A course relevant to those interested in teaching. Activity-based learning of fundamental physics topics typically taught in elementary and secondary schools. Topics include: motion, forces, energy, heat, electricity and magnetism, and light. Students will be required to teach a one-hour enrichment class, once a week for 10 weeks, to Grade 7 or 8 students in a local school. 
NOTE    This course may not be included in any Plan in Physics other than a Minor.

For those interested in the impact of science on our century. Modern physics, especially nuclear physics, will be introduced by emphasizing the personalities, thoughts and writings of key scientists such as Bohr, Einstein and Rutherford and the ways in which they related to and shaped their political, scientific and social environments. Enrolment is limited.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online.

A descriptive course exploring concepts in physics at the frontiers of active research. Bypassing jargon and mathematical complexities, students will focus on the big questions at the extremes of our understanding of the universe around us. Designed for non-scientists who want to learn how we try to understand our fantastic, physic natural world.
LEARNING HOURS 114 (24L;24Pc;36O;18Oc;12P)

Mechanics, including systems of particles and rigid body motion; gravitation; fluids; electricity and magnetism; oscillatory motion and waves; topics in modern physics. The material is presented at a more fundamental level appropriate for students who are seeking a deeper appreciation of physics, and who may be considering a concentration in Physics.
LEARNING HOURS 240 (72L;36Lb;36T;96P).

Mechanics, including systems of particles and rigid body motion; fluids; electricity and magnetism; oscillatory motion and waves; heat, light and sound; topics in modern physics. Aspects of physics useful for further work in other sciences will be emphasized.
NOTE Also offered at the Bader International Study Centre. Learning Hours may vary.
LEARNING HOURS 240 (72L;36Lb;36T;96P).

An algebra-based course dealing with basic physics concepts, including dynamics, fluids, waves, electromagnetism, and basic optics. Emphasis is based on the development of problem-solving skills through the use of Mastery based course delivery. PHYS 117 includes a required lab component.
NOTE Manual: estimated cost $15 to $25 per manual.

An algebra-based course dealing with basic Physics concepts, including dynamics, fluids, waves, electromagnetism, and basic optics. Emphasis is placed on the development of problem-solving skills through the use of Mastery based course delivery.
NOTE Only offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online.
LEARNING HOURS 228 (132O;96P).

This is the laboratory portion of PHYS 117, offered for students who completed the online PHYS 118 Basic Physics course, but would like a laboratory experience. A laboratory class in mechanics, electricity, waves and optics. This course runs 8 experiments through the fall and winter terms.

An introductory course in classical dynamics of particles, of rigid bodies and of fluids that sets the foundation for more advanced work. Topics include kinematics of particles and of rigid bodies, central forces, kinetics of systems of particles, planar and three dimensional dynamics of rigid bodies and an introduction to fluid mechanics.

Fundamentals of free, damped and forced vibrations with applications to various mechanical systems. Coupled oscillations and normal modes. Classical wave equation, standing and travelling waves. Continuum mechanics of solid bodies; elasticity theory with applications. Introduction to optics: image formation and optical instruments.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (24L;24T;72P).

Computing environments, algorithms, techniques and programming for solving physics problems. Numerical methods. Code development. Possible topics to be covered include numerical differentiation and integration, root finding and optimization problems, solution of linear systems of equations, Monte Carlo simulation, and symbolic computation.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (24L;24T;72P)
EQUIVALENCY PHYS 313/3.0.

Broad overview of basic laws of gravitation, radiation, and relativity: history and evolution of modern astronomy; ground and space-based astronomy; the physics and evolution of stars; the milky way; galaxies in the universe; and cosmology. This course also uses the on-campus observatory at an introductory level.

The experimental basis and mathematical description of electrostatics, magnetostatics and electromagnetic induction, together with a discussion of the properties of dielectrics and ferromagnetics, are presented.  Both the integral and vector forms of Maxwell's equations are deduced.

Evidence for relativistic effects. Kinematics and dynamics in special relativity, space-time diagrams, applications. Evidence for quanta, spectra, Bohr atom. Introduction to the Schroedinger equation.

