Courses of Instruction
AVAILABILITY
The Department of Physics does not offer all of the courses listed in the Calendar every year. For
the most up-to-date information on the availability of courses offered in the current year, check
QCARD or consult with the departmental office.
PHYS-015*/0.5 Astronomy I: The Solar System
3L/P
A non-mathematical introduction to the science of astronomy for non-specialist students. Topics
to be covered include the fundamentals of astronomy; an introduction to the tools and techniques
of modern observational astronomy; the historical development of our understanding of the
Earth, Moon and Solar System; space exploration of Mars, Jupiter, and other planets; the nature
of the Sun; and the origin and uniqueness of our Solar System.
Also offered at the International Study Centre, Herstmonceux.
PREREQUISITE Secondary school algebra will be employed occasionally.
EXCLUSION PHYS 014.
PHYS-016*/0.5 Astronomy II: The Active Universe
3L/P
This course, intended for non-specialist students, will provide an overview of astronomy beyond
the Solar System. Topics will include: the formation, nature, and evolution of the stars; stellar
deaths, including novae, supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, and black holes; the
interstellar medium; the Milky Way Galaxy; normal and active galaxies and large scale structure
in the universe; and modern ideas in cosmology and the early universe.
PREREQUISITE PHYS 015* or permission of the instructor.
EXCLUSION PHYS 014.
PHYS-020*/0.5 Physicists in the Nuclear Age
3L
For those interested in the impact of science on our century. Modern physics, especially nuclear
physics, will be introduced by emphasizing the personalities, thoughts and writings of key
scientists such as Bohr, Einstein and Rutherford and the ways in which they related to and
shaped their political, scientific and social environments.
PREREQUISITE Enrolment is limited.
PHYS-104/1.0
Fundamental Physics
3L;3P
Mechanics, including systems of particles and rigid body motion; gravitation; fluids; electricity
and magnetism; oscillatory motion and waves; topics in modern physics. The material is
presented at a more fundamental level appropriate for students who are seeking a deeper
appreciation of physics, and who may be considering a concentration in Physics.
PREREQUISITES Grade 12U Physics with at least 60 per cent or equivalent, and a previous or
concurrent university course in calculus.
EXCLUSIONS PHYS 106, 107.
PHYS-106/1.0
General Physics
3L;3P
Mechanics, including systems of particles and rigid body motion; fluids; electricity and
magnetism; oscillatory motion and waves; heat, light and sound; topics in modern physics.
Aspects of physics useful for further work in other sciences will be emphasized.
PREREQUISITES Grade 12U Physics with at least 60 per cent or equivalent, and a previous or
concurrent university course in calculus.
EXCLUSIONS PHYS 104, 107.
PHYS-107/1.0
Introductory Physics
3L;3P
Primarily for students in the biological and life sciences. Topics include: kinematics, mechanics,
and energy; heat, heat transfer and temperature; fluid flow; electricity and magnetism;
oscillations and wave motion; sound; light and optics; atoms and nuclei. The application of
physics to biological systems will be emphasized.
PREREQUISTE Grade 12U Physics or equivalent recommended; and Grade 12U or equivalent
in mathematics required.
EXCLUSIONS PHYS 104, 106.
PHYS-115*/0.5 Introduction to Astrophysics
3L;1T/P
Broad overview of basic laws of gravitation, radiation, and relativity; history and evolution of
modern astronomy; ground and space-based astronomy; the physics and evolution of stars; the
milky way; galaxies in the universe; and cosmology. This course also uses the oncampus observatory at an introductory level.
COREQUISITE PHYS 104 or 106, or permission of the Department.
PHYS-206*/0.5 Dynamics
3L;1.5P;1T
An introductory course in classical dynamics of particles, of rigid bodies and of fluids that sets
the foundation for more advanced work. Topics include kinematics of particles and of rigid
bodies, central forces, kinetics of systems of particles, planar and three-dimensional dynamics of
rigid bodies and an introduction to fluid mechanics.
PREREQUISITES PHYS 104 or 106 (a grade of 65 per cent is recommended), MATH 120 (or
121).
