinematics and dynamics of rigid bodies, basic fluid
mechanics. Prerequisites: MATH 1003/1013, PHYS 1040/1045 (D grades not acceptable). Corequisite:
MATH 2003 or equivalent.
PHYS 2021 Electricity and Magnetism
3 ch (3C)
Current, resistance and DC circuit analysis. Transients in LCR circuits. AC circuit analysis, phasors,
resonance in series and parallel LCR circuits. Electrostatics: electric fields, Gauss’ Theorem, potential,
capacitance. Magnetic fields, induced e.m.f. Prerequisites: PHYS 1040/1045 (D grades not acceptable).
Corequisites: MATH 2003 or equivalent, PHYS 2026
PHYS 2026 Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory
Experiments in AC and DC electricity and magnetism. Corequisites: PHYS 2021.
2 ch (3L) [W]
PHYS 2032 Astromechanics and Relativistic Dynamics.
3 ch (3C)
Central forces, planetary motion, potential, relativistic dynamics, scattering cross sections.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2011, MATH 2003 or equivalent. Corequisites: PHYS 2052, MATH 2013 or
equivalent.
PHYS 2041 Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Matter
3 ch (3C)
Intermolecular forces, elementary thermodynamics and kinetic theory; applications (gases). Imperfect
gases; solid and liquid state; elastic and thermal properties of solids; fluid flow. Prerequisites: PHYS
1040/1045 (D grades not acceptable). Corequisite: MATH 2003 or equivalent.
PHYS 2052 Survey of Modern Physics
3 ch (3C)
Relativity, quantization in nature, photoelectric effect, Compton effect, x-rays, x-ray diffraction,
deBroglie waves, phase and group velocities, the uncertainty principle, energy levels and atomic
structure, nuclear structure, nuclear reactions, radioactivity, fission, fusion, elementary particles of
physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 1040/1045 (D grades not acceptable). Corequisites: MATH 2013 or
equivalent, PHYS 2057.
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PHYS 2057 Modern Physics Laboratory
Experiments in atomic, molecular and nuclear physics. Corequisite: PHYS 2052.
2 ch (3L) [W]
PHYS 2072 Vibrations and Waves
3 ch (3C)
Periodic motions and their linear superposition, free and forced damped harmonic motion, resonance,
normal modes, vibrating strings. Transverse and longitudinal waves in various media, acoustics,
reflection and refraction of waves at boundaries. Topics selected from the following list: geometrical
optics, interference, diffraction, polarization, wave-particle duality, dispersion, coherence. Prerequisites:
PHYS 2011, MATH 2003 or equivalent. Corequisite: MATH 2013 or equivalent, PHYS 2077.
PHYS 2077 Vibrations and Waves Laboratory
2 ch (3L) [W]
Experiments in vibrations, waves, optics and acoustics with an emphasis on physical applications.
Corequisite: PHYS 2072.
PHYS 2503 Physics and Society
3 ch (3C) [W]
Explores the concepts of modern physics and their growing influence on our thinking and attitudes in a
wide range of human endeavours, including biomedical science, psychology, philosophy, ecology,
feminism, engineering, economics, literature and the arts. Topics include: modern views of space, time
and matter; the nature of reality; symmetry and symmetry breaking; reductionist and holistic
approaches; linearity and non-linearity; predictability, determinism and chaos; limits to understanding
the physical universe. Open to students in all faculties. No mathematics beyond basic high school
algebra and geometry is needed.
PHYS 2513 Physics for Poets
3 ch (3C)
Not open to students registered in Science, Engineering or Computer Science. This course requires no
previous exposure to physics and uses no mathematics beyond high school algebra and geometry.
Topics include physics at the sea-shore, in the city, from a mountain top, from an airplane window,
physics of music, physics of sport, physics and the environment, energy and transportation, the physics
of life, form and function of animals, relativity, cosmology.
PHYS 2543 Environmental Physics
3 ch (3C)
Open to students in all faculties. Physics of transportation, energy and energy transformation, solar
power, wind power, tidal power, nuclear power, physics of the atmosphere and oceans, distribution of
pollutants by winds and currents, introductory Chaos Theory. Prerequisite: First year physics and MATH
1003, 1013 or permission of instructor.
PHYS 2872 Light and Sound
3 ch (3C)
Oscillations and waves, with emphasis on optics and acoustics. Geometrical optics, optical instruments.
