Category: (2) Effective Date for Change: 10W Date: October 1, 2009 Contact Person: Rob Kiefl Phone: 822 3037 Email: Kiefl@triumf.ca URL: http: http://www.students.ubc.ca/calendar/index.cfm?tr ee=12,215,410,414 Present Calendar Entry: Physics and Astronomy 1. PHYS 101, 107, 153, SCIE 001 2. PHYS 102, 108, 153, SCIE 001 3. PHYS 170, 216 4. PHYS 200, 250 5. PHYS 203, 257 6. PHYS 209, 259 7. PHYS 301, 354 8. PHYS 308, 408, 458 9. PHYS 304, 450, CHEM 312 10. PHYS 312, MATH 257, 316 11. PHYS 403, 455, CHEM 407, 503 12. 12. PHYS 401, 454 13. PHYS 405, 536 14. PHYS 438, BIOL 438 Physics and Astronomy 1. PHYS 101, 107, 153, SCIE 001 2. PHYS 102, 108, 153, SCIE 001 3. PHYS 170, 216 4. PHYS 200, 250 5. PHYS 203, 257, 313 6. PHYS 209, 259 7. PHYS 301, 354 8. PHYS 308, 408, 458 9. PHYS 304, 450, CHEM 312 10. PHYS 312, MATH 257, 316 11. PHYS 403, 455, CHEM 407, 503 12. PHYS 401, 454 13.PHYS 405, 536 14. PHYS 438, BIOL 438 Remove PHYS 313 from the exclusion list with PHYS 203, 257. The content of PHYS 313 has changed so that the overlap with PHYS 203, 257 is less than 50%. 1
Category: (1) Effective Session: 10W Date: Oct 7, 2009 Contact Person: Chris Waltham Phone: 2-5712 Email: cew@phas.ubc.ca Present Calendar Entry: PHYS 313 (3) Application of Thermodynamics to Energy Use and Climate change. The fundamental thermodynamics behind global issues of energy use and climate change. Pre-reqs: One of MATH 200, MATH 217, MATH 226, MATH 255 and one of PHYS 102, PHYS 108, PHYS 153, SCIE 001. PHYS 313 (3) Thermodynamics The laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamic potentials, phase changes, elementary statistical physics. Pre-reqs: One of MATH 200, MATH 217, MATH 226, MATH 255 and one of PHYS 102, PHYS 108, PHYS 153, SCIE 001. Change course title and make significant changes to the course contents. The students taking this course are split roughly evenly between general science, majors in atmospheric science, majors in physics, and exchange students. In addition there are a few engineers, arts students etc. Given the mix of students, we propose that rather than teach a class in formal, theoretical thermodynamics as hitherto, it is better to teach applications of fundamental thermodynamics to the big global issues of the century, i.e. energy use and climate change. Faculty Approval Date: 2
PHYS 313 Application of Thermodynamics to Energy Use and Climate change. (3 credits) Instructors Currently: Chris Waltham Possible in the near future: Janis McKenna, Carl Michal, Andrzej Kotlicki Description The goal of this course is to synthesize and adapt current knowledge of energy technology and basic climate physics, which in its fullest form is highly complex and multi-variate, and mold it into a form that can be digested by the mix of third-year students that are expected to enroll. The point is to show how thermodynamics illuminates the global issues of energy use and climate change, and offers us some direction. We will start with modes of energy transfer and the mathematical techniques used to quantify them. Then we will build a simple mathematical model of the Earth s climate and compare the results with reality. This model will show how dependent we are on traces of greenhouse gases, whose abundances are changing very rapidly due to human activity. Current ideas on the possibility of geo-engineering will be discussed. The latter two-thirds of the term will be taken up with a survey of the many ways we generate and use energy. We will discuss the basic physics behind the sources and the thermodynamics of extracting work from them. The three major areas of energy consumption heating, electricity generation and transport will be examined in turn. The enviromental consequences of each will be quantified. Opportunities for reducing energy use and converting to cleaner sources will be compared. Learning Outcomes As a result of students taking this course they will: - understand basic thermodynamics, and that all energy comes from somewhere, goes somewhere, and its use has consequences. - be able to perform basic energy calculations and measurements such that they can make their own decisions when faced with choices that affect energy use and the environment in their professional and personal lives. - know the limits of the field, that some quantities are calculable or measurable with some degree of certainty, some only statistically, and others hardly at all. 3
