Physics Physics Faculty Derek W. Lawther, Assistant Professor, Chair Douglas C. Dahn, Associate Professor James Polson, Associate Professor Sheldon Opps, Assistant Professor Heather Hughes, Sessional Lecturer William Whelan, Adjunct Professor Departmental Website http://www.upei.ca/physics/ Requirements for a Major in Physics Candidates for the B.Sc. with a major in physics must fulfill the general requirements set by the University Senate and the Departmental requirements listed below. It is suggested that students progress through these requirements in the order given below. However, the courses may be taken in a different sequence provided that the pertinent prerequisites are fulfilled. First Year Semester Hours Credit Physics 111-112 6 Mathematics 151-152 6 Chemistry 111-112 6 Computer Science (or Engineering 231) 151 3 Electives (Biology 111-112 are highly recommended) 9 Second Year Physics 202 3 Physics 211 3 Physics 221 3 Physics 272 3 Mathematics 251-252 6 Mathematics 261 3 Electives 9 Third and Fourth Years Physics 372 3
Physics 381 3 Physics - At least six courses taken from among Physics 311, 322, 382, 391, 402, 411, 421, 422, 431, 441, 451, 481. 18 Electives (Mathematics 301 is highly recommended) 36 Total 120 NOTE: Students who intend to major in Physics are advised to consult the Department before registration. The Departmental requirements and the prerequisites indicated in the Physics courses should normally be followed. In exceptional cases these may be discussed with the Department. Requirements for Honours in Physics The Honours program in Physics is intended to provide research experience at the undergraduate level. It is designed for students who are interested in continuing their studies at the graduate level in Physics or related fields, or who are planning careers where research experience would be an asset. The Honours program comprises a total of 126 semester hours of course credit, including a research project worth 12 semester hours. A total of at least 60 semester hours of Physics is required (16 courses plus project). Course Requirements The normal University requirements must be met in addition to the Departmental requirements listed below. Biology 111-112 are highly recommended electives. First Year Semester Hours Credit As for Major 30 Second Year As for Major 30 Third and Fourth Years Physics 311 3 Physics 322 3 Physics 372 3 Physics 381 3 Physics 402 3 Physics 411 3 Physics 421 3 Continued on next page
Physics 441 3 Physics 490 12 Mathematics 301 3 Electives, at least two of which must be Physics electives chosen from the following: Physics 382, 391, 422, 431, 451, 461, 462, 472, 481 27 Total 126 Entrance Requirements For admission to the program, students must normally have a minimum average of 70% in all previous courses. First-class or high second-class standing in all previous Physics courses is expected. Permission of the Department is required. Acceptance will be contingent upon the student's finding a project advisor, approval of the research project topic, and the Department's assessment of the student's suitability for the program. Students interested in doing Honours should consult the Department Chair as early as possible, normally before the beginning of the student's third year, and no later than January 31 of the third year. Before registering for Physics 490, the student must have been accepted into the Honours program, and the project topic must be approved by the Department. To graduate with Honours in Physics, the student must maintain a minimum average of 75% in all Physics courses combined. Students must also maintain a minimum overall average of 70% in each of the four years of study. Project (Physics 490 - Advanced Research and Thesis) This is a 12 semester hour course required of all Honours Physics students. An independent research project or study is done under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Some or all of this work may be done in the summer months. Before registering for Physics 490, the student must have been accepted into the Honours program, and the project topic must be approved by the Department. The objective of this course is to provide research experience for the student who intends to pursue further studies at the graduate level, or who is planning a career where research experience in Physics or related areas would be an asset. Requirements for a B.Sc. with a Major in Physics for Engineering Diploma Students Students enrolled in the Engineering Diploma program may wish to take additional Physics courses and work towards a Bachelor of Science degree. Students intending to enter this program should consult the Physics Department for detailed advice on course selection. First Year Semester Hours Credit Physics 111-112 6
Second Year Physics - 202 (for students enrolled in the Engineering Diploma Program, this may be replaced by Engineering 321) 3 Physics 211 3 Physics 221 3 Third and Fourth Years Physics 381 3 Physics - At least eight additional courses taken from the following: Physics 272, 311, 322, 372, 382, 391, 402, 411, 421, 422, 431, 441, 451, 481, and Engineering 332, 341, 342 24 The student must also complete all the requirements for the Engineering Diploma, and take sufficient courses (including Engineering courses) to satisfy the general requirements for a University degree. A total of 120 semester hours of credit is required. PHYSICS CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM (PHYSICS CO-OP) The Physics Co-op program is an integrated approach to university education which enables students to alternate academic terms on campus with work terms in suitable employment. The success of such programs is founded on the principle that students are able to apply theoretical knowledge from course studies in the workplace and return to the classroom with practical workplace experience. The Physics Co-op program is a five-year program, consisting of eight academic and a minimum of four work terms, which is available for students in both the Major and Honours Physics Programs. Students who successfully complete all the requirements of the program will have the notation entered on their transcripts and on the graduation parchment. Academic Course Requirements Academic course requirements for the Physics Co-op Major and Physics Co-op Honours are identical to those for the conventional degrees. The first two years (academic terms 1 to 4) are the same as the conventional degree. In the final four academic terms (spread over three years), students must complete the 300 and 400-level courses required for their degrees. Some of these courses are offered in alternate years; however, over the three years all these alternating courses will be available for students to choose from. Students admitted to the co-op program should consult with the department concerning their course selection. Admission Requirements Students interested in entering the Physics Co-op Program must submit an official transcript and a curriculum vitae to the Physics Co-op Program Director. Applications are made during the second year of study, but special application cases will be considered. The applicant must be a full-time student in either a major or honours physics program at the time of application and must normally have a cumulative average of at least 70% in the required physics courses. Students will be admitted to the program based on their interest, aptitude and assessed ability, to combine successfully the academic requirements with the special work term requirements of the Physics Co-op Program. Students not admitted may reapply at the next opportunity.
