TRU Science

Physics Courses

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

Physics upper level note

To enter third-year PHYS ics at TRU, the student should complete the following courses with grades of C- or better and meet with the B.Sc. Program Advisor:

(a) PHYS 1100/1200 or PHYS 1150/1250

(b) PHYS 2000, PHYS 2150, PHYS 2200 and PHYS 2250

and complete COMP 1130 in the first two years.

Most upper level PHYS ics courses are offered in alternating years. Check with the B.Sc. Program Advisor 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.

1000 Level
PHYS 1100 Fundamentals of Physics 1 (3,0,3)(L)

PHYS 1100 Fundamentals of Physics 1 (3,0,3)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

An algebra-based introduction to physics intended for students with some secondary school physics background. Students develop a basic understanding of several fields of physics through conceptualization, problem-solving and laboratory exercises. Topics include mechanics, fluid mechanics, waves, and thermodynamics.
Prerequisite: Pre-calculus 12 or equivalent with a minimum C+ and Physics 11 or equivalent with a minimum C+.
Corequisite: MATH 1130 or MATH 1140 or MATH 1150 or MATH 1001
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 1150 Mechanics and Waves (3,0,3)(L)

PHYS 1150 Mechanics and Waves (3,0,3)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

The student will develop an understanding of physics concepts, acquire and apply problem-solving skills, and gain hands-on experience with data collection and analysis. Topics include mechanics, simple harmonic motion, mechanical waves, sound, wave optics and geometric optics. Calculus will be introduced and used in the course.
Prerequisite: Pre-calculus 12 (minimum C+) and Physics 12 (minimum C+) or equivalent
Corequisite: MATH 1130, MATH 1140, MATH 1150 or recommended - PHYS 1150/1250 recommended for students planning to major in physics or chemistry.
Note: Students may only receive credit for one of PHYS 1150 or EPHY 1150
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 1200 Fundamentals of Physics 2 (3,0,3)(L)

PHYS 1200 Fundamentals of Physics 2 (3,0,3)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This course is a continuation of PHYS 1100: Fundamentals of Physics 1. Topics include electricity and magnetism, optics, and selected topics from nuclear and modern physics.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1100; MATH 1130 or MATH 1140 or MATH 1150
Corequisite: MATH 1230 or 1240 or 1250 Required Lab: PHYS 1200L
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 1250 Thermodynamics, Electricity and Magnetism (3,0,3)(L)

PHYS 1250 Thermodynamics, Electricity and Magnetism (3,0,3)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Continuing from PHYS 1150, the student will develop an understanding of concepts in electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, and the kinetic theory of gases. Mathematical problem-solving skills related to these topics will be learned and applied. Hands-on experience will be gained from testing concepts in the laboratory.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1150 and MATH 1130, MATH 1140 or MATH 1150
Corequisite: MATH 1230, MATH 1240 or MATH 1250
Note: Students may only receive credit for one of EPHY 1250 or PHYS 1250 Required Lab: PHYS 1250L
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 1510 Applied Physics 1 (3,0,2)(L)

PHYS 1510 Applied Physics 1 (3,0,2)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students are given a basic introduction to the following concepts: linear and circular motion, force, friction, equilibrium, energy, momentum, simple machines, pin-jointed structures, and DC circuit analysis. Students develop an understanding of how these ideas are used in the design of structures.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Architectural and Engineering Technology Program
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 1580 Physics for Respiratory Therapists (3,0,3)(L)

PHYS 1580 Physics for Respiratory Therapists (3,0,3)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students explore the basic physical concepts of fluid mechanics, the properties of fluids, and applied electricity. An 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
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 1610 Applied Physics 2 (3,0,2)(L)

PHYS 1610 Applied Physics 2 (3,0,2)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Continuing from PHYS 1510: Applied Physics 1, the following topics are discussed: strength of materials, fluid statics and dynamics, thermal energy and heat transfer, vibrations and wave motion, and optics. This course furthers the understanding of physical properties and their influence on design.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Architectural and Engineering Technology Program
For more information, search for this course here.

ASTR 1140 Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System (3,0,0)

ASTR 1140 Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This is a general interest introductory course on the history of astronomy and the solar system, and is intended for non-science majors.The students will develop an understanding of astronomy and be able to relate that knowledge to other areas of science, develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, and obtain the basics for a life-long appreciation of astronomy. 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.
Prerequisite: None.
Exclusion: Students cannot receive credit for both ASTR 1140 and ASTR 1141.
For more information, search for this course here.

ASTR 1150 Introductory Astronomy: Stars and Galaxies (3,0,0)

ASTR 1150 Introductory Astronomy: Stars and Galaxies (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This is a general interest course on the night sky, telescopes, stars, and galaxies, and is intended for non-science majors. The student will develop an understanding of astronomy and be able to relate that knowledge to other areas of science, develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, and obtain the basics for a life-long appreciation of astronomy. 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.
Prerequisite: None.
For more information, search for this course here.