Physical optics, diffraction, resolving power, coherence and the laser. Introduction to acoustics. Intended
for students in Engineering but also available to others including Science students. Prerequisites: A
grade of C(2.0) or higher in each of PHYS 1040, 1045 or PHYS 1940, 1945 or PHYS 1913, 1918, MATH
1003, 1013. Co-requisites: Second year mathematics, PHYS 2877.
PHYS 2877 Light and Sound Laboratory
2 ch (3L) [W]
Experiments in vibrations, waves, optics and acoustics. Corequisite: PHYS 2872.
PHYS 2962 Atomic and Nuclear Physics (for Engineers)
3 ch (3C)
Intended for students in second-year Chemical Engineering and students taking the Nuclear Engineering
option. Atomic structure, electron orbitals, principles of spectroscopy, lasers, x-rays, deBroglie waves,
essentials of quantum mechanics. Nuclear properties, radioactivity, fission and fusion processes.
Interactions of radiation with matter. Prerequisites: A grade of C(2.0) or higher in each of PHYS
1040/1045 or 1913/1918 or 1940/1945, MATH 1003/1013. Corequisites: PHYS 2967, approved 2nd year
Mathematics.
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PHYS 2967 Modern Physics Laboratory (for Engineers)
2 ch (3L) [W]
Experiments in atomic and nuclear physics for students in Chemical Engineering and students taking the
Nuclear Engineering option. Corequisite: PHYS 2962.
PHYS 2972 Fundamentals of Light and Sound (for Engineers)
3 ch (3C)
Periodic motions and their linear superposition, free and forced damped harmonic motion, resonance,
normal modes, vibrating strings. Transverse and longitudinal waves in various media, acoustics,
reflection and refraction of waves at boundaries. Topics selected from the following list: geometrical
optics, interference, diffraction, polarization, wave-particle duality, dispersion, coherence. Prerequisites:
A grade of C(2.0) or higher in each of PHYS 1040/1045 or 1913/1918 or 1940/1945, MATH 1003/1013,
MATH 2503. Corequisites: PHYS 2977, MATH 2513.
PHYS 2977 Light and Sound Laboratory (for Engineers)
2 ch [W]
Experiments in vibrations, waves, optics and acoustics with an emphasis on engineering applications.
Corequisite: PHYS 2972.
PHYS 3011 Intermediate Mechanics
4 ch (3C 1P/2
weeks)
Kinematics and dynamics of rigid bodies, moments and products of inertia, principal axis, angular
momentum, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, accelerated coordinate systems. Prerequisites:
PHYS 2011, MATH 2003/2013 or equivalent.
PHYS 3023 Electromagnetic Fields
4 ch (3C 1P/2
weeks)
Vector calculus, curvilinear coordinates, electrostatics and Gauss’ theorem, magnetic fields due to
currents, electromagnetic induction, vector potentials, displacement current, Maxwell’s equations in a
vacuum, plane-wave solutions. Prerequisites: PHYS 2021, approved 2nd year Mathematics.
PHYS 3031 Methods of Theoretical Physics.
4 ch (3C 1P/2
weeks)
Partial differential equations and special functions of theoretical physics; problems in potential theory,
diffusion, wave propagation; physical applications of matrices and tensors. Prerequisites: Approved
second year Mathematics.
PHYS 3043 Statistical Thermodynamics
3 ch (3C)
Ensemble basis for statistics, equilibrium between interacting systems, microscopic approach to
thermodynamics, Laws of Thermodynamics and application to gases, classical and quantum statistical
distributions, applications of Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics, kinetic theory of gases, applications of
quantum statistics. Prerequisite: Approved second year mathematics and a previous course in
thermodynamics.
PHYS 3051 Quantum Mechanics I
4 ch (3C 1P/2
weeks)
Origins of quantum theory. Development of wave mechanics, Schrödinger equation, probabilistic
interpretation, physical observables. Postulates of quantum mechanics. One-dimensional potential
problems, harmonic oscillator. Three-dimensional problems, angular momentum, hydrogen atom. Timeindependent perturbations and energy corrections. Time-dependent perturbations, transition
probabilities, selection rules. Prerequisite: PHYS 2052 or equivalent, approved second year mathematics.
PHYS 3122 Digital Electronics in Physics
5 ch (3C 3L)
Digital integrated circuits and their uses (counters, registers, digital instruments, etc). Introduction to
mini and micro-computers with applications to physics. Usually alternates with PHYS 4122. Prerequisite:
PHYS 2021 or equivalent.
