University of Guelph 1998-99 Undergraduate Calendar

XII--Course Descriptions


Physics

Department of Physics

76-100 An Introduction to Mechanics F(3-2) [0.50]

A course for physical science students which develops the concepts of mechanics as applied to translational and rotational kinematics and dynamics, equilibrium of rigid bodies, oscillations, gravitation, special relativity and other elements of modern physics. Normally this is part of the two-course unit 76-100 and 76-101.

Prerequisites: [OAC (or equivalent) Physics] or [76-102 and OAC (or equivalent) Calculus].
Exclusions: 76-108, 76-111.
Course Profile

76-101 Introductory Electricity and Magnetism W(3-2) [0.50]

A course for physical science students on the phenomena of electromagnetism. Topics include electric charges and fields, electric potential, magnetic fields, waves and electric circuits. Normally this is part of the two-course unit 76-100 and 76-101.

Prerequisites: (63-108 or 63-120), [OAC (or equivalent) Physics or 76-102].
Course Profile

76-102 Introductory Physics F(3-3) [0.50]

A course stressing the fundamental properties of particles and waves, designed for students without OAC Physics or equivalent. Topics include: the motion of particles, force, field, momentum, energy and associated conservation laws; basic interactions between particles; properties of waves. It is expected that students will have completed Grade 12 Physics and at least 1 OAC mathematics credit. This course is intended only for students who require the equivalent of OAC Physics in order to proceed to 76-100, 76-107, 76-108, 76-111, 76-113, 76-204. (Also offered through distance education format.)

Exclusions: OAC Physics.
Course Profile

76-107 Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences I F,W(3-3) [0.50]

Physics of matter and energy at the macroscopic and microscopic levels, with special emphasis on topics of importance to biology. Topics include properties of waves, acoustics and hearing, optical systems and vision, quantum nature of radiation and its interaction with biomolecules, electricity, high energy radiation and radioactivity.

Prerequisites: (OAC Physics or 76-102) and OAC Mathematics.
Exclusions: 76-113.
Course Profile

76-108 Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences II F,W(3-3) [0.50]

A course complementary to 76-107 with emphasis on some aspects of classical physics important in biology. Topics include mechanics and applications to anatomical problems, fluid statics and dynamics, molecular motion, diffusion, osmosis, and heat. The course is of special importance to students in agriculture, biological science, and human kinetics.

Prerequisites: (OAC Physics or 76-102), (1 of 63-100, 63-108, 63-120, 76-107).
Exclusions: 76-100, 76-111.
Course Profile

76-111 Introductory Physics with Applications I F(3-3) [0.50]

This course is for engineering and environmental science students, and has special emphasis on analytic problem-solving. Topics include statics and dynamics, rotational motion, energy, fluid statics and dynamics, thermodynamics and transport properties.

Prerequisites: OAC Physics or 76-102.
Concurrent: (63-108 or 63-120).
Exclusions: 76-100, 76-108.
Course Profile

76-113 Introductory Physics with Applications II W(3-3) [0.50]

This course is for engineering and environmental science students, and uses some calculus in analytic problem-solving. Topics include simple harmonic motion, waves, acoustics, optics, properties and absorption of electromagnetic radiation, blackbody radiation, solar spectrum and flux, electric field and potential, DC circuits, power transmission, nuclear processes, and radioactivity.

Prerequisites: (63-108 or 63-120), OAC Physics (or equivalent) or 76-102.
Exclusions: 76-107.
Course Profile

76-160 Contemporary Astronomy S,F(3-0) [0.50]

A course designed for arts and social science students. Emphasis will be on the interdisciplinary and contemporary aspects of astronomy with the object of providing a perspective of our place in the physical universe. Topics will include the solar system, stars and stellar evolution, pulsars, black holes, quasars and cosmology. Students are encouraged to suggest and participate in discussion on items of special interest. Students with standing in any other 100 level course credit in physics (except 76-102, 76-180, 76-181) may not use this course for credit.

Course Profile

76-181 Physics of Music W(3-0) [0.50]

A course designed for arts and social science students with an interest or background in music. The fundamentals of vibrations and waves will be introduced and applied to a study of archetypal instruments. The psychoacoustic basis of pitch and loudness will be discussed. Students who have standing in any other 100 level physics course, except 76-102, 76-160, 76-180 , may enrol in this course only if they are completing an Honours Major, Minor, or General Program in Music. In this case, permission of the instructor is required. Also listed as 67-109. (Offered in even-numbered years.)

Exclusions: 67-109.
Course Profile

76-203 Biophysics of Excitable Cells F,W(3-1) [0.50]

An intermediate biophysics course with special emphasis on the physical properties of nerve cells and of biological transducers such as the ear and the eye.