PHYS-212*/0.5 Applied Physics
2L;1P;2T
The creation of physical models for real systems is stressed. Applications of vibrational motion
are developed and a basic description of the properties of elastic media is given. Examples are
drawn from various fields of science and engineering with emphasis on mechanics and
vibrations, waves and optics. www.physics.queensu.ca/wwwhome/clapham/info.html
PREREQUISITE PHYS 206*.
PHYS-214*/0.5 Planets and Life
3L
A course in planetary astronomy intended for students in the life sciences, earth sciences and
chemistry who have taken a suitable first-year course. Topics may include the solar system, the
origin of life on Earth, other planets and planetary systems, extra-terrestrial life.
PREREQUISITE PHYS 104 or 106 or 107 or CHEM 112 or 116 or permission of the Department.
PHYS-239*/0.5 Electromagnetism
3L;2P;1T
Electrostatics and magnetostatics. DC and AC circuits. EM induction. Dielectric and magnetic
materials, energy densities. Derivation of Maxwell's equations.
PREREQUISITES PHYS 104 or 106 (a grade of 65 per cent is recommended); MATH 221* (or
227* or 280*).
PHYS-242*/0.5 Relativity and Quanta
3L;1.5P;0.5T
Evidence for relativistic effects. Kinematics and dynamics in special relativity, Minkowski
diagram, applications. Evidence for quanta, spectra, Bohr atom, quantum statistics. Descriptive
nuclear physics, radioactivity, elementary particles.
PREREQUISITE PHYS 104 or 106 (a grade of 65 per cent is recommended).
PHYS-274*/0.5 Thermodynamics
3L;1T
Thermodynamics applied to engineering systems. Ideal gas properties and real thermodynamic
working substances. First law using control mass and control volume. Second law, entropy,
Carnot cycle, power and refrigeration cycles. Introduction to fluid flow and flow devices.
PREREQUISITE PHYS 104 or 106.
EXCLUSION PHYS 372*.
PHYS-312/1.0
Mathematical Methods in Physics
3L;1T
Methods of mathematics important for physicists. Function of a complex variable, contour
integration, partial differential equations, orthogonal functions, Green functions, Fourier series,
Fourier and Laplace transforms, finite difference methods, numerical solution of ordinary and
partial differential equations.
PREREQUISITES PHYS 212*, MATH 221* (or 227* or 280*); MATH 231* (or 232*).
EXCLUSIONS MATH 236*, 331 (or 334*/335*), 436*.
PHYS-315*/0.5 Physical Processes in Astrophysics
3L;1T/P
Basic physical processes in astrophysics are discussed and applied to specific systems. Topics
include: radiative processes (monochromatic and continuum) and radiative transfer, stellar
energy and pressure sources, and an introduction to stellar evolution and galactic structure. The
focus will be on relating observable quantities to the physical properties of astronomical sources.
An evening project using the on-campus observatory will also be carried out during the term.
PREREQUISITES PHYS 115* or permission of the instructor, PHYS 242*.
EXCLUSION PHYS 215*.
PHYS-321*/0.5 Advanced Mechanics
3L;1T
An introduction to the equations of mechanics using the Lagrange formalism and to the calculus
of variations leading to Hamilton's principle. The concepts developed in this course are applied
to problems ranging from purely theoretical constructs to practical applications. Links to
quantum mechanics and extensions to continuous systems are developed.
PREREQUISITES PHYS 212*, MATH 221* (or 227* or 280*); MATH 231* (or 232*).
PHYS-332*/0.5 Electromagnetic Theory
3L;1T
Fundamental electromagnetic theory and some of its applications. Topics: electrostatics,
Maxwell's equations, properties of waves in free space, dielectrics, conductors and plasmas,
reflection and refraction at boundaries, guided waves and radiation from antennae.
PREREQUISITES PHYS 239*; MATH 221* (or 227* or 280*); MATH 231* (or 232*).
PHYS-333*/0.5 Electronics for Scientists and Engineers
2L;3P
The design of electronic circuits and systems of interest to scientists and engineers with particular
reference to integrated analog and digital devices. Operational amplifiers and digital logic are
used extensively. Laboratory work involving system design is emphasized.