- be sufficiently familiar with the physical processes that control our climate and environment, and determine our energy production and use, that they can make meaningful contributions to the public debate on these issues. More detailed lecture-by-lecture learning goals will be developed in the first year or two of running the course. Course Topics This course will survey the current state of energy technology and of our understanding of energy flow in the environment. Course Schedule 1. Introduction 2. Heat Transfer: conduction, convection and radiation 3. Climate 4. Ideal gases, heat engines, entropy 5. Properties of water and steam 6. Fossil fuels, carbon sequestration 7. Geothermal energy 8. Fluid mechanics for energy conversion: pressure, density, Bernoulli; transportation 9. Hydro, tidal and wave power 10. Wind power 11. Solar power 12. Biomass 13. Nuclear Power Assessment of Learning Outcomes Pre-reading exercises and weekly quizzes will be used to guide and pace students learning, and to prepare them for the formal midterm and final examinations. Students will be encouraged to read the text conscientiously and do assigned problems at the end of each chapter (and more for practice, as needed). The quizzes will be used to assess the quality of this learning. On two occasions students will be asked to do an experiment at home in groups of 2 or 3 and to provide one report per group. The point of these experiments is to show that with simple everyday equipment, students can make straightforward measurements to put numbers on their own energy use, e.g. in transportation or heating buildings. The reports with either be written and/or presented in class, and will be marked with the marks 4
assigned equally in the group. However, students will expect to be tested on this material in quizzes and examinations that follow each homework assignment. All exercises, quizzes and examinations will be closely matched to posted learning goals, which will be developed and honed as the course progresses. Grading Scheme Quizzes (weekly) (20%) Take-home experiments (20%) Midterm (25%) Final (35%) All physics examinations will have a cumulative component, and will not be restricted to material most recently covered in class. Texts The following textbook is required and will be available on reserve in the library. Energy Science: John Andrews and Nick Jelley Oxford University Press; 1 edition (Feb 6 2007) 978-0199281121 The following textbook is available free online and is a very valuable resource. Sustainable Energy: David McKay http://www.withouthotair.com/ A library of relevant web resources is being put together at: Physics Teaching for the 21 st Century http://www.c21.phas.ubc.ca 5
Category: (2) Effective Session: 10W Date: Sep 27, 2009 Contact Person: R. Kiefl Phone: 2-3037 Email: Kiefl@triumf.ca Present Calendar Entry: ASTR 303 (3) Extragalactic Astronomy ASTR 303 (3) Extragalactic Astronomy Properties of normal galaxies, elements of stellar dynamics; galactic evolution, active galaxies and quasars. Pre-req: ASTR 102 or ASTR 202 is recommended. Properties of normal galaxies, elements of stellar dynamics; galactic evolution, active galaxies and quasars. Pre-reqs: One of PHYS 206, PHYS 216. (ASTR 102 or ASTR 202 is recommended.) Remove PHYS 206 or 216 as a pre-req. ASTR 303 no longer requires PHYS 206 or PHYS 216. Faculty Approval Date: 6
Category: (2) Effective Session: 10W ASTR 404 (3) Astronomical and Astrophysical Measurements. Astronomical instrumentation and techniques for ground and space-based observations. Theory of measurement, imaging, interferometry and spectroscopy of electromagnetic radiation at optical, radio, infrared, and X-ray wavelengths. Astronomical data analysis. Date: Sep 27, 2009 Contact Person: R. Kiefl Phone: 2-3037 Email: Kiefl@triumf.ca Present Calendar Entry: ASTR 404 (3) Astronomical and Astrophysical Measurements Astronomical instrumentation and techniques for ground and space-based observations. Theory of measurement, imaging, interferometry and spectroscopy of electromagnetic radiation at optical, radio, infrared, and X-ray wavelengths. Astronomical data analysis. Prerequisite: PHYS 308, PHYS 210 (or permission from the instructor), and one of PHYS 312, MATH 316. Prerequisite: PHYS 308 and one of PHYS 312, MATH 316. Add PHYS 210 as a prerequisite. Most students in the course have taken PHYS 210 since it is required in all the Astronomy programs. However a few students (ie. transfers) arrive without a proper background in computing that PHYS 210 provides. Faculty Approval Date: 7
