PHYS 10 Physics Seminar
This seminar brings together physics students in all years to hear invited speakers, view physics-related films, and learn about current research.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
Physics (PHYS)
67 undergraduate courses in the 2025–26 Undergraduate Calendar, and 84 graduate courses in the Spring 2026 Graduate Calendar.
Undergraduate
PHYS 105 Introduction to Physics for Health Care Professions0.50 units
This course provides a concise introduction of physics for health care professions, covering the following topics: base and derived units, vectors and scalars, kinematics in one and two dimensions, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, equilibrium, elasticity, fluids, hydrostatics, fluid dynamics, vibration, waves, sound, electrostatics, current electricity, magnetism, light, basic geometrical optics, thermodynamics, introductory atomic and nuclear physics. Emphasis is placed on understanding the fundamentals of physics with applications tailored to living systems, offering insights applicable across diverse healthcare professions.
- Antirequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- Not open to students enrolled in H-Software Engineering
- Not open to students enrolled in a Bachelor of Applied Science program
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 111 Physics 10.50 units
An introduction to physics for students intending to concentrate their further studies in biology, dentistry, medicine and paramedicine; includes particle kinematics and dynamics, energy and momentum conservation, and rotational mechanics.
- Antirequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 111L Physics 1 Laboratory0.25 units
Biweekly lab for students who have taken or are taking PHYS 111.
- Corequisites
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
- PHYS111 - Physics 1 (0.50)
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
- Antirequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- PHYS121L - Mechanics Laboratory (0.25)
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
- PHYS131L
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 112 Physics 20.50 units
A continuation of PHYS 111; includes simple harmonic motion, electrostatic force and potential, electric current and power, DC circuits, magnetic field and induction, wave motion, sound, and optics.
- Prerequisites
- Antirequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 112L Physics 2 Laboratory0.25 units
Biweekly lab for students who have taken or are taking PHYS 112.
- Corequisites
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
- PHYS112 - Physics 2 (0.50)
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
- Antirequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- PHYS122L - Waves, Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory (0.25)
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
- PHYS132L
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 115 Mechanics0.50 units
Brief review of kinematics. Particle dynamics, work, energy, conservation of energy. Conservation of linear momentum, collisions, rotational kinematics and dynamics, conservation of angular momentum. Equilibrium of rigid bodies.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Complete 1 of the following
- Students must be in level 1A
- Students must be in level 1B
- Enrolled in a program offered by the Faculty of Engineering
- Complete 1 of the following
- Complete all of the following
- Antirequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 121 Mechanics0.50 units
An introductory course in physics for students intending to concentrate their future studies in the physical sciences, optometry, or mathematics; includes vectors (dot and cross products), particle kinematics and dynamics, forces in nature, work and energy, conservation of energy and linear momentum, rotational kinematics and dynamics, and conservation of angular momentum.
- Corequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed: 4U Calculus and Vectors, 4U Advanced Functions, and 4U Physics
- Complete all of the following
- Antirequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 121L Mechanics Laboratory0.25 units
For students who have taken or are taking PHYS 121.
- Corequisites
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
- PHYS121 - Mechanics (0.50)
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
- Antirequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- PHYS111L - Physics 1 Laboratory (0.25)
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
- PHYS131L
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 122 Waves, Electricity and Magnetism0.50 units
Simple harmonic motion, resonance, damped harmonic motion, complex numbers, wave motion and sound, electrostatic force and potential, electric current and power, capacitors, DC circuits, LRC circuits, introduction to magnetic fields Lorentz Force.
- Prerequisites
- Corequisites
- Antirequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 122L Waves, Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory0.25 units
For students who have taken or are taking PHYS 122.
- Corequisites
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
- PHYS122 - Waves, Electricity and Magnetism (0.50)
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
- Antirequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- PHYS112L - Physics 2 Laboratory (0.25)
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
- PHYS132L
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 124 Modern Physics0.50 units
An introductory course in modern physics; includes relativity, quantum physics, atomic physics, nuclear physics, particle physics, and gravitation.
- Prerequisites
- Corequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 160L Introductory Measurement Laboratory0.25 units
Biweekly lab for students following the Honours Physics plan.
- Prerequisites
- Enrolled in H-Physics, or JH-Physics
- Corequisites
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
- PHYS122L - Waves, Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory (0.25)
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
- Antirequisites
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
- PHYS132L
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 175 Introduction to the Universe0.50 units
A survey course in astrophysics intended for Physics and Astronomy students. Astrophysical processes, the sky, the Sun, stars, black holes, the Milky Way and other galaxies, Big Bang cosmology.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete all of the following
- Antirequisites
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- SCI238 - Introductory Astronomy (0.50)
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 175L Introduction to the Universe Laboratory0.25 units
For students who are taking PHYS 175.
