Courses Physics
Below is a list and description of courses offered by the Physics Department. Information and schedules of courses offered by other departments can be found at TRU Calendar.
Physics upper level note
To enter third-year Physics at TRU, the student should complete the following courses with grades of C- or better and meet with the B.Sc. Program Advisor:
(a) PHYS 1100/1200 or PHYS 1150/1250
(b) The physics courses: PHYS 2000, PHYS 2200, PHYS 2590 and PHYS 3120.
(c) The mathematics courses: Math 2110, 2120, 2240 and 3170
(d) and complete COMP 1130 or COMP 1110 in the first two years.
Most upper level Physics courses are offered in alternating years. Check with the B.Sc. Program Advisor for availability in any particular year.
1000 Level
PHYS 1100 – Fundamentals of Physics 1 (3,0,3)(L)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
An algebra-based introduction to physics intended for students with some secondary school physics background. Students develop a basic understanding of several fields of physics through conceptualization, problem-solving and laboratory exercises. Topics include mechanics, fluid mechanics, waves, and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: Pre-calculus 12 or equivalent with a minimum C+ and Physics 11 or equivalent with a minimum C+. Prerequisite/Corequisite: MATH 1130 or MATH 1140 or MATH 1150.
PHYS 1150 – Mechanics and Waves (3,0,3)(L)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
The student will develop an understanding of physics concepts, acquire and apply problem-solving skills, and gain hands-on experience with data collection and analysis. Topics include mechanics, simple harmonic motion, mechanical waves, sound, wave optics and geometric optics. Calculus will be introduced and used in the course. Prerequisite: Pre-calculus 12 or equivalent with a minimum C+ grade and Physics 12 or equivalent with a minimum C+ grade. Prerequisite/Corequisite: MATH 1130 or MATH 1140 or MATH 1150. PHYS 1150 and 1250 are recommended for students planning to major in physics or chemistry. Note: Students may only receive credit for one of PHYS 1150 or EPHY 1170
PHYS 1200 – Fundamentals of Physics 2 (3,0,3)(L)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
This course is a continuation of PHYS 1100: Fundamentals of Physics 1. Topics include electricity and magnetism, optics, and selected topics from nuclear and modern physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 1100 and MATH 1130 or MATH 1140 or MATH 1150 Corequisite: MATH 1230 or 1240 or 1250 Required Lab: PHYS 1200L
PHYS 1250 – Electromagnetism and Thermodynamics (3,0,3)(L)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students will develop an understanding of concepts in electromagnetism and thermodynamics. Mathematical problem-solving skills related to these topics will be learned and applied. Hands-on experience will be gained from testing concepts in the laboratory. Corequisite: MATH 1230 or MATH 1240 or MATH 1241 or MATH 1250 Note: Students may only receive credit for one of PHYS 1250 or EPHY 1270
PHYS 1510 – Applied Physics 1 (3,0,2)(L)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students are given a basic introduction to the following concepts: linear and circular motion, force, friction, equilibrium, energy, momentum, simple machines, pin-jointed structures, and DC circuit analysis. Students develop an understanding of how these ideas are used in the design of structures. Prerequisite: Admission to the Architectural and Engineering Technology Program
PHYS 1580 – Physics for Respiratory Therapists (3,0,3)(L)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students explore the basic physical concepts of fluid mechanics, the properties of fluids, and applied electricity. An emphasis is placed on laboratory work, particularly in the use of electrical and electronic measuring devices. Prerequisite: Admission to year one of the Respiratory Therapy Diploma Program
PHYS 1610 – Applied Physics 2 (3,0,2)(L)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Continuing from PHYS 1510: Applied Physics 1, the following topics are discussed: strength of materials, fluid statics and dynamics, thermal energy and heat transfer, vibrations and wave motion, and optics. This course furthers the understanding of physical properties and their influence on design. Prerequisite: Admission to the Architectural and Engineering Technology Program
ASTR 1140 – Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System (3,0,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
This is a general interest introductory course on the history of astronomy and the solar system, and is intended for non-science majors.The students will develop an understanding of astronomy and be able to relate that knowledge to other areas of science, develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, and obtain the basics for a life-long appreciation of astronomy. Topics include: telescopes and observing the night sky, ancient astronomy, space exploration, the Earth/Moon system, formation and evolution of the solar system, the planets, minor members of the solar system and the Sun. Prerequisite: None. Exclusion: Students cannot receive credit for both ASTR 1140 and ASTR 1141.
ASTR 1150 – Introductory Astronomy: Stars and Galaxies (3,0,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
This is a general interest course on the night sky, telescopes, stars, and galaxies, and is intended for non-science majors. The student will develop an understanding of astronomy and be able to relate that knowledge to other areas of science, develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, and obtain the basics for a life-long appreciation of astronomy. Topics include: telescopes and observing the night sky, radiation and spectra, stellar properties and evolution, black holes, the Milky Way and other galaxies, and cosmology. Prerequisite: None.