Continuance Requirements Once admitted to the program, students must continue in full-time enrollment between work terms. An academic review of students performance will take place at the end of each semester. Students in the Honours program are required to maintain an average grade of 75% in all Physics courses combined and must also maintain a minimum overall average of 70% in each of the four years of study. Students in the Physics Co-op Major program are normally required to maintain an average grade of 70% in all Physics courses combined. It is also required that students achieve satisfactory performance on previous work terms, as outlined below in Program Requirements. Students who fail to meet these standards or who fail a course(s) will be placed on notice for the next academic semester. Students who do not meet these standards for two consecutive academic semesters may be dismissed from the program. Work Term Requirements The University will make every effort to locate work term positions for Physics Co-op students in suitable areas of employment, but cannot guarantee work terms. In the event that a placement outside the university is unsuccessful, the option to complete the work term within the Physics Department will be considered. Satisfactory fulfilment of Physics Co-op work terms requires: 1. The completion of a minimum of four work terms in approved, academically-related, paid employment situations of 12 to 16 weeks duration; 2. Completion of one spring work term in year three and one fall work term in year five, and two out of three possible summer work terms; 3. A satisfactory employer evaluation for each co-op work term; 4. The satisfactory completion of a written report at the end of the work term; 5. Fulfilment of other requirements specified by the Department of Physics, such as the participation in seminars and workshops. Students are required to apply by early December for a first work term starting in May of the following year, or in early April for a first work term starting the following January. A notation will be placed on students academic transcripts following completion of each work term. Withdrawal Conditions Students may be required to withdraw from the Physics Co-op Program if: 1. They are dismissed from, discontinue, or fail an approved co-op work term position due to a fault on their part; 2. They fail to submit or successfully complete a work term report; 3. They do not satisfy the continuance requirements including the required course grade average necessary for continuance in the Physics Co-op Program;
Registration Students are required to register for all work terms at the Registrar s Office. Work terms will officially be designated on students transcripts as pass or fail. Minor in Physics Students in the Minor Program in Physics must complete a total of 21 semester hours of Physics including: Physics 111 3 hours Physics 112 3 hours Physics 221 3 hours Four additional Physics courses (12 hours) at the 200 level or above, at least one of which must be chosen from among the core courses Physics 202, 211, or 272. Students intending to do a Minor in Physics are advised to take Mathematics 151-152 instead of 112. PHYSICS COURSES 111 GENERAL PHYSICS I This course emphasizes the fundamentals of mechanics and is intended as a first course in physics for all students requiring at least one semester of physics to complete their degree programs. Topics include vectors, kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, gravitation, rotational motion, torque, static equilibrium, conservation of energy and momentum, and mechanics of fluids. PREREQUISITE: Proficiency in High School algebra, trigonometry and graphing is expected. High School Physics is recommended. It is required that Mathematics 112 or Mathematics 151 be taken at least concurrently. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory or tutorial per week 112 GENERAL PHYSICS II This course is a continuation of Physics 111 and is intended for, but not restricted to, those students who wish to pursue further studies in the physical sciences or engineering. Topics include heat and thermodynamics, wave motion, sound and light, electricity and magnetism. PREREQUISITE: Physics 111, and Mathematics 151 or permission of the instructor. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory or tutorial per week NOTE: Students may obtain credit for Physics 122 or 112 but not both. 122 PHYSICS FOR LIFE SCIENCES This course is a continuation of Physics 111 intended for students in the life sciences, introducing additional physics concepts with emphasis on their application to biology. Topics include viscosity, diffusion, heat, properties of waves, acoustics and hearing, optics and vision, and basic electricity and magnetism. PREREQUISITE: Physics 111 and either Mathematics 112 or Mathematics 151, or permission of the instructor. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory or tutorial per week NOTE: Students may obtain credit for Physics 122 or 112 but not both. 202 MECHANICS Using a more advanced treatment than in the 100-level physics courses, this course gives the student a deeper understanding of the principles of mechanics. Topics include: vector kinematics, Newton's laws, momentum, work and energy, rotational motion, central force motion, and the harmonic oscillator.
