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Physics Course Descriptions

Below is a list and description of courses offered by the Physics Department. Information and schedules of courses offered by other departments can be found at TRU Calendar.

Course Description

PHYS 1100 PHYS 2200 PHYS 3300
PHYS 1130 PHYS 2250 PHYS 3400
PHYS 1150 PHYS 3080 PHYS 3500
PHYS 1200 PHYS 3090 PHYS 4140
PHYS 1250 PHYS 3100 PHYS 4400
PHYS 1510 PHYS 3120 PHYS 4480
PHYS 3140 EPHY 1150
PHYS 1610 PHYS 3150 EPHY 1250
PHYS 3160 ASTR 1140
PHYS 2000 PHYS 3200 ASTR 1150
PHYS 2150 PHYS 3250 ASTR 2300

Physics Upper Level Note

To enter third-year Physics at TRU, the student should complete one of the following sequences with grades of C- or better and meet with the B.Sc. Program Advisor, Dr. Eric Littley:

(a) PHYS 1100/1200, PHYS 2000, PHYS 2150, PHYS 2200 and PHYS 2250

(b) PHYS 1150/1250, PHYS 2000, PHYS 2150, PHYS 2200 and PHYS 2250

and complete COMP 1000 or the preferred COMP 1130 in the first two years.

Most upper level Physics courses are offered in alternating years. Check with the B.Sc. Program Advisor, Dr. Eric Littley, for availability in any particular year. It is the student's responsibility to check transfer requirements at any university to which they intend to transfer.

PHYS 1100

PHYS 1100

Fundamentals of Physics 1 (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits

A survey course for students with some secondary school physics background. Topics covered include mechanics, fluid mechanics, waves and heat.

Prerequisite: Principles of Mathematics 12 or MATH 0610, Physics 11 or PHYS 1130 or equivalent

Corequisite: MATH 1130 or 1140 or 1150

PHYS 1130

PHYS 1130

Introductory Physics 1 (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits

A survey of physics at an introductory level for students with little or no background in the subject. Topics covered are mechanics, vibration, heat, optics and fluids.

Prerequisite: Principles of Mathematics 11 or MATH 0510 or equivalent or PHYS 0500

Note: PHYS 1130 can be taken to partially fulfill the science requirements in the B.A. Program

PHYS 1150

PHYS 1150

Mechanics and Waves (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits

This course is intended for students with a good secondary school background in physics. Calculus will be introduced and used in the course. Topics covered include a short review of mechanics, simple harmonic motion, mechanical waves, sound, wave optics and geometric optics.

Prerequisite: Principles of Mathematics 12 or MATH 0610 or MATH 1000, Physics 12 (or PHYS 1130 with an A and consent of the instructor)

Corequisite: MATH 1130 or 1140

Note: PHYS 1150/1250 is recommended for students planning to major in physics or chemistry, and is strongly recommended for students planning to transfer into Engineering after a year of Science.

PHYS 1200

PHYS 1200

Fundamentals of Physics 2 (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits

A continuation of PHYS 1100. Topics covered include electricity and magnetism, optics, and selected topics from nuclear physics and modern physics.

Prerequisite: PHYS 1100; MATH 1130 or MATH 1140 or MATH 1150

Corequisite: MATH 1230 or 1240 or 1250

PHYS 1250

PHYS 1250

Thermodynamics, Electricity and Magnetism (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits

This course is a continuation of PHYS 1150. Topics covered include thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, electricity and magnetism.

Prerequisite: PHYS 1150, MATH 1130 or 1140

Corequisite: MATH 1230 or 1240

PHYS 1510

PHYS 1510

Applied Physics 1 (3,0,2)(L) 3 credits

This course gives a basic introduction to the following concepts: motion, force, friction, equilibrium, energy, momentum, simple machines and dc circuit analysis. Circular motion and rotation will be considered as well as linear motion.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Architectural and Engineering Technology Program

PHYS 1580

PHYS 1580

Physics for Respiratory Therapists (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits

The basic physical concepts of fluid mechanics, the properties of fluids, and applied electricity will be covered. Emphasis is placed on laboratory work, particularly in the use of electrical and electronic measuring devices.