2000 Level
PHYS 2000 – Relativity and Quanta (3,1,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students are introduced to special relativity and quantum physics. Topics include Lorentz transformations, dynamics and conservation laws, the experimental evidence for quantization, and a qualitative discussion of the concepts of quantum mechanics and their application to simple systems of atoms and nuclei. This course is equivalent to CHEM 2000. Prerequisite: PHYS 1100 and 1200 or PHYS 1150 and 1250 or PHYS 1103 and PHYS 1105 and PHYS 1203 and PHYS 1205 and MATH 1130 and MATH 1230 or MATH 1140 and MATH 1240 or MATH 1150 and MATH 1250 or MATH 1141 and MATH 1241. Note: Students may only receive credit for one of PHYS 2000 or CHEM 2000.
PHYS 2150 – Circuit Analysis (3,1,3)(L)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
This course is an analysis of linear electrical circuits, network theorems, first and second order circuits, and transfer functions. Prerequisite: PHYS 1100 and PHYS 1200 (with written permission of the instructor); or PHYS 1103 and PHYS 1105 and PHYS 1203 and PHYS 1205 (with written permission of the instructor) or PHYS 1150 and PHYS 1250 or EPHY 1170 and EPHY 1270 and MATH 1130 and MATH 1230 or MATH 1140 and MATH 1240 or MATH 1141 and MATH 1241 or MATH 1150 and MATH 1250 (with permission of the instructor). Note: Students may only receive credit for one of PHYS 2150 or EPHY 2150.
PHYS 2200 – Mechanics (4,0,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students will explore applications of Newtonian mechanics. Applications include the statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, rotational motion, moments of inertia, gravitation/orbital motion, and simple harmonic motion. Prerequisite: PHYS 1100 and PHYS 1200; or PHYS 1103 and PHYS 1105 and PHYS 1203 and PHYS 1205; or PHYS 1150 and PHYS 1250 and MATH 2110 or MATH 2111 and MATH 2240.
PHYS 2250 – Intermediate Electromagnetism (3,0,3)(L)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students will utilize vector calculus to calculate static electric and magnetic fields, both in vacuum and in materials. Dynamic electric and magnetic fields will be examined by students, culminating in a derivation of Maxwell's equations. Students will explore the electromagnetic nature of light by solving Maxwell's equations for electric and magnetic fields in source-free regions. Content is delivered with an emphasis on the foundations and application of productive teamwork. Prerequisite: PHYS 1100 and PHYS 1200; or PHYS 1103 and PHYS 1105 and PHYS 1203 and PHYS 1205; or MATH 1150 and MATH 1250 (with permission of the instructor) and MATH 1130 and MATH 1230; or MATH 1140 and MATH 1240; or MATH 1150 and MATH 1250; and MATH 2110 or MATH 2111 Note: Students can only get credit for one of PHYS 2250, EPHY 2250
3000 Level
PHYS 3090 – Intermediate Experimental Physics I (1,2,1)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students engage their curiosity for physics and explore their understanding of fundamental electronic devices by transferring and integrating their theoretical knowledge with experimental approaches. Students will design and complete a series of experiments laddering towards a larger independent integrated project. Each experiment gives students the opportunity to troubleshoot, build resilience, work through ambiguities and understand uncertainties in relating the experimental measurements to the theoretical predictions. Students will continue to develop oral and written communications skills reporting their designs and results. Prerequisite: PHYS 2590 with a grade of C or better
PHYS 3100 – Digital Electronics (3,0,3)(L)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
This course is an introduction to Boolean algebra and logic gates; the analysis and the design of combinational and sequential digital circuits; and the architecture and programming of microcontrollers. Students design, assemble, and test digital logic circuits using discrete gates, FPGAs, and microcontrollers. Prerequisite: PHYS 2150
PHYS 3120 – Introduction to Mathematical Physics (3,1,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students are introduced to partial differential equations, including the wave equation, the heat (or diffusion) equation, and Laplace's equation, which are used to model physical systems. Topics include Fourier series, Fourier transforms, separation of variables, power series solutions of ordinary differential equations, Sturm-Liouville problems, and eigenfunction expansions. Students utilize these to solve initial value and boundary value problems involving partial differential equations, in one or more dimensions, using both Cartesian and non-Cartesian coordinate systems. Prerequisite: MATH 2240 (min. grade of C) Note: Students may only receive credit for one of PHYS 3120 or MATH 3160.
PHYS 3140 – Fluids (3,0,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students are introduced to the key concepts and equations used to describe fluids. Starting with a description of rarefied fluids using kinetic theory, simple gas transport properties are derived. Euler's and Bernoulli's equations are examined under static and steady flow conditions. Students derive and examine the Navier-Stokes equation and the equation of continuity under conditions of, steady flow and one-dimensional approximation. Equations to describe the flow of viscous fluids, flow in pipes, flow over immersed bodies, and open channel flow are also introduced. Finally, students explore properties of water waves such as the dispersion relation, capillary and gravity waves. Prerequisite: PHYS 2200 Corequisite: MATH 2240
PHYS 3150 – Physics of Materials (3,0,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students explore introductory concepts in the description of solids. Topics include bonding, crystal structure, defects, strength of materials, heat capacity, lattice vibrations and phonons, electrical properties, band theory, and semiconductors. Prerequisite: PHYS 2000 or CHEM 2000 Corequisite: MATH 2110
PHYS 3160 – Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics (3,0,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students are introduced to the principles of elementary classical thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical mechanics. These theories are applied to a variety of physical processes and systems, such as ideal and real gases, heat engines, and quantum systems. Prerequisite: PHYS 1100 and PHYS 1200 or PHYS 1150 and PHYS 1250 or PHYS 1103 and 1105 and PHYS 1203 and PHYS 1205 and MATH 2110 or MATH 2111 or MATH 2650
PHYS 3200 – Advanced Mechanics (3,0,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
This course offers an extension to the concepts studied in PHYS 2200: Mechanics. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, oscillations, central forces, motion in noninertial frames, Hamilton's principle and Lagrange's equations, systems of particles, and dynamics of rigid bodies. Prerequisite: PHYS 2200 and MATH 2110 and MATH 2120 and MATH 2240 and MATH 3170
PHYS 3300 – Biophysics (3,0,3*)(L)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students apply the basic principles of physics to the actions, body design and physical limitations of animals, mainly vertebrates. Topics include physical concepts of forces, materials structure, fluid mechanics, light and sound, and electricity and magnetism. These topics are applied to biological aspects such as strength of bodies, movement through air and water, and organismal behaviour. This course is offered in the Winter semester of odd-numbered years. Prerequisite: PHYS 1100 and 1200 or 1150 and 1250 and BIOL 1040 or 1050 or 1110 or 1210 (BIOL 1210 preferred) Required Lab: PHYS 3300L
PHYS 3400 – Principles and Applications of Quantum Mechanics 1 (3,0,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students will deepen their critical understanding of quantum physics. The course examines key assumptions, theories, methodologies, and applications of quantum mechanics: the wave-mechanical approach, the state-vector formalism, and applications to simple quantum systems such as one-electron atoms. Students will gain a broad understanding of the range of fields utilizing quantum mechanics, both in physics and in other disciplines. Students will acquire a critical awareness of past and present debates regarding interpretations of quantum mechanics. Prerequisite: PHYS 2000 and MATH 2240 and MATH 3170 or MATH 2670
PHYS 3500 – Selected Topics in Physics (3,0,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students explore current topics in Physics. The course content varies from year to year, and may include topics such as nanotechnology, superconductivity, photonics, semiconductor physics, and optoelectronics. Prerequisite: Prerequisites will vary from year to year but typically consist of a combination of second-year courses in Physics and Mathematics. Consult the Bachelor of Science Program Advisor for the specific prerequisites for each offering.
4000 Level
PHYS 4140 – Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics (3,0,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
In this survey course, students study basic concepts of nuclear physics, with applications in power, medicine, geology, industry, archaeology and cosmology. Prerequisite: PHYS 2000 or CHEM 2000 and PHYS 3830 and MATH 2240.
PHYS 4400 – Principles and Applications of Quantum Mechanics 2 (3,0,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
This course is a continuation of PHYS 3400: Principles and Applications of Quantum Mechanics 2. Students start with a review of angular momentum and spin, and the hydrogen atom. Students then examine standard techniques that find wide applications in the study of quantum phenomena. These techniques include the perturbation theories, the variation principle, and the WKB and adiabatic approximations. These are subsequently applied to problems related to the fine structure of hydrogen, the Zeeman effect, molecules, tunnelling, radiation, and scattering. Prerequisite: PHYS 3400
PHYS 4480 – Directed Studies in Physics (3,0,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students complete a full research/capstone project. The project includes full background search on the topic, update meetings with supervisor, clear dissemination of work by oral presentation, poster or report. Students will synthesize and integrate upon knowledge developed at TRU during their studies. Students will connect their project to current studies, complete in depth exploration of their topic, and engage their interests a particular physics topic and understand how it fits in with the global picture of physics. Prerequisite: Acceptance into Physics Major; approval of supervisor and co-supervisor
PHYS 4500 – Advanced Physics Laboratory (0,2,3)(L)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
In this course, students work with experimental apparatus over an extended period of time to complete rigorous data analysis and present their findings. Laboratory work provides opportunities in several areas of physics including condensed matter physics, optics, signal conditioning, astronomy and image processing, nuclear physics, and acoustics. Students use sophisticated equipment such as a transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, thin film evaporator, and low temperature cryostats. Prerequisite: PHYS 3080 or PHYS 3090/3100
