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PHYS 444Subatomic Physics

Units
0.50
Faculty
Science
Subject
Physics

When it runs

  1. F24
  2. W25
  3. S25
  4. F25
  5. W26
  6. S26
  7. F26
  8. W27
  9. S27

Ran in 3 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

An introduction to modern particle and nuclear physics. Topics covered include symmetries, particle classification, experimental methods and tools, scattering, fundamental forces, and interactions. Other topics may include structure of the nucleus, structure of nucleons, proton decay, the Standard Model, 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
      • Complete all of the following
        • Must have completed the following:
          • AMATH351 - Ordinary Differential Equations (0.50)
          • AMATH353 - Partial Differential Equations 1 (0.50)
        • Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
          • AMATH332 - Applied Complex Analysis (0.50)
          • PMATH332 - Applied Complex Analysis (0.50)
      • Must have completed the following:
        • PHYS364 - Mathematical Physics 1 (0.50)
        • PHYS365 - Mathematical Physics 2 (0.50)

Antirequisites

None listed.

Leads to

No course lists it as a requisite.

Winter 2027 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
LEC 00168610 / 60MW 17:30–18:50
LEC 701256426 / 9999Online or by arrangement

Reviewed on UW Flow

67% liked it0% easy100% useful

From 3 ratings and 1 comment on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

  • This course isn't for everyone but I enjoyed it. In order to fully understand particle physics, one needs to know QFT. However, this theory is not taught to you in this course, so some explanations are hand-wavy and some proofs are skipped. This is made clear at the beginning of the term. You still cover a lot of topics and get a good general overview of the topic though. This course is quite difficult and will require a lot of your time if you take it.

    Sep 2018 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

Discussed on r/uwaterloo

8 posts and comments in 8 threads mention PHYS 444, September 2015 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.

Fall 2024

Fall 2020

Covid vaccine: predictions about spring'21 and beyond? 21 points, 11 comments

u/962rep: “I already have 2 in person 4th year classes next term even though the needn’t be. I think it is more likely more classes become in person by Spring ‘21 with a significant number of the population …”

u/962rep: “Yes AMATH 474 and PHYS 444 (this is being offered online and in person). I’m kind of excited - I hated going to class for 2/4 years of undergrad but having in person for my last term is good closure.”

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Spring 2020

Fuck this bird course bullshit: what is the theoretical hardest term you could do? 49 points, 27 comments

“You're limited to a maximum of 5 classes, you're only allowed to do courses that would be allowed for the program/major you pick. …”

u/cabbagemeister: “… (Clifford Algebras, Spinors, and Calibrations), AMATH473 (Quantum Theory 2) Winter: PHYS444 (Intro Particle Physics) PHYS476 (General Relativity) AMATH474 (Quantum Theory 3) PMATH467 (Algebraic Topology) PMATH965 (Symplectic Geometry) The winter will definitely be harder, and I …”

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Fall 2018

Fall 2017

PSA: Course selection has started 47 points, 45 comments

“Course selection is open from now until next Tuesday. For first years: this is NOT first come first serve. Take the time to look through and consider what you want to take. …”

u/A_Pool_Shaped_Moon: “PHYS 444, 391, 391L, 375, 460B, 437B. I have a fun life (Plus all the fun electives seem to be in the fall term).”

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Spring 2016

Fall 2015

Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar