Courses

A review of the fundamentals and formalisms of quantum theory, followed by a detailed treatment of topics such as radiation theory, relativistic quantum mechanics, and scattering theory.

The properties of the fundamental particles (quarks and leptons) and the force between them are studied. Topics include the interactions of particles with matter, symmetry principles and experimental techniques.

This course involves a selection of labs in laser physics, with emphasis on techniques necessary for trapping neutral atoms with lasers. Integrated with SC/PHYS 4061 3.00.

Involves trapping atoms with lasers and investigating the properties of laser-cooled atoms. The course includes a set of lectures that cover theoretical concepts including basic properties of two-level atoms, radiation pressure, the laser cooling force, magnetic trapping, and the dipole force. Prerequisite: GS/PHYS 5061 3.00.

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This course provides a rigorous treatment of numerical methods for the solutions of ordinary and partial differential equations.

The astrophysics of radiating matter in the universe. The course covers radiation processes, radiative transfer, stellar atmospheres, stellar interiors, and interstellar matter. The course offers an overview of astrophysical radiation mechanisms; interactions of radiation with matter; radiative transfer; observations, theory, and modelling of stellar atmospheres; theory and modelling of stellar interiors and their evolution; interstellar gas and dust.

An introductory treatment of sub-nuclear physics, including a review of relativistic kinematics, the classification of elementary particles and their interactions, and the study of the conservation laws and the associated invariance principles; quantization of the electromagnetic field; the quark model and strong interactions, weak interactions and their unification with electromagnetic interactions — introductory non-Abelian gauge field theory.

An overview of the theory of general relativity. Topics include: special relativistic mechanics of particles and continuous systems; principle of equivalence; differential geometry; gravitational redshift; Einstein field equations; Newtonian limit and effective theories; Schwarzschild geometry; classical tests of general relativity; other theories of gravity; Robertson-Walker metric; Friedmann equations; cosmological models.

: Extragalctic Astronomy. An overview of current observational and theoretical knowledge concerning the structure, evolution and formation of galaxies and aggregates. Topics include Classification of galaxies; Stellar content; Gaseous content; Dynamics; Determination of distances; Density wave theory of spiral structure; Percolation; Photometric, spectroscopic, chemical and dynamical evolution; Environmental influences; Nuclear activity; Classification of galaxy aggregates; Nature of galaxies in clusters; Local organization of galaxies; Peculiar motions; Superclusters, voids, and large-scale structure; Review of basic cosmology; Observational constraints on galaxy formation; Dark matter; Origin and evolution of density fluctuations; Biasing and merging.

An introduction to modern astronomical instrumentation, observational methods, data analysis, and numerical methods. While including some lectures, the course aims to provide students with hands-on experience with both observational and theoretical techniques of modern astronomy. Topics include Astronomical instrumentation; Preparation for observing; Data acquisition; Data reduction, including image processing; Quantitative data analysis; Analysis of errors; Statistical inference; Theoretical modelling techniques, including nonlinear least squares, Monte Carlo simulations, and N-body dynamics.

A non-thesis experimental or theoretical research endeavour in physics, supervised by a faculty member. The student and supervising faculty member agree at the outset on the project scope (including required literature review), milestones (including frequency of regular student-faculty meetings), and deliverables (including a final written report).

A non-thesis experimental or theoretical research endeavour in physics, supervised by a faculty member. The student and supervising faculty member agree at the outset on the project scope (including required literature review), milestones (including frequency of regular student-faculty meetings), and deliverables (including a final written report).

A non-thesis experimental or theoretical research endeavour in astronomy, supervised by a faculty member. The student and supervising faculty member agree at the outset on the project scope (including required literature review), milestones (including frequency of regular student-faculty meetings), and deliverables (including a final written report).

A non-thesis experimental or theoretical research endeavour in astronomy, supervised by a faculty member. The student and supervising faculty member agree at the outset on the project scope (including required literature review), milestones (including frequency of regular student-faculty meetings), and deliverables (including a final written report).

The objective of the course is to help students to use methods of physics to study biological processes. This course focuses on physics relevant to cellular dynamics and transport. Integrated with SC/BPHS 4080 3.0.

Topics may change from year to year. Typical subject material may be selected from: design of advanced optical components, instruments and systems, detectors and instruments, the principles of laser radar (lidar), the interaction of laser radiation with materials, optical communication systems, advanced instrumentation for astronomy and space science.

Topics may change from year to year. Typical subject material may be selected from: design of advanced optical components, instruments and systems, detectors and instruments, the principles of laser radar (lidar), the interaction of laser radiation with materials, optical communication systems, advanced instrumentation for astronomy and space science.

Discussion of one or more topics in biological physics. Specific topics will vary.

This course covers a selected topic in theoretical or experimental physics.

This course covers a selected topic in theoretical or observational astronomy.

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