Prerequisite: Admission to year one of the Respiratory Therapy diploma program

PHYS 1610

PHYS 1610

Applied Physics 2 (3,0,2)(L) 3 credits

In a continuation of PHYS 1510, the following topics are covered: strength of materials, fluid statics and dynamics, thermal energy and heat transfer, vibrations and wave motion, optics.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Architectural and Engineering Technology Program

PHYS 2000

PHYS 2000

Relativity and Quanta (3,1,0) 3 credits

Special relativity: Lorenz transformations; dynamics and conservation laws. Quantum Physics: the experimental evidence for quantization; a qualitative discussion of the concepts of quantum mechanics and their application to simple systems of atoms and nuclei. This course is the same as CHEM 2000.

Prerequisite: PHYS 1100/1200 or PHYS 1150/1250, MATH 1130/1230 or MATH 1140/1240 or MATH 1150/1250

Note: Credit will not be given for both CHEM 2000 and PHYS 2000

PHYS 2150

PHYS 2150

Circuit Analysis (3,1,3)(L) 3 credits

Analysis of linear electrical circuits, network theorems, first and second order circuits and transfer functions.

Prerequisite: PHYS 1100/1200 (with written permission of the Instructor) or PHYS 1150/1250, MATH 1130/1230 or MATH 1140/1240 or MATH 1150/1250 (with permission of the instructor)

PHYS 2200

PHYS 2200

Mechanics (4,0,0) 3 credits

Statics of particles and rigid bodies, friction, moments of inertia and distributed forces. Dynamics of particles in inertial and non-inertial frames of reference, systems of particles, kinetics and dynamics of rigid bodies, rotational motion and simple harmonic motion.

Prerequisite: PHYS 1100/1200 or PHYS 1150/1250; MATH 2110

PHYS 2250

PHYS 2250

Intermediate Electromagnetism (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits

This course extends the topics covered in PHYS 1200/1250 and examines the basic principles of electromagnetism using a more sophisticated mathematical approach. Topics include vector algebra, electrostatics, magnetostatics, electric and magnetic fields in matter, as well as an introduction to electrodynamics. The course will be presented using lectures and laboratory experiments.

Prerequisite: PHYS 1100/1200 or PHYS 1150/1250; MATH 1130/1230 or MATH 1140/1240 or MATH 1150/1250 (with permission of the instructor)

Corequisite: MATH 2110

Physics Upper Level Note

To enter third-year Physics at TRU, the student should complete one of the following sequences with grades of C- or better and meet with the B.Sc. Program Advisor, Dr. Eric Littley:

(a) PHYS 1100/1200, PHYS 2000, PHYS 2150, PHYS 2200 and PHYS 2250

(b) PHYS 1150/1250, PHYS 2000, PHYS 2150, PHYS 2200 and PHYS 2250

and complete COMP 1000 or the preferred COMP 1130 in the first two years.

Most upper level Physics courses are offered in alternating years. Check with the B.Sc. Program Advisor, Dr. Eric Littley, for availability in any particular year. It is the student’s responsibility to check transfer requirements at any university to which they intend to transfer.

PHYS 3080

PHYS 3080

Optics (3,0,3) 3 credits

Physical optics: Interference, diffraction, polarization, Fourier optics, Abbe theory and modern applications. Selected experiments in optics.

Prerequisite: PHYS 2250

PHYS 3090

PHYS 3090

Analog Electronics (0,2,3)(L) 3 credits

This laboratory course introduces students to the theory of operation of diodes, bipolar transistors, field-effect transistors, and operational amplifiers. The topics of feedback, gain, input and output impedances, as well as frequency response are also covered. Students learn to design, assemble, and test analog circuits including power supplies, amplifiers, filters, and mixers. The software LabView is used to acquire and analyze experimental data.