- Prerequisites
- Enrolled in H-Physics & Astronomy
- Corequisites
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
- PHYS175 - Introduction to the Universe (0.50)
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 225 Modeling Biological Physics0.50 units
Introduction to modelling living systems and their components. Statistical methods in data analysis, curve fitting, including p values. Fourier series and transforms, structural analysis, including nearest neighbour distributions in biomedical applications. Introduction to methods for analysis of transport properties in biological systems. Use of computers in these areas.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete all of the following
- Corequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 233 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics0.50 units
Introduction to quantization, wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle The Schroedinger equation and solvable examples. Topics will include stationary states of particle-in-a-box, harmonic oscillator, and the hydrogen atom. Quantization of angular momentum and spin. Introduction to approximation methods including time-independent perturbation theory. Modern applications of quantum mechanics.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Complete 1 of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete all of the following
- Corequisites
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in at least 1 of the following:
- AMATH250 - Introduction to Differential Equations (0.50)
- AMATH251 - Introduction to Differential Equations (Advanced Level) (0.50)
- ECE205 - Advanced Calculus 1 for Electrical and Computer Engineers (0.50)
- MATH211 - Advanced Calculus 1 for Electrical and Computer Engineers (0.50)
- MATH213 - Signals, Systems, and Differential Equations (0.50)
- MATH228 - Differential Equations for Physics and Chemistry (0.50)
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in at least 1 of the following:
- Antirequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 234 Quantum Physics 10.50 units
Background of quantum physics. Introduction to formalism of quantum physics. Introduction to operators. Quantization, waves, and particles. The uncertainty principle. The Schroedinger equation for one-dimensional problems: bound states in square wells, harmonic oscillator, transmission through barriers.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS122 - Waves, Electricity and Magnetism (0.50)
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed the following:
- Complete all of the following
- Corequisites
- Antirequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 242 Electricity and Magnetism 10.50 units
Electrostatics in vacuum, electric potential, conductors and currents, magnetostatics in vacuum, electromagnetic induction.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS122 - Waves, Electricity and Magnetism (0.50)
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 249 Linear Algebra for Physics and Astronomy0.50 units
Vectors in 2- and 3-space and their geometry. Linear equations, matrices, and determinants. Introduction to vector spaces. Eigenvalues and diagonalization. Complex numbers. Applications to physics and astronomy, including use of Python libraries and implementation.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete all of the following
- Antirequisites
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- MATH136 - Linear Algebra 1 for Honours Mathematics (0.50)
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 256 Geometrical and Physical Optics0.50 units
Geometrical optics: image formation, ray tracing through multiple optical components, dispersion by prisms, optical fibers, optical instruments - eyes, telescopes, microscopes, and cameras, introduction to aberrations; physical optics: interference and interferometers, diffraction, imaging resolution, diffraction gratings and their use in spectroscopy; wave-particle duality; introduction to the electromagnetic nature of light and polarization.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Complete all of the following
- Antirequisites
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- ECE404 - Geometrical and Physical Optics (0.50)
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 260A Intermediate Physics Laboratory 10.50 units
An intermediate laboratory course for students in physics.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS122L - Waves, Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory (0.25)
- Enrolled in H-Biological & Medical Physics, Biophysics Minor, H-Materials & Nanosciences, H-Mathematical Physics (BSc), H-Physics, or H-Physics & Astronomy
- Must have completed the following:
- Complete all of the following
- Antirequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 260B Intermediate Physics Laboratory 20.50 units
Experiments in selected physics topics.
- Prerequisites
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS260A - Intermediate Physics Laboratory 1 (0.50)
- Must have completed the following:
- Antirequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 263 Classical Mechanics and Special Relativity0.50 units
Newtonian dynamics of particles and systems of particles. Oscillations. Gravity and the central force problem. Lorentz transformations and relativistic dynamics.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS122 - Waves, Electricity and Magnetism (0.50)
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- Complete all of the following
- Antirequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- AMATH271 - Introduction to Theoretical Mechanics (0.50)
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
- AMATH261
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 267 Probability, Statistics, and Data Analysis for Physics and Astronomy0.50 units
Probability, probability distributions, errors, descriptive statistics, statistical inference (hypothesis testing, fitting, confidence intervals), computational methods in Python, including algorithms for numerical integration; examples from physics and astronomy.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS122 - Waves, Electricity and Magnetism (0.50)
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS236
- Must have completed the following:
- Complete all of the following
- Antirequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 270L Astronomical Observations, Instrumentation, and Data Analysis Laboratory0.25 units
Selected experiments in astronomy.
- Prerequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 275 Planets0.50 units
Terrestrial and gas giant planets in the solar system, asteroids and comets. Extrasolar planets and astrobiology. Star and planet formation.
- Prerequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 280 Introduction to Biophysics0.50 units
Introduction to a physical understanding of biological systems at macro and molecular scales. The course is intended for second-year science and engineering students and will cover a broad spectrum of topics in biophysics, as well as an introduction to neurobiology, nanotechnology, and biotechnology.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Students must be in level 2A or higher
- Complete 1 of the following
- Enrolled in an Honours Science program
- Enrolled in a program offered by Faculty of Engineering
- Complete all of the following
- Cross-listed
- BIOL 280
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 334 Quantum Physics 20.50 units
Formalism of quantum mechanics. Operator approach to the harmonic oscillator. Quantum mechanics in three dimensions: Hydrogen atom, angular momentum and spin. Time-independent perturbation theory. Fine structure of hydrogen. Zeeman effect. Identical particles. The variational principle. Ground state of the helium atom. Applications in atomic and molecular physics.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete all of the following
- Antirequisites
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- AMATH373 - Quantum Theory 1 (0.50)
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 335 Condensed Matter Physics0.50 units
An introduction to condensed matter physics, including their lattice, electronic and thermodynamic properties. Crystalline lattices in solids. Reciprocal lattices. Diffraction from crystals. Lattice vibrations and phonons. Properties of a free electron gas. Electrons in a periodic potential and band-structure. Metals, insulators and semiconductors. Electrical transport in materials. Introduction to semiconductor physics.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS358 - Thermal Physics (0.50)
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Students must be in level 3A
- Enrolled in a program offered by the Faculties of Engineering, Mathematics, or Science
- Must have completed the following:
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 342 Electricity and Magnetism 20.50 units
Electric and magnetic fields in media, auxiliary fields, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, electric and magnetic properties of matter.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS242 - Electricity and Magnetism 1 (0.50)
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed the following:
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 349 Advanced Computational Physics0.50 units
Algorithms for solving differential equations; Monte Carlo techniques; Fourier transforms; programming and computational techniques using Python, applied to physical problems such as astrophysics, electricity and magnetism, classical and quantum mechanics; introduction to machine learning and artificial intelligence.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Complete all of the following
- Antirequisites
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
- PHYS239
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 358 Thermal Physics0.50 units
Temperature and thermodynamic equilibrium. Work, internal energy, and heat; first law, with examples. Kinetic theory of gases. Basic probability theory. Microscopic states and entropy. Absolute temperature, reversibility, and the second law. Thermodynamic Functions and Maxwell's relations. Phase transitions. Third Law. Other applications of thermodynamics.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete all of the following
- Antirequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 359 Statistical Mechanics0.50 units
Fundamental postulate of statistical thermodynamics. Entropy. Microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles. Fermi-Dirac, Bose-Einstein, and Boltzmann Statistics. Maxwell-Boltzmann velocity distribution. Applications to specific heat of solids, classical and quantum gases, electrons in metals, Planck's law of radiation, and Bose-Einstein condensation.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Complete 1 of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS236
- Complete all of the following
- Corequisites
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
- AMATH373 - Quantum Theory 1 (0.50)
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 360A Modern Physics Laboratory 10.25 units
Selected experiments in mechanics, optics, electronics, acoustics, atomic, molecular, nuclear, and solid state physics.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Complete 1 of the following
- Enrolled in H-Materials & Nanosciences, H-Mathematical Physics (BMath), H-Mathematical Physics (BSc), H-Physics, JH-Physics, or H-Physics & Astronomy
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 360B Modern Physics Laboratory 20.25 units
Continuation of PHYS 360A.
- Prerequisites
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS360A - Modern Physics Laboratory 1 (0.25)
- Must have completed the following:
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 363 Intermediate Classical Mechanics0.50 units
Non-inertial frames of reference. Calculus of variations. Lagrangian mechanics. Coupled oscillations and normal modes. Hamiltonian dynamics.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS236
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 364 Mathematical Physics 10.50 units
Sturm-Liouville theory. Legendre, Bessel, and other special functions. Fourier series and introduction to Fourier transforms. Separation of variables.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- MATH227 - Calculus 3 for Honours Physics (0.50)
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS236
- Complete 1 of the following
- Enrolled in H-Materials & Nanosciences, H-Physics, or H-Physics & Astronomy
- Enrolled in Chemical Physics, or Life Physics
- Must have completed the following:
- Complete all of the following
- Antirequisites
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- AMATH353 - Partial Differential Equations 1 (0.50)
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 365 Mathematical Physics 20.50 units
Complex variables, Cauchy-Riemann conditions, Cauchy integral formula, Taylor and Laurent expansions, residue theorem, contour integrals and applications. Fourier and Laplace transforms with applications. Green's functions.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- MATH227 - Calculus 3 for Honours Physics (0.50)
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Enrolled in H-Materials & Nanosciences, H-Physics, or H-Physics & Astronomy
- Enrolled in Chemical Physics, or Life Physics
- Must have completed the following:
- Complete all of the following
- Antirequisites
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- AMATH332 - Applied Complex Analysis (0.50)
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 370L Astronomy Laboratory 10.25 units
Selected experiments in astronomy.
- Prerequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 375 Stars0.50 units
Stellar distances, masses, ages. Stellar interiors and atmospheres, star formation and evolution. Supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed at least 2 of the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed:
- PHYS236
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 380 Molecular and Cellular Biophysics0.50 units
Cell structure and molecular composition; intermolecular interactions and hydration; protein structure and function; cytoskeletal filaments; DNA structure, packing and chromosomes; rate equations and biological dynamics (e.g., cytoskeletal polymerization); self-assembly; cell membranes; action potentials and biological electricity; molecular motors; cell motility.
- Prerequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 383 Medical Physics0.50 units
Applications of physics in medicine. The course will address basic concepts of medical imaging, nuclear medicine and radiation isotopes, radiation therapy and biomedical laser applications. Nuclear structure and binding energy. Nuclear decays, radioactivity and nuclear reactions. Interaction of radiation with matter.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 391 Electronics0.50 units
Norton and Thévenin equivalent circuits, bipolar junction and field-effect transistors, operational amplifiers, negative feedback, noise, common circuits used for measurement and control of laboratory experiments, introduction to digital circuits.
- Prerequisites
- Corequisites
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
- PHYS391L - Electronics Laboratory (0.25)
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 391L Electronics Laboratory0.25 units
For students who have taken or are taking PHYS 391.