Category: (1) Faculty Approval Date: Effective Session 2009W Term 2 Year 2009 for Change Effective Session 09W, term 2 PHYS 490 (3) Student Directed Seminars Self-directed, collaborative studies, in a group-learning environment, initiated and coordinated by senior undergraduate students with the supervision of a faculty advisor. Course structure, enrolment and delivery methods will comply with the Handbook for Student Directed Seminars". Date: September 27, 2009 Contact Person: Janis McKenna or Rob Kiefl Phone: 2-4337 (Janis) 2-3037 (Kiefl) Email: janis@physics.ubc.ca kiefl@triumf.ca URL: None new course Present Calendar Entry: None new course Type of Add new undergraduate course The Student Directed Seminars Program is a student-driven program that offers students an opportunity to initiate and coordinate small, collaborative, group learning experiences. It is an expansion of the directed studies option offered by most departments, The SDS seminar in our department will comply with the UBC "Handbook for Student Directed Seminars". http://leap.ubc.ca/files/2005/08/sdshandboo k2009.doc and must be approved by the UBC SDS program administration prior to each offering. Right now, we have an SDS course, PHYSICS AND SOCIETY, approved by the SDS to be offered in January 2010. This SDS needs a course number for registration, now, and for all future SDS s in Physics. 8
Supporting documentation: Course Learning Objectives: This 3-credit Student Directed Seminar, A student (or group of students), in the third year of undergraduate study or higher, will propose a course not currently offered at UBC. If a professor agrees to sponsor the proposal, the student proceeds to develop a course outline under the guidance of this faculty sponsor. The Student Directed Seminars Advisory Committee considers all UBC-wide SDS submissions course outlines for final approval. If approved, the student-initiated course is advertised to the general student body, as an upper level 3 credit course. The course will be of interest to senior students with a suitable background preparation for the course. Course to offered in Term 2, 09W This course has already been granted approval by the SDS Advisory Committee and is ready to be offered, with Physics Undergraduate Student Tess Baker as Student Coordinator, and Janis McKenna and Chris Waltham as Faculty Advisors. The course will be 3 credits, graded Pass/Fail, in accordance with the format and grading scheme for most of the other SDS courses already approved in the Faculty of Science: CPSC 490, GEOB 490, EOSC 490, BIOL 490 and ATSC 490. The following is the a very slight modification of the original SDS proposal for PHYS 490 submitted by Tess Baker, in consultation with McKenna and Waltham. (slightly modified for clarity for Curriculum committees) Physics and Society: A Student Directed Seminar Course Content This course is designed to look at major issues in our world through a physics-based lens. The breakdown of topics is as follows, with some variation based on what the students enrolled in the seminar would like to focus on. Treatment of these topics is covered later in the proposal. Associated readings for course sections are listed in italics. Energy: (The coordination team for the course decided that a strong understanding of existing energy sources is crucial to understand the physics of the alternatives.) - Renewable energies: *MacKay, Chapter 1 o Wind o Solar o Tidal o Hydroelectric o Bio-fuel o Geo-thermal - Non-Renewable energies: 9
o Tar Sands o Gas o Coal (including Carbon Sequestration) o Oil o Nuclear *Muller, Chapter 5 Climate Change: *Muller, Chapter 10 - Altmospheric Physics o Thermodynamics - Modelling o Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Reports o Anthropogenic vs. Natural Climate Change - Historical Climate Data o Means of Collection o Credibility Energy and Resource Consumption *MacKay, Chapter 2 - Technologies to increase energy efficiency - Areas of improvement Nuclei and Radioactivity *Muller, Chapter 4, *Garwin and Charpak, Chapters 1,2, 5, 6,8 - Nuclear Power generation *MacKay, Chapter 5, - *Garwin and Charpak, Chapters 5, 6 & 9 - Nuclear Weapons *Garwin and Charpak, Chapters 3 and 11 - Radioactive Waste Geo-Engineering Applications of Physics to Medicine - Medical Imaging - Cancer Therapy As a basis for these topics, we ve decided on three main textbooks: 1. Physics for Future Presidents, by Richard Muller - This is a course textbook for a course by the same name at UC Berkeley, taught by Muller. It examines nuclear non-proliferation, energy, climate change, global warming, terrorism, nuclear power/nuclear weapons, space exploration, and several other topics relevant to our theme of Physics and Society. 