PREREQUISITE
PHYS 239*.
PHYS-335*/0.5 Semiconductor Physics
2L;1.5P;1T
An examination of the basic phenomena of semiconductor physics and their application in
diodes, field effect and bipolar transistors, and other discrete devices. The laboratory work
illustrates the use of some of these devices in basic electronic circuits.
PREREQUISITE PHYS 239*.
PHYS-343*/0.5 Wave Mechanics
3L
Wave description of matter. Schrödinger equation, angular momentum, tunneling. Application to
atomic structure, spectra, the electron gas and other quantum systems.
PREREQUISITES PHYS 212*, 242*, MATH 221* (or 227* or 280*), MATH 231* (or 232*).
PHYS-350*/0.5 General Laboratory
3P
Experiments in heat, optics, electron physics, quantum physics, and radioactivity are performed.
A substantial part of the course is an experimental project during the Winter Term. A topic for
the experimental physics, or observational astronomical project will be assigned after discussion
with the student.
PREREQUISITES PHYS 212* and 239*; PHYS 242* or CHEM 222* or 240.
COREQUISITE PHYS 372* or CHEM 240.
PHYS-352*/0.5 Measurement, Instrumentation and Experimental Design
3L;2P
Measurement of a variety of quantities with particular reference to techniques used in current
physics and engineering practice, including optics, X-rays in crystallography and analysis,
vacuum practice, nuclear techniques, signal-to-noise enhancement, the use of digital computers
for instrumentation purposes, and the statistical analysis of
data. http://physics.queensu.ca/~phys352/
PREREQUISITES PHYS 239*, 242*.
COREQUISITE PHYS 343*.
PHYS-372*/0.5 Thermodynamics
3L
Temperature, equations of state, internal energy, first and second laws, entropy. Heat engines.
Free energies, phase changes. Statistical physics: distributions, partition function, ensembles,
order.
PREREQUISITE PHYS 242*.
EXCLUSION PHYS 274*.
PHYS-414*/0.5 Introduction to General Relativity
3L
Einstein's theory of gravity is developed from fundamental principles to a level which enables the
student to read some of the current literature. Includes an introduction to computer algebra, an
essential element of a modern introduction to Einstein's theory.
PREREQUISITES PHYS 321*; PHYS 312 or MATH 331 (or 334*/335*).
PHYS-422*/0.5 Fluid Mechanics
3L;1T
A survey of the physics of fluids. The fundamental principles and the range of validity of the
usual approximation methods are stressed. Topics include a study of incompressible flow, both
laminar and turbulent, boundary layers, stratified flow and waves, with a brief introduction to
gas dynamics, magnetohydrodynamics and plasma physics.
PREREQUISITE PHYS 312 or MATH 331 (or 334*/335*).
PHYS-424*/0.5 Quantum Mechanics I
3L
The mathematical and physical foundations of quantum theory are formulated. The basic
principles are illustrated by applications in atomic, molecular, nuclear and solid state physics.
PREREQUISITE PHYS 343* or CHEM 313* or 331*.
PHYS-426*/0.5 Quantum Mechanics II
3L
A continuation of quantum theory at a more advanced level. Topics include time-dependent
perturbation theory, scattering theory, quantum theory of many-particle systems, and statistical
mechanics.
PREREQUISITE PHYS 424*.
PHYS-433*/0.5 Galactic Astronomy
3L
This course describes the material content, energetics, formation and evolution of the Galaxy and
places our Galaxy in the context of galaxies, in general. Topics include the interstellar medium,
stellar populations, dynamics, the Galactic centre and the Galactic halo. Offered in 2002-2003 and
in alternate years.
PREREQUISITES PHYS 215* or 315* and admission to the honours year in Physics,
Astrophysics, Mathematical Physics or Chemical Physics, or permission of the instructor.
PHYS-434*/0.5 Extragalactic Astronomy
3L
This course describes the material content, energetics, and evolution of the universe beyond our
Galaxy. Topics include global properties of galaxies and clusters, the extragalactic distance scale,
extragalactic radio sources, large scale structure, dark matter, and cosmology. Offered in 20012002 and in alternate years.