- Corequisites
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
- PHYS391 - Electronics (0.50)
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 393 Physical Optics0.50 units
Fourier Optics: diffraction, dispersion, coherence, imaging. Polarization: birefringence, Jones vectors, Mueller Matrices. Fresnel Equations: optics at an interface, thin films.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 394 Light-Matter Interactions0.50 units
Lasers: semi-classical interaction, properties, cavity, Gaussian beams. Radiation and Detectors. Introduction to nonlinear optics.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 395 Biophysics of Therapeutic Methods0.50 units
The effect of radiation of various kinds on cells and tissues; elements of radiobiology and photobiology; molecular mechanisms of radiation-induced DNA damage and cell death, repair of radiation damage, dose-response relationships; tumor radiobiology and therapies, radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, combination therapies; radiosensitizers and photosensitizers for cancer therapies; transdisciplinary advances in physical methods (ultrafast laser and ultrasound techniques) for biomedical applications.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- BIOL130 - Introductory Cell Biology (0.50)
- BIOL239 - Genetics (0.50)
- BIOL280 - Introduction to Biophysics (0.50)
- CHEM123 - General Chemistry 2 (0.50)
- CHEM125 - Chemical Reactions, Equilibria and Kinetics (0.50)
- PHARM141 - Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry, Toxicology and Pharmacology (0.50)
- PHYS280 - Introduction to Biophysics (0.50)
- PHYS380 - Molecular and Cellular Biophysics (0.50)
- Complete 1 of the following
- Students must be in level 3A or higher
- Enrolled in a program offered by the Faculties of Engineering, Mathematics, or Science
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 396 Biophysics of Imaging0.50 units
Introduction to imaging concepts in biophysics with emphasis on the interrelationship between the physics principles of an imaging modality and the associated image reconstruction; methods for imaging at macroscopic to microscopic scales; computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, PET, optical imaging, optical and fluorescence microscopy, scanning probe microscopy (AFM, STM), optical tweezers, electron microscopy.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Complete 1 of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- AMATH231 - Calculus 4 (0.50)
- AMATH373 - Quantum Theory 1 (0.50)
- CHEM209 - Introductory Spectroscopy and Structure (0.50)
- CHEM356 - Introductory Quantum Mechanics (0.50)
- ECE375 - Electromagnetic Fields and Waves (0.50)
- NE241 - Electromagnetism (0.50)
- PHYS233 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (0.50)
- PHYS234 - Quantum Physics 1 (0.50)
- PHYS242 - Electricity and Magnetism 1 (0.50)
- PHYS256 - Geometrical and Physical Optics (0.50)
- PHYS280 - Introduction to Biophysics (0.50)
- PHYS380 - Molecular and Cellular Biophysics (0.50)
- SYDE283 - Physics 3: Electricity, Magnetism and Optics (0.50)
- Must have completed one of the following:
- CS473
- ECE209
- ECE370
- NE232
- PHYS224
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Complete 1 of the following
- Students must be in level 3A or higher
- Enrolled in a program offered by the Faculties of Engineering, Mathematics, or Science
- Complete 1 of the following
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 434 Quantum Physics 30.50 units
Symmetries and conservation laws. Review of time-independent perturbation theory (degenerate and non-degenerate, Rayleigh-Schrodinger, Brillouin-Wigner and canonical perturbation theory; effective Hamiltonian derivation). Time-dependent perturbation theory (first and second order, adiabatic perturbation, Aharonov-Bohm effect). Fermi's golden rule. Two-level systems. Emission and absorption of radiation (applications). Second quantization of electromagnetic field in free space; photons. Spontaneous emission and natural lifetime; Lamb shift. Elements of scattering theory. Introduction to the Dirac equation.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 435 Current Topics in Condensed Matter Physics0.50 units
Physics pertaining to collective and emergent phenomena in condensed matter systems. Examples of topics to be covered include magnetism, superconductivity, heavy Fermion systems, quantum hall effect, protein folding, membranes, DNA physics, polymer physics, modern experimental and theoretical techniques.
- Prerequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 437A Research Project0.50 units
A research project in any area of physics approved by the course co-ordinator(s).
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Earned a minimum cumulative average of 70
- Students must be in level 4A or higher
- Complete 1 of the following
- Enrolled in H-Biological & Medical Physics, H-Materials & Nanosciences, H-Mathematical Physics (BSc), H-Physics, JH-Physics, or H-Physics & Astronomy
- Enrolled in Chemical Physics, or Life Physics
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 437B Research Project (Continued)0.50 units
A research project in any area of physics approved by the course co-ordinator(s). This is often a continuation of the project started in PHYS 437A.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS437A - Research Project (0.50)
- Earned a minimum cumulative average of 70
- Must have completed the following:
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 442 Electricity and Magnetism 30.50 units
Review of the origin of Maxwell's equations, conservation laws, potential formulation of Maxwell's equations and gauge choices, vacuum solutions of Maxwell's equations (free space, waveguides, dispersion), solution to Maxwell's equations for arbitrary sources (static and time-dependent problems), relativistic formulation of electrodynamics, macroscopic Maxwell's equations and plane waves in macroscopic media.
- Prerequisites
- Complete 1 of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS342 - Electricity and Magnetism 2 (0.50)
- Complete 1 of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 444 Introduction to Particle Physics0.50 units
This course introduces students to the standard model of particle physics. Topics covered include symmetries, particle classification, experimental methods and tools, scattering, Feynman diagrams, gauge theories, quantum electrodynamics, quarks, quantum chromodynamics, weak interactions, and the Higgs mechanism.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS363 - Intermediate Classical Mechanics (0.50)
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 449 Machine Learning in Physics0.50 units
Machine learning applications in the physical sciences.
- Prerequisites
- Complete 1 of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS349 - Advanced Computational Physics (0.50)
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS236
- Must have completed the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 454 Quantum Theory 20.50 units
The Hilbert space of states, observables, and time evolution. Feynman path integral and Greens functions. Approximation methods. Co-ordinate transformations, angular momentum, and spin. The relation between symmetries and conservation laws. Density matrix, Ehrenfest theorem, and decoherence. Multiparticle quantum mechanics. Bell inequality and basics of quantum computing.