Prerequisites: 66-122 or [1.00] credit in any physics course(s)(excluding 76-102, 76-160, 76-180, 76-181).
Course Profile

76-204 Fundamental Electronics and Sensors W(3-3) [0.50]

An introduction to modern electronics. Topics covered include DC and AC circuit analysis, digital circuits, analog circuits with emphasis on operational amplifiers and analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion. Applications include the interfacing of various sensors to measure physical parameters.

Prerequisites: [0.50] credit in university level calculus, (OAC Physics or 76-102).
Course Profile

76-226 Experimental Basis of Quantum Physics S, W(3-0) [0.50]

The course investigates and describes the properties of atoms, nuclei and elementary particles in terms of phenomena of modern physics. Topics include wave properties of matter, particle properties of electromagnetic radiation, uncertainty principle, elementary angular momentum, spin and elementary quantum mechanics.

Prerequisites: (1 of 63-100, 63-108, 63-120, 66-121), (66-122 or 76-101).
Course Profile

76-244 Mechanics I F(3-2) [0.75]

This course and the following one, 76-245, continue building the foundation in mechanics begun in the first year. These courses are intended for students proceeding to advanced studies in the physical sciences. Topics include one, two and three dimensional motion, damped and forced harmonic oscillator, gravitation and orbital motion. Some familiarity with computer programming is needed for the laboratory.

Prerequisites: (1 of 63-101, 63-121*, 63-208, 66-121*), (1 of 66-122*, 76-100*, 76-108, 76-111). (*preferred)
Exclusions: 76-240.
Course Profile

76-245 Mechanics II W(3-2) [0.75]

This course is a continuation of 76-244. Topics include special relativity, noninertial reference frames, dynamics of systems of particles, rigid body dynamics and introductory fluid mechanics.

Prerequisites: 76-244.
Exclusions: 76-240.
Course Profile

76-246 Electricity and Magnetism I F(3-2) [0.75]

This course and the following one, 76-247, continue building the foundation in electricity and magnetism begun in the first year. These two courses are intended for students proceeding to advanced studies in the physical sciences. Topics include vector calculus, electric fields, potential, electric work and energy, Gauss's Law, Poisson's and Laplace's equations, capacitors, D.C. circuits, transients and dielectric materials. Some familiarity with computer programming is needed for the laboratory.

Prerequisites: (1 of 66-122*, 76-101*, 76-107, 76-113), (1 of 63-101, 63-121*, 63-208, 66-121*). (*preferred)
Exclusions: 76-241.
Course Profile

76-247 Electricity and Magnetism II W(3-2) [0.75]

This course is a continuation of 76-246. Topics include magnetic forces and fields, the Biot-Savart equation, Ampere's Law, magnetic induction, LRC transients, A.C. circuits and magnetic materials.

Prerequisites: 76-246.
Exclusions: 76-241.
Course Profile

76-255 Radiation and the Environment F(3-0) [0.50]

This course reviews radiations which occur in the environment and their effects on materials and living systems. These include x-radiation, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, microwave and radio-frequency emissions; acoustical and ultrasonic radiation; and alpha, beta, and gamma radiation from radioactive material. (Offered in even-numbered years.)

Prerequisites: (1 of 66-122, 76-101, 76-107, 76-113), [0.50]credit in mathematics at the 100 level (excluding 63-104, 63-105).
Course Profile

76-260 General Astronomy S,F(3-2) [0.50]

An introduction to astronomy: the solar system, the sun, stellar and galactic structure. (Offered in the Fall semester in odd-numbered years.)

Prerequisites: [0.50] credit in physics at the 100 level (excluding 76-160, 76-180, 76-181), and [0.50] credit in mathematics at the 100 level.
Course Profile

76-308 Energy W(3-0) [0.50]

Energy resources and the production, interconversion, consumption and waste of energy in the industrial society. Emphasis is placed on environmental impact, and nuclear fission, solar power and nuclear fusion are examined in detail.

Prerequisites: [0.50] credit in physics at the 100 level (excluding 76-102, 76-160, 76-180, 76-181), [0.50] credit in mathematics at the 100 level (excluding 63-104, 63-105).
Course Profile

76-310 Electronics F(3-2) [0.75]

Topics include: amplifier properties; signal processing using operational amplifiers; introduction to digital electronics, including counters and registers; circuits to convert analog signals to digital and vice-versa; introduction to the physics of semiconductor devices. The laboratory illustrates lecture topics, and a major component consists of techniques to interface a computer to integrated circuits for data acquisition.

Prerequisites: 76-247.
Course Profile

76-322 Waves and Optics W(3-0) [0.50]

Standing and travelling waves; normal modes; Fourier series; optics including polarization, interference and diffraction.

Prerequisite: 76-244
Concurrent: 76-247
Course Profile

76-323 Quantum Mechanics I F(3-1) [0.50]

A formal treatment of quantum mechanics. Topics include wave packets and free particle motion, the Schrodinger equation, harmonic oscillator, piecewise constant potentials, central forces and angular momentum, hydrogen atom.