Prerequisite: PHYS 2150

PHYS 3100

PHYS 3100

Digital Electronics (0,2,3)(L) 3 credits

This laboratory course introduces the students to Boolean algebra and logic gates, combinational and sequential logic circuits, the architecture and programming of a microcontroller, as well as the use of the software LabView to create complete measurement systems. Students learn to design, assemble, and test digital logic circuits using discrete components, programmable gate arrays, and microcontrollers.

Prerequisite: PHYS 2150

PHYS 3120

PHYS 3120

Introduction to Mathematical Physics (3,1,0) 3 credits

This course has three parts. The first part examines some methods for solving ordinary differential equations. Power series methods are applied to obtain solutions near ordinary points and regular singular points, and the real Laplace transform is discussed. The second part deals with Sturm-Liouville boundary-value problems, Fourier series, and other series of eigenfunctions, including Fourier-Bessel series. The final part is an introduction to boundary-value problems involving partial differential equations, primarily the heat equation, the wave equation and Laplace’s equation, with applications in Physics. The method of separation of variables is used.

Prerequisite: MATH 2240

Note: This course is the same as MATH 3160. Credit will be only given for one of PHYS 3120 and MATH 3160.

PHYS 3140

PHYS 3140

Fluids (3,0,0) 3 credits

Kinetic theory: particle flux, the equation of state, Boltzmann statistics, the Maxwell distribution, equipartition, mean free path, transport. Fluid mechanics: Euler’s equation, the equation of continuity, hydrostatics, steady flow, the Bernoulli equation, the one-dimensional approximation, flow of viscous fluids, the energy equation, flow in pipes, flow over immersed bodies, open channel flow. Water waves: description, the dispersion relation, capillary and gravity waves.

Prerequisite: PHYS 2200

Corequisite or prerequisite: MATH 2240

PHYS 3150

PHYS 3150

Physics of Materials (3,0,0) 3 credits

Bonding in solids, crystal structure, defects, strength of materials, strength of perfect and real metals, heat capacity, lattice vibrations and phonons, electrical properties of solids, band theory, semiconductors, liquid crystals, and polymers.

Prerequisite: PHYS 2000 or CHEM 2000; MATH 2110

PHYS 3160

PHYS 3160

Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics (3,0,0) 3 credits

This course introduces the principles of elementary classical thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical mechanics. The theories are then applied to a variety of physical processes and systems, such as ideal and real gases, heat engines, and quantum systems.

Prerequisite: PHYS 1100/1200 or 1150/1250; MATH 1130/1230 or MATH 1140/1240; MATH 2110

PHYS 3200

PHYS 3200

Advanced Mechanics (3,0,0) 3 credits

The object of this course is to extend the concepts studied in PHYS 2200. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, oscillations, central forces, motion in noninertial frames, Hamilton’s principle and Lagrange’s equations, systems of particles, and dynamics of rigid bodies.

Prerequisite: PHYS 2200, MATH 2110, MATH 2120, MATH 2240 and MATH 3170

PHYS 3250

PHYS 3250

Advanced Electromagnetism (3,1,0) 3 credits

The objective of the course is to provide students with a working knowledge of electrodynamics. This requires a solid grounding in vector calculus, partial differential equations, and an in-depth understanding of Maxwell’s equations. Topics covered include: review of vector calculus; Laplace’s equation; potential theory; electrostatics and magnetostatics in matter; electrodynamics; special relativity and electromagnetism.

Prerequisite: PHYS 2250, MATH 2240 and MATH 3170

PHYS 3300

PHYS 3300

Biophysics (3,0,3*)(L) 3 credits

This course examines how basic principles of physics apply to actions, body design and physical limitations of animals, mainly vertebrates. The topics will include physical concepts of forces, materials structure, fluid mechanics, light and sound, and electricity and magnetism. These topics will be applied to biological aspects such as strength of bodies, movement through air and water, and organismal behaviour. This course is offered in the Winter semester of odd-numbered years.