- Prerequisites
- Cross-listed
- AMATH 473
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 460A Advanced Laboratory 10.25 units
Selected advanced experiments in mechanics, optics, acoustics, electronics, atomic, molecular, nuclear, and condensed matter physics.
- Prerequisites
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS360A - Modern Physics Laboratory 1 (0.25)
- Must have completed the following:
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 460B Advanced Laboratory 20.25 units
A continuation of PHYS 460A.
- Prerequisites
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS460A - Advanced Laboratory 1 (0.25)
- Must have completed the following:
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 467 Introduction to Quantum Information Processing0.50 units
Basics of computational complexity; basics of quantum information; quantum phenomena; quantum circuits and universality; relationship between quantum and classical complexity classes; simple quantum algorithms; quantum Fourier transform; Shor factoring algorithm; Grover search algorithm; physical realization of quantum computation; error-correction and fault-tolerance; quantum key distribution.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Students must be in level 3A or higher
- Complete all of the following
- Cross-listed
- CO 481, CS 467
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 468 Introduction to the Implementation of Quantum Information Processing0.50 units
Photonic quantum computing, superconducting qubits, NMR, Ion Trap quantum computing, atomic quantum computing.
- Prerequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 474 Galaxies0.50 units
Galaxy structure, formation and evolution. Dynamics and stellar populations; gas and dust; supermassive black holes; large-scale structure.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS375 - Stars (0.50)
- Complete 1 of the following
- Students must be in level 4A or higher
- Enrolled in a program in Faculties of Mathematics or Science
- Must have completed the following:
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 475 Cosmology0.50 units
Robertson-Walker metric and Friedmann equations. Observational cosmology. Dark matter and dark energy. Gravitational lensing. Big Bang nucleosynthesis, the cosmic microwave background. Inflation. Structure formation.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Complete 1 of the following
- Students must be in level 4A or higher
- Enrolled in a program offered by the Faculties of Mathematics or Science
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 476 Introduction to General Relativity0.50 units
Tensor analysis. Curved space-time and the Einstein field equations. The Schwarzschild solution and applications. The Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmological models.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Students must be in level 4A or higher
- Enrolled in a program offered by the Faculties of Mathematics or Science
- Complete all of the following
- Cross-listed
- AMATH 475
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 483 Advanced Therapeutic Concepts in Oncology and Medical Physics0.50 units
This course examines advanced oncology therapeutic concepts required as a foundation for patient management in the inpatient, ambulatory, and community settings. Topics include a comprehensive review of cancer epidemiology and pathophysiology, therapeutic agents used in the oncology setting, management of cancer therapy toxicities, and treatment and palliation of cancer symptoms. Physics methods in radiation therapy and the medical physicist's role in cancer treatment will be addressed.
- Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Students must be in level 4A or higher
- Enrolled in Life Physics - Medical Physics Specialization
- Complete all of the following
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 484 Quantum Theory 3: Quantum Information and Foundations0.50 units
Theory of correlations and entanglement; theory of quantum channels, detectors; the measurement problem, in quantum mechanics; phase space formulation of quantum mechanics; entanglement in infinite dimensional quantum systems; introduction to open quantum systems; and exploration of current research directions in quantum information.
- Prerequisites
- Cross-listed
- AMATH 474
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
PHYS 490 Special Topics in Physics0.50 units
A lecture course offered in a particular branch of physics, subject to availability of instructor.
- Prerequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2025Course outlines
Graduate
From the Spring 2026 Graduate Calendar. Also this year: Fall 2025, Winter 2026.
PHYS 601 Perimeter Scholars International Quantum Field Theory 10.50 units
Canonical quantization of fields, perturbation theory, derivation of Feynman diagrams, applications in particle and condensed matter theory, renormalization in phi^4.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 602 Perimeter Scholars International Statistical Physics0.50 units
A brief review of ensembles and quantum gases, Ising model, Landau theory of phase transitions, order parameters, topology, classical solutions.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 603 Perimeter Scholars International Quantum Field Theory 20.50 units
Feynman Path Integral, abelian and nonabelian guage theories and their quantization, spontaneous symmetry breaking, nonperturbative techniques: latticef ield theory, Wilsonian renormalization.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 604 Perimeter Scholars International Relativity0.50 units
Special relativity, foundations of general relativity, Riemannian geometry, Einstein's equations, FRW and Schwarzschild geometries and their properties
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 605 Perimeter Scholars International Quantum Theory0.50 units
Schrodinger equation: free particle, harmonic oscillator, simple time-dependent problems. Heisenbrerg picture and connection with classical physics. Entaglement and non-locality. Pure and mixed states, quantum correlators, measurement theory and interpretation.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 606 Perimeter Scholars International Information and Data Analysis0.50 units
Probability, entropy, Bayesian inference and information theory. Maximum likelihood methods, common probability distributions, applications to real data including Monte-Carlo methods.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 607 Perimeter Scholars International Dynamical Systems0.50 units
Maps, flows, stability, fixed points, attractors, chaos, bifurcations, ergodicity, approach to chaos. Hamiltonian systems, Liouville measure, Poincare theorem, integrable systems with examples.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 608 Perimeter Scholars International Computation0.50 units
Common algorithms for ode and pde solving, with numerical analysis. Common tasks in linear algebra. Focus on how to write a good code, test it, and obtain a reliable result. Parallel programming.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 609 Perimeter Scholars International Conformal Field Theory0.50 units
This course is an introduction to the key ideas and techniques of conformal field theories. These theories play a central role In the study of phase transitions in statistical physics and condensed matter systems, as well as in string theory. Conformal field theories provide a theoretical laboratory in which the constraints imposed by symmetries allow for the exact solution of field theories, which have found important applications in both physics and mathematics.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 610 Perimeter Scholars International Mathematics Physics0.50 units
This course will include the study of Perturbation Theory (Regular and Singular) Speeding Up Convergence: Shanks Transformations and Richardson Extrapolation Taylor Series, Fourier Series and the Gibbs Phenomenon Using Diveregent Series: Generalised Summation Analytic Continuation, Riemann Surfaces and Branch Points Continued Functions and Pade Approximants Steiltjes Functions, the Herglotz Property and the Carleman Bound Feynman Diagrams.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 611 PSI Condensed Matter Physics0.50 units
Theories of Condensed Matter Physics emphasizing the consequences of broken symmetries and the resulting collective modes which emerge, including broken translational symmetry and phonons, broken spin rotational symmetry and magnons, electronic properties of normal metals, and broken U(1) gauge symmetry in superconductors, excitations above the gap and collective modes in superconductors.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 612 Perimeter Scholars International Classical Physics0.50 units
This is a theoretical physics course that aims to review the basics of theoretical mechanics, special relativity, and classical field theory, with the emphasis on geometrical notions and relativistic formalism.
- Antirequisites
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 621 Perimeter Scholars International Cosmology0.25 units
FRW metric, Hubble expansion, dark energy, dark matter, CMB. Thermodynamic history of early universe. Growth of perturbations, CDM model of structure formation and comparison to observations, cosmic microwave background anisotropies, inflation and observational tests.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 622 Perimeter Scholars International Standard Model0.25 units
Application of Yang-Mills theory to particle physics, QCD and its tests in the perturbative regime, theory of weak interactions, precision tests of electroweak theory, CKM matrix and flavour physics, open questions.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 623 Perimeter Scholars International String Theory0.25 units
Superstring spectrum in 10d Minkowski, as well as simple toroidal and orbifold compactifications. T-duality, D-branes, tree amplitudes. Construct some simple unified models of particle physics. Motivate the 10- and 11-dimensional supergravities. Simple supergravity solutions and use these to explore some aspects of AdS/CFT duality.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 624 Perimeter Scholars International Mathematical Physics Topics0.25 units
Differential forms, de Rham cohomology, differential topology and characteristic classes, monopoles and instantons, Kahler manifolds, Dirac equation, zero modes and index theorems.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 625 Perimeter Scholars International Supersymmetry0.25 units
The following topics will be discussed: The Lorentz Group: Properties and Representations; Manipulating Spinors; Supersymmetry Algebra and Representations; Superfields and Superspace; 4d Supersymmetric Lagrangians; Supersymmetry Breaking; Constructing the MSSM; Collider Phenomenology of Supersymmetric Theories; and Dark Matter.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 635 Perimeter Scholars International Quantum Information Review0.25 units
Review of selected topics in Quantum Information
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 636 Perimeter Scholars International Gravitational Physics Review0.25 units
Review of selected topics in Gravitational Physics
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 637 Perimeter Scholars International Condensed Matter Theory0.25 units
Review of selected topics in Condensed Matter Theory
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 638 Perimeter Scholars International Quantum Gravity0.25 units
Review of selected topics in Quantum Gravity
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 639 Perimeter Scholars International Foundations of Quantum Theory0.25 units
Review of selected topics in Foundations of Quantum Theory
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 641 Perimeter Scholars International Explorations in Quantum Information0.25 units
Review of selected topics in Quantum Information
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 642 Perimeter Scholars International Explorations in Numerical Gravitational Physics0.25 units
Review of selected topics in Gravitational Physics
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 643 Perimeter Scholars International Explorations in Condensed Matter Theory0.25 units
Review of selected topics in Condensed Matter Theory
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 644 Perimeter Scholars International Explorations in Quantum Gravity0.25 units
Review of selected topics in quantum Gravity
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 645 Perimeter Scholars International Explorations in Foundations of Quantum Theory0.25 units
Review of Selected topics in Foundations of Quantum Theory
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 646 Perimeter Scholars International Explorations in Particle Physics0.25 units
Review of selected topics in Particle Physics
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 647 Perimeter Scholars International Explorations in String Theory0.25 units
Review of selected topics in String Theory
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 648 Perimeter Scholars International Explorations in Complex Systems0.25 units
Review of selected topics in Complex Systems
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 649 Perimeter Scholars International Explorations in Cosmology0.25 units
Review of Selected topics in Cosmology
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 650 Perimeter Scholars International Explorations in Quantum Gravity0.25 units
This course will introduce the students to the basic techniques and results of the field of loop quantum gravity. Possible topics include: 1) The Ashtekar variables and the Hamiltonian formalism; 2) The Plebanski action for general relativity; 3) The Hilbert space of loop quantum gravity and basic operators such as the area and volume operators; 4) Spin foam models; 5) Group field theory; 6) Quantum black hole horizons.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 701 Quantum Mechanics 10.50 units
Review of formalism of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics including symmetries and invariance. Approximation methods and scattering theory. Elementary quantum theory of radiation. Introduction to one-particle relativistic wave equations.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 702 Quantum Mechanics 20.50 units
Concepts of relativistic quantum mechanics, elementary quantum field theory, and Feynman diagrams. Application to many particle systems. Students who have not taken PHYS 701 but have an equivalent background in Quantum Mechanics may seek the instructor's consent to register in this course.