2000 Level
PHYS 2000 Relativity and Quanta (3,1,0)

PHYS 2000 Relativity and Quanta (3,1,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students are introduced to special relativity and quantum physics. Topics include Lorentz transformations, dynamics and conservation laws, the experimental evidence for quantization, and a qualitative discussion of the concepts of quantum mechanics and their application to simple systems of atoms and nuclei. This course is equivalent to CHEM 2000.
Note:Credit will not be givenfor both CHEM 2000 and PHYS 2000
Prerequisite: PHYS 1100/1200 or PHYS 1150/1250; PHYS 1103 ;PHYS 1105;PHYS 1203; PHYS 1205 ;MATH 1130/1230 or MATH 1140/1240 or MATH 1150/1250 or MATH 1141/1241
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 2150 Circuit Analysis (3,1,3)(L)

PHYS 2150 Circuit Analysis (3,1,3)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This course is an analysis of linear electrical circuits, network theorems, first and second order circuits, and transfer functions.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1100 and PHYS 1200 (with written permission of the instructor); or PHYS 1103 or PHYS 1105 or PHYS 1203 or PHYS 1205 or PHYS 1150; and PHYS 1250 or EPHY 1170; and EPHY 1270 or MATH 1130; and MATH 1230 or MATH 1140; and MATH 1240 or MATH 1150; and MATH 1250 (with permission of the instructor) or MATH 1141; and MATH 1241
Note: Students can only get credit for one of PHYS 2150, EPHY 2150
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 2200 Mechanics (4,0,0)

PHYS 2200 Mechanics (4,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

The student will explore the broader topics and applications of Newtonian mechanics. Topics include the 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 and PHYS 1200; or PHYS 1103 and PHYS 1105 and PHYS 1203 and PHYS 1205; or PHYS 1150 and PHYS 1250 and MATH 2110 or MATH 2111
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 2250 Intermediate Electromagnetism (3,0,3)(L)

PHYS 2250 Intermediate Electromagnetism (3,0,3)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students will utilize vector calculus to calculate static electric and magnetic fields, both in vacuum and in materials. Dynamic electric and magnetic fields will be examined by students, culminating in a derivation of Maxwell's equations. Students will explore the electromagnetic nature of light by solving Maxwell's equations for electric and magnetic fields in source-free regions. Content is delivered with an emphasis on the foundations and application of productive teamwork.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1100 and PHYS 1200; or PHYS 1103 and PHYS 1105 and PHYS 1203 and PHYS 1205; or MATH 1150 and MATH 1250 (with permission of the instructor) and MATH 1130 and MATH 1230; or MATH 1140 and MATH 1240; or MATH 1150 and MATH 1250; and MATH 2110 or MATH 2111
Note: Students can only get credit for one of PHYS 2250, EPHY 2250
For more information, search for this course here.

3000 Level
PHYS 3080 Optics (3,0,3)

PHYS 3080 Optics (3,0,3)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students are presented with the basic principles of optics. Topics include geometric optics and wave optics (interference, diffraction, and Fourier optics) as well as polarization and modern applications. Laboratory work involves selected experiments in optics.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2250
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 3090 Analog Electronics (0,2,3)(L)

PHYS 3090 Analog Electronics (0,2,3)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

In this laboratory course students are introduced 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
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 3100 Digital Electronics (3,0,3)(L)

PHYS 3100 Digital Electronics (3,0,3)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This course is an introduction to Boolean algebra and logic gates; the analysis and the design of combinational and sequential digital circuits; and the architecture and programming of microcontrollers. Students design, assemble, and test digital logic circuits using discrete gates, FPGAs, and microcontrollers.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2150
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 3120 Introduction to Mathematical Physics (3,1,0)

PHYS 3120 Introduction to Mathematical Physics (3,1,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This course is divided into three parts. Students begin by examining 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. Next, students discuss Sturm-Liouville boundary-value problems, Fourier series, and other series of eigenfunctions, including Fourier-Bessel series. Students are then introduced to boundary-value problems involving partial differential equations. Emphasis is placed on 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 Required Seminar: PHYS 3120S
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 3140 Fluids (3,0,0)

PHYS 3140 Fluids (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students are introduced to the key concepts and equations used to describe fluids. Starting with a description of rarefied fluids using kinetic theory, simple gas transport properties are derived. Euler's and Bernoulli's equations are examined under static and steady flow conditions. Students derive and examine the Navier-Stokes equation and the equation of continuity under conditions of, steady flow and one-dimensional approximation. Equations to describe the flow of viscous fluids, flow in pipes, flow over immersed bodies, and open channel flow are also introduced. Finally, students explore properties of water waves such as the dispersion relation, capillary and gravity waves.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2200
Corequisite: MATH 2240
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 3150 Physics of Materials (3,0,0)