2. Megawatts and Megatons: the Future of Nuclear Power and Nuclear Weapons, by Richard Garwin and Georges Charpak - This will provide an in-depth look at nuclear power and nuclear weapons. 3. Sustainable Energy -- Without the Hot Air, by David MacKay This is a course textbook, available for free download: In an effort to keep this seminar student-directed, many of the readings will be decided by the students themselves, as part of their seminars. See below for an explanation of course structure. These readings will include journal articles as well. 10
We will expect students to have a basic knowledge of the laws and applications of physics (through first-year physics courses). This course is designed for any physics student looking to ground his or her degree in order to tackle immediate social and environmental issues. It will not, however, be limited to physics majors, as interdisciplinary discussion would enhance the course content. Course Structure/Format The seminar will meet twice a week. The format of the course is as follows: each student is required to choose two topics (topics will be listed) at the start of the semester. Then each student leads/presents a seminar on topic 1. This seminar will require some research on behalf of the student presenter, and all students will participate in discussion, facilitated by the student presenter. A term paper will be written by the seminar-leader on topic 1. As well, each student prepares a poster presentation on topic 2. Two to three poster sessions will take place in class meetings towards the end of the term As well, there will be UBC-and-TRIUMF-based guest speakers for the first two weeks of classes, to allow students time to prepare their seminars. These guest speakers will be coordinated by both myself (coordinator) and the professor sponsors. Some initial ideas include: Prof Waltham (topic: Climate Change), Stan Yen (the Chernobyl Accident; play by play), Janis McKenna (guides on posters, presentations and paper writing, as well as a topic: Clean Energy and/or Nuclear Physics ). Depending on the number of students registered, extra classes will be used for field trips, most likely including one to TRIUMF, here on campus: Canada s National Laboratory for Nuclear and Particle Physics. Course Requirements and Evaluation Course Components: (each student must pass each component to pass the course. Components will be graded separately, but the final mark will then be converted to Pass/Fail: 5% 1. outline and annotated bibliography for seminar and paper on topic 1 (instructor-assessed). 5% 2. outline and annotated bibliography for poster, on topic 2 (instructorassessed) 20% 3. class seminar/presentation on topic 1 (peer-assessed) 30% 4. term paper on topic 1 (same topic as seminar/presentation (preceded by outline an annotated bibliography) (instructor-assessed with student involvement in rubric, sample guideline rubric will be the same as that used in PHYS 348) 20% 5. poster session presentation - on topic 2 (preceded by outline an annotated bibliography) (peer-assessed) 20% 6. participation(peer-assessed) (incl. 5% for attendance, 10% in-seminar participation, and 5% for assessment of peers posters) Because students are essentially being marked relative to one another (by peers), there is large incentive to plan and run the classes smoothly and in a challenging manner. The 11