- Prerequisites
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS701 - Quantum Mechanics 1 (0.50)
- Must have completed the following:
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 703 Introduction to Quantum Field Theory0.50 units
Review of relativistic quantum mechanics and classical field theory. Quantization of free quantum fields (the particle interpretation of field quanta). Canonical quantization of interacting fields (Feynman rules). Application of the formalism of interacting quantum fields to lowest-order quantum electrodynamic processes. Radiative corrections and renormalization.
- Prerequisites
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS701 - Quantum Mechanics 1 (0.50)
- Must have completed the following:
- Cross-listed
- AMATH 873
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 704 Statistical Physics 10.50 units
Statistical basis of thermodynamics; microcanonical, canonical and grand canonical ensembles; quantum statistical mechanics, theory of the density matrix; fluctuations, noise, irreversible thermodynamics; transport theory; application to gases, liquids, solids.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 705 Statistical Physics 20.50 units
Phase transitions. Fluctuation phenomena. Kubo's theory of time correlation functions for transport and spectral properties; applications selected from a variety of topics including linearized hydrodynamics of normal and superfluids, molecular liquids, liquid crystals, surface phenomena, theory of the dielectric constant, etc. Students who have not taken PHYS 704 but have an equivalent background in Statistical Physics may seek the instructor's consent to register in this course.
- Prerequisites
- Must have completed the following:
- PHYS704 - Statistical Physics 1 (0.50)
- Must have completed the following:
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 706 Electromagnetic Theory0.50 units
Maxwell's equations and conservation laws; accelerated point charges and electromagnetic radiation; multipole expansions; electromagnetism and special relativity; selected applications.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 708 Applications of Group Theory0.50 units
Introduction to group theory; symmetry, the group concept, representation theory, character theory. Applications to molecular vibrations, the solid state, quantum mechanics and crystal field theory.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 709 Green's Function Method0.50 units
Review of essential quantum field theory. Zero and finite temperature Green's functions. Applications.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 710 Atomic Physics0.50 units
Emphasis on atomic structure and spectroscopy. Review of angular momentum, rotations, Wigner-Eckart theorem, n-j symbols. Energy levels in complex atoms, Hartree-Fock theory, radiative transitions and inner shell processes. Further topics selected with class interest in mind, at least one of which to be taken from current literature.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 712 Special Topics in Theoretical Physics0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 713 Molecular Physics0.50 units
Angular momentum and the rotation of molecules; introduction to group theory with application to molecular vibrations; principles of molecular spectroscopy; spectra of isolated molecules; intermolecular interactions and their effects on molecular spectra; selected additional topics (e.g., electronic structure of molecules, experimental spectroscopic techniques, neutron scattering, correlation functions, collision induced absorption, extension of group theory to molecular crystals, normal coordinate analysis, etc.).
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 714 Nonlinear Optics0.50 units
Laser and nonlinear optics; techniques for controlling laser beams such as mode selection and mode locking; laser spectroscopy.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 715 Nuclear Physics0.50 units
Static properties of nuclei; alpha, beta, gamma-decay; two-body systems; nuclear forces; nuclear reactions; single-particle models for spherical and deformed nuclei; shell, collective, interacting boson models.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 716 Special Topics in Subatomic and Nuclear Physcis0.50 units
Offered on demand. Course content depends on topic and instructor.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 717 Intermediate and High Energy Physics0.50 units
Strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions. Isospin, strangeness, conservation laws and symmetry principles. Leptons, hadrons, quarks and their classification, formation, interactions and decay.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 718 Special Topics in Subatomic and Nuclear Physics0.25 units
Offered on demand. Course content depends on topic and instructor.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 730 Liquid State Physics0.50 units
Physical properties of atomic liquids; distribution functions and equilibrium properties, elementary perturbation theories and integral equation theories; simple metals, simple computer simulation; viral expansions and thermodynamic derivatives of g(r); experimental determination of g(r).
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 731 Solid State Physics 10.50 units
Phonons, electron states, electron-electron interaction, electron-ion interaction, static properties of solids.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 732 Solid State Physics 20.50 units
Transport properties; optical properties; magnetism; superconductivity; disordered systems.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 733 Special Topics in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 737 Special Topics in Surface Physics0.50 units
Offered on demand. Course content depends on topic and instructor.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 738 Special Topics in Condensed Matter and Materials Physics0.25 units
Offered on demand. Course content depends on topics and instructor.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 739 Quantum Many Body Physics0.50 units
A modern approach to the quantum many-body problem from the perspective of condensed matter physics. Low energy effective theories, continuum field theories, and lattice models. Phases and phase transitions in the path integral formulation of bosons, fermions and quantum spins. Quantum critical points, topological phases, gauge theories, and connections to quantum information.