Prerequisites: (19-207 or 76-226), 63-216, (63-217 or 63-227), 76-247.
Course Profile

76-324 Statistical Physics I S, F(3-0) [0.50]

Introduction to statistical physics including thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of equilibrium phenomena.

Prerequisites: 63-220, 76-244.
Course Profile

76-340 Advanced Mechanics W(3-0) [0.50]

This course covers Lagrangian mechanics and Hamiltonian mechanics. Topics include least action principles, Poisson brackets, Liouville's theorem, Hamilton- Jacobi theory, the transition to quantum mechanics and introduction to non-linear dynamics.

Prerequisites: (63-217 or 63-227), 76-245.
Course Profile

76-351 Intermediate Laboratory W(0-6) [0.50]

A modular course for physics students including modern and classical physics experiments. Modules include laboratory instrumentation employing computers, modern physics, waves and optics, molecular physics, biophysics, and solid state physics.

Prerequisites: 76-245, 76-310.
Course Profile

76-404 Quantum Mechanics II W(3-0) [0.50]

A second course in quantum mechanics. Topics include spin, linear vector spaces, two-level systems, quantum dynamics, rotations and angular momentum, time dependent perturbation theory, Born approximation. (First offeringWinter 2000.)

Prerequisites: 76-323.
Course Profile

76-412 Atomic and Molecular Physics F(3-0) [0.50]

The application of quantum theory to atomic and molecular structure, and the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and atoms and simple molecules. (First offering Fall 2000.)

Prerequisites: 76-324, 76-404.
Course Profile

76-413 Subatomic Physics W(3-0) [0.50]

This course surveys the field of subatomic physics from radioactive emanations to conjectured subunits of nucleons. Topics include quark models; strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions; isospin, strangeness, conservation laws and symmetry principles; systematics of nuclear properties, nuclear radioactivity, nuclear models and reactions.

Prerequisites: 76-323.
Course Profile

76-415 Solid State Physics W(3-0) [0.50]

Bonding in solids, thermal and electrical properties of solids, energy bands, imperfections in solids, properties of semiconductors and insulators.

Prerequisites: 76-404, 76-424.
Course Profile

76-418 Advanced Electromagnetic Theory F(3-0) [0.50]

Radiation from localized charge-current distributions (atoms, molecules, nuclei, antennae), electromagnetic potentials,gauge transformations, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms, multipole expansions of electrostatic and magnetostatic fields, and a selection of topics from: radiation damping, Lorentz electron theory, wave guides, plasmas, relativistic electrodynamics, radiation scattering.

Prerequisites: 76-247.
Concurrent: 76-340.
Course Profile

76-424 Statistical Physics II F(3-0) [0.50]

A continuation of 76-324 including a discussion of the grand canonical distribution, quantum statistics, and transport theory.

Prerequisites: 76-324.
Course Profile

76-450 Advanced Physics Laboratory F(0-6) [0.50]

A modular course for students in any physics-related major who will study techniques of nuclear, solid state and molecular physics.

Prerequisites: 76-245, 76-310.
Course Profile

76-451 Advanced Physics Project W(0-6) [0.50]

Students will be assigned projects related to their individual interests. These projects may be part of the ongoing research within the Physics Department. Selection of a faculty supervisor and approval of course coordinator must be obatined before course selection.

Prerequisite: 76-450.
Course Profile

76-454 Molecular Biophysics W(3-0) [0.50]

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.

Concurrent: [0.50] credit in biochemistry, (19-386 or 76-323).
Course Profile

76-456 Biophysical Methods F(3-0) [0.50]

An introduction to physical techniques to determine the structure of macromolecules and macromolecular structures of biological interest. The techniques include: differential calorimetry, X-ray and neutron scattering, electron microscopy, Raman and infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and electron spin resonance. Applications of these techniques in the study of biological membranes will be emphasized.

Prerequisites: 76-322.
Concurrent: 76-404, 76-424.
Course Profile

76-491 Advanced Topics in Physics I (3-0) [0.50]

The content of this course is determined by the interests of the students. Possible topics include fluid mechanics, theory of elastic solids, general relativity, astrophysics, and chaos.

Prerequisites: (63-215 or 63-216), (63-217 or 63-227), 76-245, 76-247.
Course Profile

76-492 Advanced Topics in Physics II (3-0) [0.50]

The content of this course is determined by the interests of the students. Possible topics include fluid mechanics, theory of elastic solids, general relativity, astrophysics, and chaos.

Prerequisites: (63-215 or 63-216), (63-217 or 63-227), 76-245, 76-247.
Course Profile

76-493 Advanced Topics in Physics III (3-0) [0.50]

The content of this course is determined by the interests of the students. Possible topics include fluid mechanics, theory of elastic solids, general relativity, astrophysics, and chaos.

Prerequisites: (63-215 or 63-216), (63-217 or 63-227), 76-245, 76-247.
Course Profile


1998-99 Undergraduate Calendar
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Last revised: March 16 1998.