quality of discussion will depend entirely on the facilitator s questions and on input from students. The final mark in the course is designated pass/fail, but marks will be assigned as listed above, and to pass the course, each student must pass each of the six course components listed above. Rationale This course fills a major gap in the physics department at UBC. Currently, the department appears highly focused on physics research, with little concern with the usefulness of physics, or non-research careers spawning from an education in physics. It is in UBC s stated vision statement that, The University of British Columbia, aspiring to be one of the world s best universities, will prepare students to become exceptional global citizens, [and] promote the values of a civil and sustainable society This course will use that statement as a guide throughout, ensuring that students are constantly considering their world when learning, studying, and researching physics. I don t know how many people will want to take this course. Although I believe that it is vital to any science education to consider more than just the next discovery, curriculum required for physics students is structured, with little room for general interest courses. I am confident, however, that with enough advertisement within the department, we can fill the required spots. We have contacted the Physics Society s VP Academic, who has access to several important networks in which to advertise the course. These include, but are not limited to, the entire Physics department faculty and student email lists and the Physics Society s membership and events. The SUS is often very supportive of student initiatives, and sends regular opportunities emails to its students. And of course the Course Calendar is an obvious first step in advertising the course. If more than 15 students want to take the course, spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis. This is the most fair and simple way of dealing with too much interest. 12
Category: (2) Effective Session: 10W Date: September 28, 2009 Contact Person: R. Kiefl Phone: 2-3037 Email: Kiefl@triumf.ca Present Calendar Entries: PHYS 403 (3) Statistical Mechanics. Pre-reqs: One of PHYS 203, PHYS 257, PHYS 313, CHEM 201 and one of PHYS 304, PHYS 450, CHEM 312. Math 318 or STAT 251 is recommended. PHYS 403 (3) Statistical Mechanics. Pre-reqs: One of PHYS 203, PHYS 257, CHEM 201 and one of PHYS 304, PHYS 450, CHEM 312. Math 318 is recommended. Add STAT 251 as a recommended pre req. STAT 251 is a suitable substitute for MATH 318 as a recommended pre-req. for this course. Faculty Approval Date: 13
Category: (2) Effective Date for Change: 10W Term 1 Date: February 10, 2009 Contact Person: R. Kiefl Phone: 604-822-3037 Email: kiefl@triumf.ca URL: http://www.students.ubc.ca/calendar/index. cfm?tree=12,215,410,434 Major (0524): Physics (PHYS) 10 The combination CHEM 201 and CHEM 304 may replace PHYS 203. Present Calendar Entry: Major (0524): Physics (PHYS) 10 PHYS 313 or the combination CHEM 201 and CHEM 304 may replace PHYS 203. Modify footnote 10. The content of PHYS 313 is no longer sufficient to be used as a substitute for PHYS 203. 14
Category: (1) Effective Date for Change: 10W Term 1 Date: October 1, 2009 Contact Person: R. Kiefl Phone: 604-822-3037 Email: kiefl@triumf.ca URL: http://www.students.ubc.ca/calendar/index. cfm?tree=12,215,410,434 Combined Major (1391): Computer Science and Physics 13 The combination CHEM 201 and CHEM 304 may replace PHYS 203. Present Calendar Entry: Combined Major (1391): Computer Science and Physics 13 PHYS 313 or the combination CHEM 201 and CHEM 304 may replace PHYS 203. Modify footnote 13. The content of PHYS 313 is no longer sufficient to be used as a substitute for PHYS 203. 15
Category: (1) Effective Date for Change: 10W Term 1 Date: October 1, 2009 Contact Person: R. Kiefl Phone: 604-822-3037 Email: kiefl@triumf.ca URL: http://www.students.ubc.ca/calendar/index. cfm?tree=12,215,410,434 Combined Honours (0014): Physics and Mathematics (PHYS, MATH) 7 Students who do not obtain 68% or higher in MATH 226 must take MATH 220. In order to be promoted to third year, students must complete one of MATH 220, 226. 8 PHYS 408 can be replaced by PHYS 458. Present Calendar Entry: Combined Honours (0014): Physics and Mathematics (PHYS, MATH) 7 Students who do not obtain 68% or higher in MATH 226 must take MATH 220. In order to be promoted to third year, students must complete one of MATH 220, 226. 8 PHYS 313 with 80% of better may be substituted for PHYS 203. 9 PHYS 408 can be replaced by PHYS 458. Remove footnote 8. Renumber the old footnote 9 The content of PHYS 313 is no longer sufficient to be used as a substitute for PHYS 203. 16