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PHYS 3152 Atomic and Molecular Physics
3 ch (3C)
Atomic spectra and the elements of atomic theory. Multiplet structure of atomic spectra and electron
spin. Building-up principle and the periodic system of the elements. Vibrational and rotational energy
levels of the electronic states of diatomic molecules. Linear triatomic molecules. Absorption and emission
of radiation. Laser principles. He-Ne laser, CO2 laser. Usually offered only in alternate years.
Prerequisite: PHYS 3051.
PHYS 3162 Nuclear and Particle Physics
3 ch (3C)
Particle accelerators and detectors; radioactivity; nuclear properties and structure; nuclear models;
introduction to particle physics. Usually given only in alternate years. Prerequisite: PHYS 3051.
PHYS 3183 Introductory Astronomy
3 ch (3C)
A basic astronomy course for students of science, engineering and computer science. Includes history
and techniques of astronomy; dynamics of solar system; stellar interiors and evolution; cosmology and
galactic structure. Usually offered only in alternate years. Prerequisites: First year math and physics.
PHYS 3193 Biophysics
3 ch (3C)
A survey of topics and methods of biophysics. One third of the course is spent on classical biophysics
(circulation, hearing, vision) and the remainder on tracer methodology and radiation biology. Topics are
chosen in relation to the particular interests and needs of the class. Usually alternates with PHYS 4193.
Prerequisites: PHYS 1040/1045, MATH 1003/1013, BIOL 1001/1012.
PHYS 4002 Research Methods
3 ch (3L)
A sampling of the Department's research activities. Seminars, demonstrations and student projects in
areas under active research in the Department. Prerequisite: Registration in a Physics program or
permission of the Department.
PHYS 4021 Electromagnetic Theory and Applications I
4 ch (3C 3P/2
weeks)
Electrostatic field and dielectrics, magnetic field and magnetic materials. Interaction of charges with the
electromagnetic field. Electromagnetic waves in matter, guided waves. Electric and magnetic dipole and
quadrupole radiation. Prerequisites: PHYS 3023, approved third year Mathematics.
PHYS 4051 Quantum Mechanics II
4 ch (3C 3P/2
weeks)
Wave mechanics and matrix mechanics, Schrödinger and Heisenberg pictures. General formulation of
quantum mechanics, linear vector spaces and Hilbert space. Application to standard problems, angular
momentum theory, invariance properties and conservation laws. Identical particles, spin and statistics.
Approximation methods, stationary-state perturbation theory, time-dependent perturbation theory.
Absorption, emission and scattering of radiation. Prerequisite: PHYS 3051.
PHYS 4071 Optics
5 ch (3C 3L)
Reflection and transmission at boundaries, diffraction, Huygens' principle, Bragg reflection.
Electromagnetic nature of light, energy flow, polarization, Fresnel's equations. Coherence and
interference, Fourier Transform spectroscopy, multiple beam interference. Optical resonators and wave
guides, lasers. Prerequisite: PHYS 2072/2077, PHYS 3023 or equivalent.
PHYS 4102 Thesis Project
8 ch [W]
All Honours and Applied Physics must undertake a thesis project under the supervision of a faculty
member. The project would be completed, i.e. written report submitted and oral presentation/defence
made, in the term in which the student registers but the preparation/research for the project would
need to be started well before. In particular, students are required to submit project proposals the
previous October. The project may be started during the student’s third year of study. With
departmental permission, Physics Major students may enrol in this course.
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PHYS 4113 Advanced Mechanics
3 ch (3C)
Lagrange’s equations, Hamilton’s principle, Hamilton’s equations of motion, Lagrange’s method of
undetermined multipliers, canonical transformations, Hamilton-Jacobi equation, generating functions,
Poisson brackets. Prerequisite: PHYS 3011.
PHYS 4122 Instrumentation in Physics
5 ch (3C 3L) [W]
Linear integrated circuits and their uses (feedback, operational amplifiers, oscillators, etc.), noise in
electronic systems, bandwidths and filters, phase sensitive detectors, electro-optical devices, cryogenic
and vacuum techniques, instrument specification, computer control of experimental apparatus, shop
techniques (machine, glass-blowing and electronics). Usually alternates with PHYS 3122. Prerequisite:
Permission of Department.
PHYS 4142 Solid State Physics
3 ch (3C)
Crystal structure, crystal diffraction and the reciprocal lattice, crystal binding, elastic constants and
elastic waves, phonons and lattice vibrations, thermal properties of insulators, free electron Fermi gas,
energy bands, semi-conductor crystals, dielectric properties, magnetic properties. Prerequisite: PHYS
3051.
PHYS 4172 Lasers and Photonics
3 ch (3C)
Laser properties and principles, specific laser systems, semiconductor sources, advanced devices.
