Science
Physics (203)
The science of physics seeks to uncover the fundamental nature of the universe at all scales. Physical laws predict and explain the interaction of the particles and the forces we observe. These laws reveal the underlying simplicity and beauty of nature -- from the smallest subatomic patterns to the largest cosmological sturctures. Discoveries in physics often impact other sciences and can lead to applications in such diverse areas as biology, chemistry, medicine, astrophysics, geophysics and engineering, for example.
COURSE STRUCTURE: Each Physics course involves 45 hours (3 hours per week) of classroom contact and 30 hours (2 hours per week) of laboratory and tutorial work. Extra time, lab space, and materials can be made available to students who want to prepare projects for the Honours Science Certificate or the Science Fair.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE: Computers are integrated into a number of physics labs. Multimedia demonstrations and simulations may be presented in class. In Digital Electronics, a series of experiments involving circuit simulation software is available to students for project work. In Astrophysics, planetarium software and astronomical observatory simulations are used in the labs. In some elective courses, students may perform selected experiments at the universities, in coordination with the McGill Physics and Concordia Engineering departments.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS WITHIN THE TWO SCIENCE PROFILES
Course Title |
Course |
Remarks |
Mechanics |
Required courses for both Health Science and Pure and Applied Science. |
|
Digital Electronics |
Elective courses that will be helpful for students planning to enter Physics, Engineering or other Applied Sciences. |
ENRICHED COURSES: Each of the required physics courses (NYA, NYB, NYC) is usually offered in an enriched version as well, which may be more mathematically rigorous and/or conceptually more challenging and/or involving more varied applications. The enriched courses are designed to provide a very firm basis for future study in Mathematics, Engineering, and the Physical Sciences, or for students who want a more challenging exposure to physics.
Upon successful completion of an enriched course, a letter can be obtained confirming the enriched nature of the course and this letter can be included with university applications. Enriched courses count towards the Honours Science Certificate.
NOTE: Students wishing to take enriched Physics courses should normally take Calculus I in the first semester , and Calculus II and Mechanics in the second semester.
Course Descriptions
Mechanics (PHY-NYA)
203-NYA-05 (3-2-3) 2.66 credits
Prerequisite: Sec. V Phy-584 or equivalent
and Sec. V Math-536.
A required course in the Science program
The classical laws governing the translational and rotational motion of particles and rigid bodies are studied.
Electricity and Magnetism (PHY-NYB)
203-NYB-05 (3-2 -3) 2.66 credits
Prerequisite: PHY-NYA
A required course in the Science program
The classical laws governing electricity, magnetism, circuits and electromagnetism are studied.
Waves, Light and Modern Physics (PHY-NYC)
203-NYC-05 (3-2-3) 2.66 credits
Prerequisite: PHY-NYA
A required course in the Science program
This course covers some basic properties of waves and oscillations, properties of light (through a study of geometrical and physical optics), and some introductory modern physics concepts that are relevant to understanding the wave-particle nature of light. Elements of special relativity and nuclear physics are also included.
Digital Electronics (PHY-LCV)
203-LCV-05 (3 -2-3) 2.66 credits
Prerequisites: Sec. V Phy-584 or equivalent; Math-536
An elective course in the Science program
Upon completion of this course, the student will have a good understanding of semiconductors, transistors, amplifiers, flip-flops, boolean algebra, logic gates, digital arithmetic, counters, registers and integrated circuit logic families. The student will also gain hands-on experience in the laboratory by breadboarding digital circuits and designing and building integrated circuit devices using circuit simulation software.
Astrophysics (PHY-LCW)
203-LCW-05 (3 -2-3) 2.66 credits
Prerequisites: PHY-NYA and PHY-NYC with PHY-NYB to be taken at least concurrently (or permission of the instructor).
An elective course in the Science program
This course integrates astronomy with physics by introducing the basic observational techniques and theoretical framework that make up astrophysics. This course will cover some celestial motions, gravity, basic telescope design and observation, properties of electromagnetic radiation, by focusing primarily on stars, galaxies and cosmology. The course uses planetarium software and telescope simulation software for independent lab work. There is also a comprehensive assessment project consisting of determining the likelihood of life on planets in a hypothetical solar system. There is no final exam in this course.
Topics in Physics (PHY-LCZ)
203-LCZ-05 (3 -2-3) 2.66 credits
Prerequisites: PHY-NYA, and a second physics course taken at least concurrently
An elective course in the Science program
At the discretion of the instructor, the course may cover topics chosen from one or more of the following areas: mechanics, electrodynamics, oscillations and optics. Possible applications such as in engineering and robotics may be explored. The laboratory component consists of computer-based virtual instruments using LabVIEW.
