2014-2015 Calendar Proof
Physics
PHYS1011 Introductory Physics I
3 ch (3C 1T)
This course is an introduction to the branch of physics called mechanics. Mechanics is
the study both of how objects move and why they move the way they do. Describing the
motion of objects requires understanding the basic kinematics quantities position,
displacement, velocity, and acceleration, as well as the connection between them.
Understanding the causes of motion can be achieved by considering the forces acting on
the object and/or by focusing on the conserved properties of the system (momentum,
energy, angular momentum). Mechanics applies to a wide range of phenomena,
essentially to anything that moves, but this course will highlight ties to and applications
in the physical sciences.
Prerequisites: Grade 12 Physics or equivalent.
Corequisite: either MATH 1001 or MATH 1003. Students intending to take Physics
courses beyond Introductory Physics or continue in the Physical Sciences stream should
take MATH 1003 and PHYS 1021 as co-requisites to this course.
PHYS1012 Introductory Physics II
3 ch (3C 1T)
This course introduces the students to wave phenomena and to electricity and magnetism.
Throughout, the concepts related to motion learned in the previous course are used to
describe and explain new phenomena. The study of waves introduces the students to
propagating, periodic disturbances. In addition to their importance in mechanical
phenomena (e.g seismic waves), waves form the basis of both optics and acoustics. The
study of electricity and magnetism introduces the student to the concept of charge and to
the effects of their surroundings (fields and forces). This course will highlight ties to and
applications in the physical sciences.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1011; MATH 1001 or MATH 1003. Students intending to take
Physics courses beyond Introductory Physics or continue in the Physical Sciences stream
should take MATH 1013 and PHYS 1022 as co-requisites to this course.
PHYS1021 Experiments in Introductory Physics I
2 ch (3L)
This course provides the student hands-on experience with concepts covered in PHYS
1011.
Co-requisite: PHYS 1011.
PHYS1022 Experiments in Introductory Physics II 2 ch (3L)
This course provides the student hands-on experience with concepts covered in PHYS
1012.
Corequisite: PHYS 1012 .
PHYS1801
Introductory Physics for Biological Sciences
5 ch (3C 1T 3L E)
2014-2015 Calendar Proof
An general introduction to Physics, with applications to biological systems. Topics
include mechanics, fluid mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, acoustics, and radiation
phenomena. This course is intended primarily for students in Biological Sciences. Note:
Credit will not be given for both PHYS1801; and PHYS 1011 /PHYS1021.
Prerequisite: A minimum grade of 70% in high school Physics.
Co-requisite: MATH 1001 or MATH 1003 .
PHYS1917 Physics for Engineering
5 ch 94C 2T/3L)
Vectors, kinematics, momentum, force, potential and kinetic energy. Kinetic theory of
gases, circular motion, charge, field and potential, gravitation, electrostatics, optics,
sound.
Prerequisite: Grade 12 Physics or equivalent.
PHYS2011 Mechanics 5 ch (3C 3L)
Scalar and vector quantities, statics, kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, power,
rotational motion, impulse and momentum, vibratory motion.
Prerequisite: MATH 1013, PHYS 1011 / 1012 and PHYS 1021 / 1022 .
PHYS2022 Electricity and Magnetism 5 ch (3C 3L)
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 1011 / 1012 and PHYS 1021 / 1022 .
PHYS2041 Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Matter
3 ch (3C)
Intermolecular forces, elementary thermodynamics and kinetic theory, applications
(gases). Imperfect gases; solids and liquid state, elastic and thermal properties of solids;
fluid flow.
Prerequisites: MATH 1013 , PHYS 1011 / PHYS 1012 and PHYS 1021 / 1022 .
PHYS2055 Survey of Modern Physics 5 ch (3C 3L)
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: MATH 1013 , PHYS 1011 / PHYS 1012 and PHYS 1021 / 1022 .
PHYS2183
Introductory Astronomy
3 ch (3C)
2014-2015 Calendar Proof
A basic astronomy course for students in science, engineering or computer science.
Topics include an overview of the history and techniques, dynamics of the solar system,
stellar interiors and evolution, cosmology and galactic structure.
Prerequisites: MATH 1013 , PHYS 1011 / PHYS 1012 , APSC 1013 or by permission of
the instructor.
PHYS2543 Environmental Physics
3 ch (3C)
Open to students in all faculties. Provides an introduction to environmental physics of the
atmosphere. Topics include: physics of the atmosphere, energy transportation and
transformation; air pollution, sources, effects and control.
Prerequisites: (MATH 1001 or MATH 1003), PHYS 1001 and PHYS 1021; or by
permission of the instructor.
PHYS2975 Light and Sounds
5 ch (3C 3L)
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: MATH 1013 and either PHYS 1010 and PHYS 1020 or APSC 1013 .
Corequisite MATH 2513 .