Optical detectors, direct and heterodyne detection. Electromagnetic effects, nonlinear optics, harmonic
generation, electro and accousto-optic modulation, mode locking and Q-switching. Faraday, Kerr and
Pockels effects. Optical fibre properties, fibre sensors and communications. Prerequisites: Permission of
instructor.
PHYS 4193 Biophysical Techniques
3 ch (3C)
Intended for Physics, Chemistry and Biology students with adequate mathematical preparation (at least
second-year and preferably third-year level). The physical principles upon which the techniques are
based are stressed. Topics may include modern optical microscopy, electron microscopy, centrifugation,
chromatography, x-ray crystallography, radiography and tracer techniques, fluorescence, luminescence
and various branches of spectroscopy (infrared, ultraviolet, Raman, NMR, ESR and Mössbauer). Usually
alternates with PHYS 3193.
PHYS 4283 Space Research and Astrophysics
3 ch (3C)
Why and how we work in space. The terrestrial atmosphere, the Sun and Solar-Terrestrial relationships,
and the Solar-Stellar connection. Plasma diagnostic techniques for remote sensing. Optics and sensor
technologies for the spectral range from the Near Infrared to the soft X-ray region. Techniques for
radiometric calibration. Space flight hardware and environmental considerations. A review of current
major flight missions, eg. The Hubble Space Telescope. Prerequisite: approved second year
mathematics.
PHYS 4963 Nuclear Physics (for Engineers)
3 ch (3C)
Basic properties of nuclei, nuclear reactions, production and properties of neutrons, nuclear fission and
fusion, chain reactions, passage of radiation through matter, radiation detectors. Prerequisites: MATH
1003/1013, PHYS 1913/1918 plus PHYS 2962/2967 or equivalent course.
PHYS 5103 Spectroscopy
3 ch (3C)
Physical principles and applications of spectroscopy. Prerequisites: PHYS 3152, 4051.
PHYS 5123 Electromagnetic Theory and Applications II
4 ch (3C 1P)
Covariant formulation of electrodynamics. Electromagnetic field of a moving charge. Scattering and
dispersion of electromagnetic radiation. Prerequisite: PHYS 4021.
PHYS 5133 Advanced Topics in Theoretical Physics
3 ch (3C)
Continuous systems, covariant formulation of special relativity, Lorentz group, classical field theory,
Klein Gordon equation, Dirac equation, introduction to general relativity. Prerequisite: PHYS 4113.
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PHYS 5143 Magnetic Resonance Imaging
3 ch (3C)
Principles of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, survey of imaging techniques, modern applications of MRI in
medicine, biology and materials science.
PHYS 5153
Quantum Mechanics III
4 ch
(3C 3P/2 weeks)
Theory of scattering, collision cross-sections. Introduction to relativistic quantum mechanics, KleinGordon and Dirac equations, Dirac treatment of the hydrogen atom. Introduction to propagator
techniques, Feynman diagrams, second quantization. This course is cross-listed as MATH 4443.
Prerequisite: PHYS 4051.
PHYS 5173 Fibre Optic Sensors
Physical principles and applications of fibre optic sensors.
4 ch (3C 3*L)
PHYS 5183 Fluid and Plasma Astrophysics
3 ch (3C)
For students interested in space physics, astrophysics, plasma physics, and fluid dynamics in general.
Topics will be selected from the following according to student interest: Magnetospheres of rotating
magnetized planets, ordinary stars, neutron stars, and black holes. Pulsar models: processes for slowing
down, particle acceleration, and radiation emission; accreting plasmas and x-ray stars; stellar winds;
heliosphere and solar wind: relevant magnetic field topologies, measured particle distribution in phase
space and induced collective modes; stability of the current sheet and collisionless processes for
magnetic reconnection; theory of collisionless shocks; solitons; Ferraro-Rosenbluth sheet; solar flare
models; heating processes of the solar corona; earth magnetosphere (auroral phenomena and their
interpretation, bow shock, magnetotail, trapped particle effects); relationship between gravitational
(galactic) plasmas and electromagnetic plasmas.
PHYS 5273 Fibre Optics Communication Systems
4 ch (3C 3*L)
The objective of this course is to provide a comprehensive account of fibre-optic communication
systems. The emphasis is on the physics underlying the technology, from basic concepts to the latest
innovations. Practical aspects and applications are also discussed throughout. Topics include optical
sources and transmitters, optical detectors and receivers, coherent light wave systems, multichannel
communications systems, soliton communications systems. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
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