Prerequisite: PHYS 1100/1200 or 1150/1250; BIOL 1090 or 1110 or 1210 (BIOL 1210 preferred)

PHYS 3400

PHYS 3400

Principles and Applications of Quantum Mechanics 1 (3,0,0) 3 credits

This course aims to build on the basic concepts of quantum physics encountered in PHYS 2000 and develops a formulation of quantum mechanics using initially the wave mechanical approach and then more formally using the state-vector approach. Finally, the theory is applied to one-electron atoms, and other quantum systems.

Prerequisite: PHYS 2000; MATH 2240; MATH 3170

PHYS 3500

PHYS 3500

Selected Topics in Physics (3,0,0) 3 credits

This course introduces the students to current topics in Physics. The course content will vary from year to year but could include topics such as: nanotechnology, superconductivity, photonics, semiconductor physics and optoelectronics.

Prerequisite: Will vary from year to year but will typically consist of a combination of second-year courses in Physics and Mathematics; consult the B.Sc. Program Advisor, Dr. Eric Littley, for specific prerequisites for each offering

PHYS 4140

PHYS 4140

Radioactivity/Nuclear Physics (3,0,0) 3 credits

A survey of basic concepts of nuclear physics with applications in power, medicine, geology, industry, archaeology, cosmology.

Prerequisite: PHYS 2000 or CHEM 2000, PHYS 2250 and MATH 2240

PHYS 4400

PHYS 4400

Principles and Applications of Quantum Mechanics 2 (3,0,0) 3 credits

This course is a continuation of PHYS 3400. It starts with a review of angular momentum and spin and the hydrogen atom. It then proceeds to examine some standard techniques that find wide applications in the study of quantum phenomena; the techniques include the perturbation theories, the variation principle, the WKB and adiabatic approximations. These are subsequently applied to problems related to the fine structure of hydrogen, the Zeeman effect, molecules, tunnelling, radiation and scattering.

Prerequisite: PHYS 3400

PHYS 4480

PHYS 4480

Directed Studies in Physics (L) 3 credits

Students will undertake an investigation of a specific topic involving experimental work as agreed upon by the student and her/his faculty supervisor and co-supervisor.

Prerequisite: Acceptance into Physics Major; approval of supervisor and co-supervisor

EPHY 1150

EPHY 1150

Physics for Engineers 1 (3,1,0) 3 credits

This course is the same as PHYS 1150 except that Engineering students do not do the laboratory portion.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Engineering Program

EPHY 1250

EPHY 1250

Physics for Engineers 2 (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits

This course is the same as PHYS 1250 except that Engineering students may complete different laboratory work.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Engineering Program

ASTR 1140

ASTR 1140

Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System (3,0,0) 3 credits

This is a general interest introductory course on the history of astronomy and the solar system, and is intended for non-science majors. Topics include: telescopes and observing the night sky, ancient astronomy, space exploration, the Earth/Moon system, formation and evolution of the solar system, the planets, minor members of the solar system and the Sun.

Note: Students cannot receive credit for both ASTR 1130 and ASTR 1140

ASTR 1150

ASTR 1150

Introductory Astronomy: Stars and Galaxies (3,0,0) 3 credits

This is a general interest introductory course on the night sky, stars and galaxies, and is intended for non-science majors. Topics include: telescopes and observing the night sky, radiation and spectra, stellar properties and evolution, black holes, the Milky Way and other galaxies and cosmology.

ASTR 3300

ASTR 3300

Topics in Astrophysics (3,0,3*) 3 credits

This course presents selected topics in stellar and galactic astrophysics at a level suitable for an upper level science student. Topics include telescopes, observing techniques and data reduction, stellar properties, stellar evolution, galactic kinematics and dynamics, and external galaxies. A three-hour laboratory will take place every other week. Use of the campus observatory will occur on a regular basis.

Prerequisite: PHYS 1150/1250 or PHYS 1100/1200, MATH 1130/1230 or MATH 1140/1240, MATH 2110