PREREQUISITE PHYS 215* or 315* and admission to the honours year in Physics, Astrophysics,
Mathematical Physics or Chemical Physics, or permission of the instructor.
PHYS-435*/0.5 Stellar Structure and Evolution
3L
This course provides a detailed account of the formation, structure, evolution and end-points of
stars. Topics include the HR diagram, nuclear energy generation, radiative transport and stellar
model building, supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars and black holes. Offered in
2002-2003 and in alternate years.
PREREQUISITES PHYS 215* or 315* and admission to the honours year in Physics,
Astrophysics, Mathematical Physics or Chemical Physics, or permission of the instructor.
EXCLUSION PHYS 411*.
PHYS-450/1.0
Advanced Physics Laboratory
6P
This course provides advanced physics and engineering physics students with experience in a
wide range of modern experimental techniques. Experiments encompass measurements in
applied physics, quantum solid state physics, low temperature physics, nuclear physics and
optics. The course is evenly divided between group projects and set experiments.
PREREQUISITES PHYS 350* and 343* or CHEM 313* or 331*.
EXCLUSION PHYS 453*.
PHYS-453*/0.5 Specialist Physics Laboratory
6P
To provide students in the SSP degree programs with experience in a range of advanced
experiments and techniques. Four experiments are performed selected from, for example, pure
and applied nuclear physics, Mössbauer spectroscopy, fluid mechanics, optics, magnetic
resonance, quantum effects in the solid state, superconductivity, and superfluidity.
PREREQUISITES PHYS 350* and 343* or CHEM 313* or 331*.
EXCLUSION PHYS 450.
PHYS-460*/0.5 Laser Optics
3L
Topics and applications in modern physical optics, with emphasis on the role of the laser. Basic
theory and types of lasers, Gaussian beam propagation, optical resonators, coherence, quantum
optics, Fourier optics, fibre optics, holography, and nonlinear optics.
physics.queensu.ca/~phys460/
PREREQUISITES PHYS 239* and 372* or CHEM 222* or 240.
COREQUISITE PHYS 332* or permission of the instructor.
PHYS-480*/0.5 Solid State Physics
3L
A fundamental introduction to the properties of solids. Topics include: crystal structure, lattice
vibrations, electronic energy states, metals, semiconductors, insulators, electrical, thermal,
magnetic, optical and transport properties of solids.
PREREQUISITE PHYS 343* or CHEM 313* or 331*.
PHYS-487*/0.5
Surface Engineering and Analysis
3L
An outline of the fundamental concepts and applications of modern techniques for the
production and analysis of surfaces and thin films. Topics include ultra-high vacuum, surface
adsorption, surface crystallography, electron and ion microscopy and spectroscopy, electron and
x-ray diffraction, scanning probe microscopy, and growth of thin films by vapour deposition.
PREREQUISITE
PHYS 343* or permission of the Department.
PHYS-490*/0.5 Nuclear and Particle Physics
3L
A systematic introduction to nuclear and particle physics for advanced physics students. Topics
include basic nuclear properties: size, mass, decay and reactions; shell model of nuclear structure;
magnetic moments; gamma and beta decay; quark model of elementary particles; and strong,
electromagnetic and weak interactions.
PREREQUISITE PHYS 424* or CHEM 431*.
PHYS-491*/0.5 Physics of Nuclear Reactors
3L;1T
The objective of this course is the understanding of the fundamental physics associated with a
nuclear reactor. Topics include a brief review of basic nuclear physics, neutron interactions and
cross-sections, neutron diffusion, neutron moderation, theory of reactors, changes in reactivity,
control of reactors. Offered in alternate years.
PREREQUISITE OR COREQUISITE PHYS 350*.
PHYS-590/1.0
Research Thesis
9P
Investigation of a contemporary research topic in physics or astronomy under the supervision of
a faculty member, and leading to a written thesis and an oral presentation of results.
PREREQUISITES Admission to Honours and enrolled in one of the following SSP programs:
PHYS, ASPH or MAPH.