- Prerequisites
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 745 Special Topics in Experimental Physics0.50 units
Offered on demand. Course content depends on topic and instructor.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 747 Optical Electronics0.50 units
Optoelectronic component fabrication, light propagation in linear and nonlinear media, optical fiber properties, electro-optic and acousto-optic modulation, spontaneous and stimulated emission, semiconductor lasers and detectors, noise effects in fiber systems.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 749 Special Topics in Experimental Physics0.25 units
Offered on demand. Course content depends on topic and instructor.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 751 Clinical Applications of Physics in Medicine0.50 units
This course provides an overview of the application of physics to medicine. The physical concepts underlying the diagnosis and treatment of disease will be explored. Topics will include general imaging principles such as resolution, intensity and contrast; x-ray imaging and computed tomography; radioisotopes and nuclear medicine, SPECT and PET; magnetic resonance imaging; ultrasound imaging and radiation therapy.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 752 Molecular Biophysics0.50 units
Physical methods of determining macromolecular structure: energetics, intramolecular and intermolecular forces, with applications to lamellar structures, information storage, DNA and RNA, recognition and rejection of foreign molecules.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 754 Special Topics in Biophysics0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 757 Special Topics in Biophysics0.25 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 760 Laboratory on Control of Quantum Technology0.50 units
Experiments to control and characterize quantum systems.
- Cross-listed
- QIC 860
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 761 Laboratory on Photonic Quantum Technology0.50 units
Selected advanced experiments in photonics-based quantum technology.
- Cross-listed
- QIC 861
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 762 Laboratory on Low Temperature Quantum Technology and Nanofabrication0.50 units
Methods in low temperature physics as applied to quantum technology and an introduction to fabrication techniques.
- Cross-listed
- QIC 862
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 763 Independent Project in Quantum Technology0.50 units
A research project in any area of Quantum Technology approved by the course co-ordinator(s). The student is required to present a summary of the project orally and to submit a written report.
- Cross-listed
- QIC 863
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 767 Quantum Information Processing0.50 units
Review of basics of quantum information and computational complexity; Simple quantum algorithms; Quantum Fourier transform and Shor factoring algorithm: Amplitude amplification, Grover search algorithm and its optimality; Completely positive trace-preserving maps and Kraus representation; Non-locality and communication complexity; Physical realizations of quantum computation: requirements and examples; Quantum error-correction, including CSS codes, and elements of fault-tolerant computation; Quantum cryptography; Security proofs of quantum key distribution protocols; Quantum proof systems. Familiarity with theoretical computer science or quantum mechanics will also be an asset, though most students will not be familiar with both.
- Cross-listed
- CS 768, PMATH 871, CO 681, QIC 710, AMATH 871
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 768 Special Topics in Quantum Information Processing0.50 units
Offered on demand. Course content depends on topic and instructor.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 769 Special Topics in quantum Information Processing0.25 units
Offered on demand. Course content depends on topic and instructor.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 771 Special Lecture and Reading Course0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 773 Special Topics in Physics0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 775 Inter-Institution Exchange0.50 units
At the Director's discretion, a PhD or MSc student may receive course credit for a term of specialized studies at another institution. Formal evaluation is required.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 776 Special Topics in Physics0.50 units
Offered on demand. Course content depends on topic and instructor.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 777 Special Topics in Physics0.25 units
Offered on demand. Course content depends on topic and instructor.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 781 Fundamentals of Astrophysics0.50 units
Multi-wavelength astronomy: radio, infrared, optical and x-ray observations. Radiative Processes: macroscopic description, thermal and non-thermal emission, scattering, line transitions and plasma effects. Gravitational Dynamics: potential and orbits, self-gravitating systems, the Collisionless Boltzmann Equation, gravitational encounters. Fluid Mechanics: simple fluids, soundwaves and shocks, instabilities and transport mechanisms.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 782 Fundamentals of Astrophysics II: Observational Techniques and Data Analysis0.50 units
Astronomical observations, including telescopes and instrumentation, data processing and calibration, photometry, astrometry and spectroscopy. Measurement of luminosity functions, spectral energy distributions and other fundamental astrophysical quantities. Data analysis techniques: statistical modelling, hypothesis testing, Bayesian analysis, selection effects, correlations, archives and databases.
- Antirequisites
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 784 Advanced techniques in General Relativity and Applications to Black Holes0.50 units
Review of elementary general relativity. Timelike and null geodesic congruences. Hypersurfaces and junction conditions. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of general relativity. Mass and angular momentum of a gravitating body. The laws of black-hole mechanics.
- Cross-listed
- AMATH 874
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 785 Introduction to Quantum Field Theory for Cosmology0.50 units
Introduction to scalar field theory and its canonical quantization in flat and curved spacetimes. The flat space effects of Casimir and Unruh. Quantum fluctuations of scalar fields and of the metric on curved space-times and application to inflationary cosmology. Hawking radiation.
- Cross-listed
- AMATH 872
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 786 Introduction to General Relativity with Applications to Cosmology0.50 units
Introduction to the differential geometry of Lorentzian manifolds. The priniciples of general relativity. Causal structure and cosmological singularities. Cosmological space-times with Killing vector fields. Friedmann-Lemaitre cosmologies, scalar, vector and tensor perburbations in the linear and nonlinear regimes. De Sitter space-times and inflationary models.
- Cross-listed
- AMATH 875
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 787 Cosmology0.50 units
Friedmann-Robertson-Walker metric and dynamics; big bang thermodynamics; nucleosynthesis; recombination; perturbation theory and structure formation; anisotropies in the Cosmic Microwave Background; statistics of cosmological density and velocity fields; galaxy formation; inflation.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 788 Special Topics in Astrophysics0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 789 Special Topics in Astrophysics0.25 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 790 Special Topics in Gravitation and Cosmology0.50 units
Offered on demand. Course content depends on topic and instructor.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines
PHYS 791 Special Topics in Gravitation and Cosmology0.25 units
Offered on demand. Course content depends on topics and instructor.
Archived calendar entryRequirements, Spring 2026Course outlines