PHYS 3150 Physics of Materials (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students explore introductory concepts in the description of solids. Topics include bonding, crystal structure, defects, strength of materials, heat capacity, lattice vibrations and phonons, electrical properties, band theory, and semiconductors.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2000 or CHEM 2000
Corequisite: MATH 2110
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 3160 Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics (3,0,0)

PHYS 3160 Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students are introduced to the principles of elementary classical thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical mechanics. These theories are 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 PHYS 1150/1250; MATH 2110/2111;PHYS 1103/1203;PHYS 1105/1205; MATH 2650
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 3200 Advanced Mechanics (3,0,0)

PHYS 3200 Advanced Mechanics (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This course offers an extension to the concepts studied in PHYS 2200: Mechanics. 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
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 3250 Advanced Electromagnetism (3,1,0)

PHYS 3250 Advanced Electromagnetism (3,1,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students develop a working knowledge of electrodynamics, which requires a solid grounding in vector calculus, partial differential equations, and an in-depth understanding of Maxwell's equations. Topics include a 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 Required Seminar: PHYS 3250S
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 3300 Biophysics (3,0,3*)(L)

PHYS 3300 Biophysics (3,0,3*)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students apply the basic principles of physics to the actions, body design and physical limitations of animals, mainly vertebrates. Topics include physical concepts of forces, materials structure, fluid mechanics, light and sound, and electricity and magnetism. These topics are 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 1040 or 1050 or 1110 or 1210 (BIOL 1210 preferred) Required Lab: PHYS 3300L
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 3400 Principles and Applications of Quantum Mechanics 1 (3,0,0)

PHYS 3400 Principles and Applications of Quantum Mechanics 1 (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students will deepen their critical understanding of quantum physics. The course examines key assumptions, theories, methodologies, and applications of quantum mechanics: the wave-mechanical approach, the state-vector formalism, and applications to simple quantum systems such as one-electron atoms. Students will gain a broad understanding of the range of fields utilizing quantum mechanics, both in physics and in other disciplines. Students will acquire a critical awareness of past and present debates regarding interpretations of quantum mechanics.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2000; MATH 2240; MATH 3170 or MATH 2670
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 3500 Selected Topics in Physics (3,0,0)

PHYS 3500 Selected Topics in Physics (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students explore current topics in Physics. The course content varies from year to year, and may include topics such as nanotechnology, superconductivity, photonics, semiconductor physics, and optoelectronics.
Prerequisite: Prerequisites will vary from year to year but typically consist of a combination of second-year courses in Physics and Mathematics. Consult the Bachelor of Science Program Advisor for the specific prerequisites for each offering.
For more information, search for this course here.

4000 Level
PHYS 4140 Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics (3,0,0)

PHYS 4140 Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

In this survey course, students study basic concepts of nuclear physics, with applications in power, medicine, geology, industry, archaeology and cosmology.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2000 or CHEM 2000, PHYS 2250 and MATH 2240
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 4400 Principles and Applications of Quantum Mechanics 2 (3,0,0)

PHYS 4400 Principles and Applications of Quantum Mechanics 2 (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This course is a continuation of PHYS 3400: Principles and Applications of Quantum Mechanics 2. Students start with a review of angular momentum and spin, and the hydrogen atom. Students then examine standard techniques that find wide applications in the study of quantum phenomena. These techniques include the perturbation theories, the variation principle, and 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
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 4480 Directed Studies in Physics (L)

PHYS 4480 Directed Studies in Physics (L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students complete a full research/capstone project. The project includes full background search on the topic, update meetings with supervisor, clear dissemination of work by oral presentation, poster or report. Students will synthesize and integrate upon knowledge developed at TRU during their studies. Students will connect their project to current studies, complete in depth exploration of their topic, and engage their interests a particular physics topic and understand how it fits in with the global picture of physics.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into Physics Major; approval of supervisor and co-supervisor
For more information, search for this course here.

PHYS 4500 Advanced Physics Laboratory (0,2,3)(L)

PHYS 4500 Advanced Physics Laboratory (0,2,3)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

In this course, students work with experimental apparatus over an extended period of time to complete rigorous data analysis and present their findings. Laboratory work provides opportunities in several areas of physics including condensed matter physics, optics, signal conditioning, astronomy and image processing, nuclear physics, and acoustics. Students use sophisticated equipment such as a transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, thin film evaporator, and low temperature cryostats.
Prerequisite: PHYS 3080 or PHYS 3090/3100
For more information, search for this course here.