PREREQUISITE: Physics 112 and Mathematics 251, or permission of the instructor. It is recommended that Mathematics 252 be taken at least concurrently. 211 ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM This course develops basic concepts in electricity and magnetism. Topics include electric fields and potentials, capacitance, DC circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, inductance, and an introduction to Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves. PREREQUISITE: Physics 112 or permission of the instructor. Mathematics 251 must be taken at least concurrently. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week 221 MODERN PHYSICS This course is a survey of the fundamental concepts of modern physics intended for both physics majors and other science majors. Topics include: relativity, photons and matter waves, the photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, the uncertainty principle, quantum tunnelling, the hydrogen atom, line spectra, orbital and spin angular momentum, magnetic dipole moments, x-rays, the laser, electron energy bands in solids, nuclear properties, radioactive decay, fission, fusion, quarks, leptons, and the Big Bang. PREREQUISITE: Physics 112 and Mathematics 152, or permission of the instructor. 251 INTRODUCTORY ASTRONOMY I This course introduces students to basic astronomical concepts. Specific topics include the history of astronomy; celestial mechanics; charting the sky; time and the calendar; the Earth, Moon, and the dynamics of the Earth-Moon system; and the formation and structure of the solar system. PREREQUISITE: Grade XII Academic Mathematics or permission of the instructor Three hours lecture, field observations to be arranged 252 INTRODUCTORY ASTRONOMY II This course builds on Physics 251 to explore further the universe as a whole. Topics of study include astronomical instruments; properties and energy production of our Sun; methods of measuring stellar distances; the structure, energy, and evolution of stars; interstellar matter and the structure of the Milky Way galaxy; other galaxies; cosmology; and some other related topics of interest. PREREQUISITE: Physics 251 or permission of the instructor Three hours lecture, field observations to be arranged. 261 ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND THE ECONOMY This course is directed to both science and non-science students who wish to improve their understanding of this major technological issue. Topics include: the basic concepts necessary to understand photosynthesis, nuclear power, acid deposition, the greenhouse effect, ozone depletion and pollution. Particular emphasis is placed on Canadian and PEI examples, and on the implications for Third World development. PREREQUISITE: Permission of the department Three hours lecture (seminars and/or field visits to be arranged) 272 ELECTRONICS AND INSTRUMENTATION This course is a practical introduction to analog electronics, and to electronic techniques useful in the sciences. Topics include alternating current circuits, transistors, operational amplifier circuits, feedback, noise, and an introduction to computer data acquisition.
PREREQUISITE: Physics 112 and Mathematics 152, or permission of the instructor. Two hours lecture, three hours laboratory, one hour tutorial per week 311 WAVE MOTION AND OPTICS This course begins with the mathematical description of wave motion, and proceeds to a survey of physical optics. Topics include: interference, diffraction, the Fourier Transform and its application to optical problems, and diffraction theory of image formation. PREREQUISITE: Physics 202 or 211, Mathematics 252 Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory a week 322 QUANTUM PHYSICS I This course introduces some of the fundamental methods of quantum mechanics. Topics include the postulates and mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics, the Dirac description of quantum mechanics, applications to a variety of onedimensional problems such as quantum tunnelling, and the harmonic oscillator. PREREQUISITE: Physics 211, Physics 221 and Mathematics 252 332 BIOPHYSICS This course provides students with an understanding of the current applications of physics in the fields of biology and medicine. Topics include: animal mechanics; blood flow, volume and pressure; hearing; vision; membrane transport; physics of nerves and muscles; bioelectric and biomagnetic fields; effects and applications of electromagnetic radiation; imaging; and radiation therapy. Cross-listed with Biology (cf. Biology 352) PREREQUISITE: Third-year standing in the Faculty of Science, including Biology 112, and Physics 122 or Physics 112. Otherwise, permission of the instructor is required. 372 STATISTICAL PHYSICS I This course provides students with an introduction to the statistical description of macroscopic systems and focuses on both statistical and classical thermodynamics. Topics include the microcanonical and canonical ensembles, the perfect quantal and classical gas, black body radiation, the Einstein and Debye description of solids, and the laws of thermodynamics and some of their consequences and applications. PREREQUISITE: Physics 112 and Mathematics 252, or permission of the instructor 381 MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS See Mathematics 381 PREREQUISITE: Math 252 382 COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS This course is designed to provide students with direct experience in the use of advanced computer-based techniques for modelling physical systems. A variety of computational techniques is applied to problems in classical, quantum, and statistical physics. Emphasis is placed on simulation methods such as Monte Carlo methods, molecular dynamics techniques, and numerical integration of stochastic differential equations. PREREQUISITE: Physics 202 or Physics 221, Mathematics 252, and Computer Science 151 or Engineering 231 Three hours lecture, one hour laboratory per week 391 RADIATION DETECTION AND MEASUREMENT This course provides students with an understanding of the theory and operation of radiation detectors. Topics include: radiation sources; the interaction of ionizing radiation
