Physics Course Descriptions
PHYS 111 (4) Physics for the Life Sciences I
Topics include kinematics and dynamics of particles, forces, static equilibrium, energy, fluids, heat and thermodynamics. Designed to satisfy the Physics requirement for a degree in the Biological Sciences. Credit will not be granted for both PHYS 111 and 121. (4:0:1.5)
Prerequisite: Principles of Physics 12 or min. "C+" in either Principles of Physics 11 or Applications of Physics 12; and min. "C+" in one of Pre-calculus 12, Principles of Mathematics 12 or MATH 152. Note: MATH 121 or MATH 100 is a prerequisite for PHYS 112.
PHYS 112 (4) Physics for the Life Sciences II
A continuation of PHYS 111. Topics include waves and sound, electrostatics and electricity, optics, quantum physics and radioactivity. Credit will not be granted for both PHYS 112 and 122. (4:0:1.5)
Prerequisite: PHYS 111 and MATH 100 or MATH 121. Note: It is recommended that MATH 101 or MATH 122 be taken concurrently.
PHYS 121 (4) Physics for the Physical Sciences I
A calculus-based course. Topics such as kinematics and dynamics of particles, energy and momentum, rotational and periodic motion, heat and thermodynamics, are treated in a more rigorous mathematical form than in PHYS 111. Designed for students proceeding towards a degree in physics, chemistry, geophysics, mathematics, or engineering. Credit will not be granted for both PHYS 111 and 121. (4:0:3)
Prerequisite: Min. "C+" in Principles of Physics 12; and min. "C+" in one of Pre-calculus 12, Principles of Mathematics 12 or MATH 152. Calculus 12 is recommended. Notes: MATH 100 or MATH 121 is a prerequisite for PHYS 122.
PHYS 122 (4) Physics for the Physical Sciences II
A continuation of PHYS 121. Topics include waves, electricity and magnetism, geometrical and physical optics, quantization and nuclear processes. Credit will not be granted for both PHYS 112 and 122. (4:0:3)
Prerequisite: PHYS 121 and MATH 100 or MATH 121. Note: It is recommended that MATH 101 or MATH 122 be taken concurrently.
PHYS 122A (3) Physics for the Physical Sciences II
This course is the same as Physics 122, except the laboratory component is omitted; for students who intend to transfer to the Applied Science program at the University or British Columbia only. (4:0:0)
Prerequisite: PHYS 121 and MATH 100 or MATH 121. Note: It is recommended that MATH 101 or MATH 122 be taken concurrently.
PHYS 170 (3) Mechanics A
A course for Applied Science students, particularly those transferring to the Engineering Program at the University of British Columbia. Topics include Newton's laws of motion in two and three dimensions, statics, curvilinear motion, linear and angular momentum, work and energy, and conservative forces. (4:0:0)
Prerequisite: PHYS 121, MATH 100 or MATH 121. Note: It is recommended that MATH 101 or MATH 122 be taken concurrently.
PHYS 211 (3) Mechanics
Topics include a review of the general motion of a particle in three dimensions, oscillations, non-inertial frames, gravitation and central forces, and rigid body motion. (3:1:1.5)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in PHYS 122 plus MATH 200 (may be taken concurrently).
PHYS 212 (3) From Relativity to Quarks
An introduction to the modern theories of the physical universe. Topics include special relativity, an introduction to general relativity, a conceptual look at quantum physics, and an introduction to nuclear and particle physics. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: PHYS 122 or PHYS 112 and MATH 101 or MATH 122.
PHYS 214 (3) Introduction to Electronics
An introduction to standard electronic devices and instruments. Topics will include linear circuits, digital electronics, non-linear devices, op-amps, and computer interfaces. (2:0:3)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in PHYS 122 and min. "C" in either MATH 101 or MATH 122.
PHYS 215 (3) Introductory Quantum Physics
Introduction to quantum physics for students in the physical sciences. Topics include the quantum theory of light (blackbody radiation, photoelectric effect and Compton scattering), atomic models, wavelike properties of particles, uncertainty principle, quantum mechanics in one dimension (wave functions, Schrodinger's equation, particle in a potential, expectation values, and tunneling), hydrogen atom, atomic structure (electron spin and exclusion principle), as well as applications to molecular spectra. (3:1:1.5)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in PHYS 122 plus MATH 200 (may be taken concurrently).
PHYS 216 (3) Introductory Electricity and Magnetism
Topics include electric field and potential, Gauss' law, capacitance, di-electrics, resistivity, DC circuits, magnetic fields, Ampere's and Faraday's laws, AC circuits, and an introduction to Maxwell's equations. (3:1:1.5)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in PHYS 122 plus MATH 200 (may be taken concurrently).