Category: (2) Effective Session: 10W Date: October 3, 2009 Contact Person: R. Kiefl Phone: 2-3037 Email: Kiefl@triumf.ca Present Calendar Entries: PHYS 305 (3) Introduction to Biophysics Physical principles involved in biological systems at the microscopic and molecular scales. Diffusion, low Reynolds number dynamics, the physicist's view of biomolecular structure, models of molecular motors and membranes. Prerequisite: One of PHYS 102, PHYS 108, PHYS 153, SCIE 001 and either (a) PHYS 203 or (b) one of PHYS 257, CHEM 201, CHEM 205 and one of MATH 302, MATH 318, STAT 241, STAT 251, STAT 302. PHYS 305 (3) Introduction to Biophysics Physical principles involved in biological systems at the microscopic and molecular scales. Diffusion, low Reynolds number dynamics, the physicist's view of biomolecular structure, models of molecular motors and membranes. Prerequisite: One of PHYS 102, PHYS 108, PHYS 153, SCIE 001 and either (a) one of PHYS 203, PHYS 313 or (b) one of PHYS 257, CHEM 201, CHEM 205 and one of MATH 302, MATH 318, STAT 241, STAT 251, STAT 302. Remove PHYS 313 from the prerequisites. PHYS 313 does not have enough overlap with PHYS 203 to serve as a prerequisite for PHYS 305 Faculty Approval Date: 17
Category: (2) Effective Session: 10W PHYS 314 (3) Fluids Kinetic theory: Diffusion, viscosity and sound waves. Introduction to hydrodynamics: Laminar flow, capillary and gravity waves, convection and turbulence. Dimensional analysis. Prerequisite: MATH 215. Corequisite: PHYS 203. Date: October 3, 2009 Contact Person: R. Kiefl Phone: 2-3037 Email: Kiefl@triumf.ca Present Calendar Entries: PHYS 314 (3) Fluids Kinetic theory: Diffusion, viscosity and sound waves. Introduction to hydrodynamics: Laminar flow, capillary and gravity waves, convection and turbulence. Dimensional analysis. Prerequisite: MATH 215. Corequisite: One of PHYS 203, PHYS 313. Remove PHYS 313 from the corequisites. PHYS 313 does not have enough overlap with PHYS 203 to serve as a corerequisite for PHYS 314 Faculty Approval Date: 18
Category: (2) Effective Session: 10W Date: October 3, 2009 Contact Person: R. Kiefl Phone: 2-3037 Email: Kiefl@triumf.ca Present Calendar Entries: PHYS 315 (3) Physics of Materials Crystal structure, elasticity and phonons, elementary electronic transport, defects, alloys, liquid crystals and polymers. Prerequisite: One of PHYS 203, CHEM 201, CHEM 205. Corequisite: MATH 215. PHYS 315 (3) Physics of Materials Crystal structure, elasticity and phonons, elementary electronic transport, defects, alloys, liquid crystals and polymers. Prerequisite: One of PHYS 203, PHYS 313, CHEM 201, CHEM 205. Corequisite: MATH 215. Remove PHYS 313 from the prerequisites. PHYS 313 does not have enough overlap with PHYS 203 to serve as a prerequisite for PHYS 315 Faculty Approval Date: 19
Category: (2) Date: Oct 3, 2009 Contact Person: R. Kiefl Phone: 2-3037 Email: Kiefl@triumf.ca Present Calendar Entries: PHYS 437 (3) Physics of Biocellular Structure and Machinery Molecular structure and architecture of biological cells, interactions of molecules in aqueous solution and at interfaces, physical properties of polymers and surfactants, mechanisms of cell membranes and cytoplasmic structures, thermodynamics of molecular machines and mechanical enzymes. Credit can not be given for both PHYS 437 and 537. Prerequisite: One of PHYS 403, PHYS 455, CHEM 304. PHYS 437 (3) Physics of Biocellular Structure and Machinery Molecular structure and architecture of biological cells, interactions of molecules in aqueous solution and at interfaces, physical properties of polymers and surfactants, mechanisms of cell membranes and cytoplasmic structures, thermodynamics of molecular machines and mechanical enzymes. Credit can not be given for both PHYS 437 and 537. Prerequisite: One of PHYS 313, PHYS 403, PHYS 455, CHEM 304. Remove PHYS 313 from the prerequisistes. PHYS 313 does not have enough overlap with PHYS 403 to serve as a prerequisite for PHYS 437 Faculty Approval Date: 20
Category: (2) Effective Date for Change: 10W Date: October 5, 2009 Contact Person: Rob Kiefl Phone: 822 3037 Email: kiefl@triumf.ca URL: http://www.students.ubc.ca/calendar/in dex.cfm?tree=12,215,410,415 Major (0030): Astronomy (ASTR) First Year CHEM 121 (111) 4 Present Calendar Entry: Major (0030): Astronomy (ASTR) First Year CHEM 121 (111,113) 4 Remove CHEM 113 as a possible substitute for CHEM 121 in first year. For students without CHEM 12 CHEM 111 provides an adequate background in Chemistry for this program. 21