with matter; the principles of operation and use of gas-filled, scintillation and semiconductor diode detectors; spectroscopy techniques and the use of related electronics; and shielding. PREREQUISITE: Physics 221 or permission of the instructor 402 STATISTICAL PHYSICS II This course builds upon the material presented in Statistical Physics I and covers the basic elements of equilibrium statistical mechanics. Topics include an introduction to the grand canonical ensemble, thermodynamic equilibrium, stability, fluctuations, phase transitions, quantum statistics, and interacting systems. A variety of applications to systems such as ideal gases, Bose gases, Fermi gases, and paramagnets is included. PREREQUISITE: Physics 322 and Physics 372 411 ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY This is an advanced course designed to provide a solid grounding in electromagnetic theory. Topics include: electrostatics, solutions to electrostatic problems, dielectric materials, magnetostatics, magnetic properties of materials, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic wave propagation, and electromagnetic radiation. PREREQUISITE: Physics 211 and 381 421 QUANTUM PHYSICS II This course further develops the fundamental concepts and methodology of quantum mechanics. Topics include angular momentum, the hydrogen atom, spin, matrix mechanics, and time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory. PREREQUISITE: Physics 322 and Physics 381 422 ADVANCED TOPICS IN QUANTUM PHYSICS This is an advanced course in which important physical problems are solved using the basic methods of quantum mechanics. Topics include the quantum mechanics of atoms and molecules, scattering theory, and an introduction to relativistic quantum mechanics. PREREQUISITE: Physics 421 431 SOLID STATE PHYSICS This is an introductory course in Solid State Physics, which covers the basic physics of crystalline solids. Topics include: crystal structures; structure determination by x-ray diffraction; crystal bonding; lattice vibrations and phonons; the free and nearly-free electron models; and the energy band structures of metals, insulators and semiconductors. PREREQUISITE: Physics 322 441 EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS This advanced laboratory course introduces students to all phases of an experimental project, from design, planning, and setup of the apparatus, to detailed analysis and formal presentation of the results. Students choose a small number of in-depth experiments to perform. PREREQUISITE: Physics 211 or Physics 272, and at least Third Year standing in a Science program One hour lecture, six hours laboratory per week 451 ADVANCED MECHANICS The Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations are presented as alternatives to the
conventional treatment of Newton's laws and are applied to classical problems such as harmonic and anharmonic oscillators, the two-body central force problem, and rigid body motion. PREREQUISITE: Physics 202 and Physics 381 or Mathematics 301 461-462 DIRECTED STUDIES These courses are either reading courses, or research projects, which require the students to investigate a specific topic to a much greater depth than is possible in the department s usual course offerings. PREREQUISITE: Physics Majors with at least third-year standing, or permission of the department. Three semester hours of credit (See Academic Regulation 9 for Regulations Governing Directed Studies) 463-464 SPECIAL TOPICS These courses take advantage of unusual opportunities such as the availability of a visiting researcher to teach a course related to his/her field of expertise, or a course offer on an experimental basis, etc. PREREQUISITE: Physics Majors with at least third-year standing, or permission of the department. Three semester hours of credit 472 DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS See Mathematics 472 PREREQUISITE: Math 261, Math 301 490 ADVANCED RESEARCH AND THESIS The objective of this course is to provide research experience for the student who intends to pursue further studies at the graduate level, or who is planning a career where research experience in Physics or related areas would be an asset. An independent research project is done under the supervision of a faculty advisor. The research results are reported in thesis format and are presented orally at a department seminar. PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Honours Physics program. Twelve semester hours of credit Office of the Registrar, University of Prince Edward Island 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown Prince Edward Island, Canada C1A 4P3 902 566 0439 Admissions 902 566 0684 Transcripts 902 566 0795 Fax registrar@upei.ca Email Copyright University of Prince Edward Island 2005