Laboratory and lecture course that presents techniques and skills that are the foundations of experimental physics. Topics include statistical analysis of data, uncertainties in measurement, propagation of errors, software for data analysis, graphing and reporting. Students will be exposed to techniques in the measurement of electric, magnetic, thermal and mechanical properties. Laboratories also illustrate some principles of quantum physics, mechanics, electromagnetism and thermodynamics learned in other physics courses. Some exposure to computerized data acquisition is included.
LEARNING HOURS 132 (24L;36Lb;72P).

Students will develop an appreciation for the physical and chemical processes that control light and colours. Students will learn the basic principles of light emission and propagation, image formation, the workings of optical devices and detectors, colour theory and colour perception, colour in art, colour in nature, and colours in astronomy.
LEARNING HOURS 108 (36L;72P).

This course relates observable quantities to the physical properties of astronomical sources thereby deciphering the varied nature of the cosmos. Basic physical processes in astrophysics are discussed and applied to diverse systems including planets, stars, the interstellar medium and distant galaxies. Topics include radiative transfer and the perturbation of the signal by instruments, the atmosphere, and the interstellar medium. The main astrophysical emission processes, both continuum and line, are also presented. An observing project will be carried out during the term.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

Methods of mathematics important for physicists. Complex arithmetic, series expansions and approximations of functions, Fourier series and transforms, vector spaces and eigenvalue problems, ordinary differential equations and Green's functions.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;12T;72P).

A continuation of PHYS 316. Partial differential equations, functions of a complex variable and contour integration, and special topics such as probability and statistics, group theory and non-linear dynamics.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;12T;72P).

An introduction to the equations of mechanics using the Lagrange formalism and to the calculus of variations leading to Hamilton's principle. The concepts developed in this course are applied to problems ranging from purely theoretical constructs to practical applications. Links to quantum mechanics and extensions to continuous systems are developed.

The design of electronic circuits and systems, using commonly available devices and integrated circuits. The properties of linear circuits are discussed with particular reference to the applications of feedback; operational amplifiers are introduced as fundamental building blocks. Digital circuits are examined and the properties of the commonly available I.C. types are studied; their use in measurement, control and signal analysis is outlined. Laboratory work is closely linked with lectures and provides practical experience in the subjects covered in lectures.

An examination of the basic phenomena of semiconductor physics and their application in diodes, transistors, optical detectors, and lasers. The laboratory illustrates the use of semiconductor devices in electronic circuits. (0/10/2/28/8)~ COURSE DELETED IN 2008/09 ~

This course deals with the fundamental concepts of solid state materials and the principles of operation of modern electronic and optoelectronic devices. Topics in materials include crystal structure, energy bands, carrier processes and junctions. Topics in device operation include p-n junction diodes, bipolar junction transistors, field-effect junction transistors, metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors, and double heterojunction lasers.(0/18/0/21/0)

Matter waves. Postulates of wave mechanics. Stationary states and one-dimensional potentials. Particle tunneling and scattering states. Introduction to matrix mechanics and Dirac notation. Quantized angular momentum, and the H atom.

Spin. Addition of angular momentum. Many electron atoms and the periodic table. Introduction to perturbation theory and Fermi's golden rule. Time dependent perturbations, including stimulated emission. Introduction to nuclear and particle physics.

Experiments in heat, optics, electron physics, quantum physics, and radioactivity are performed. A substantial part of the course is an experimental project during the Winter Term. A topic for the experimental physics, or observational astronomy project will be assigned after discussion with the student.
LEARNING HOURS 222 (72Lb;6O;144P).

Measurement of a variety of quantities with particular reference to techniques used in current physics and engineering practice, including optics, X-rays in crystallography and analysis, vacuum practice, nuclear techniques, signal-to-noise enhancement, the use of digital computers for instrumentation purposes, and the statistical analysis of data.

Temperature, equations of state, internal energy, first and second laws, entropy and response functions. Application to heat engines and refrigerators. Free energies, Legendre transformations, changes of phase. Introduction to the Boltzmann factor and statistical mechanics.

An introduction to the electrical and optical properties of insulators, semiconductors and metals. Introduction to Fermi-Dirac statistics, crystal and band theory and electron transport. Topics covered include the physics behind diodes, field effect and bipolar junction transistors, and electro-optical discrete devices.

Einstein's theory of gravity is developed from fundamental principles to a level which enables the student to read some of the current literature. Includes an introduction to computer algebra, an essential element of a modern introduction to Einstein's theory.

Electromagnetic theory and applications. Topics include: Maxwell's equations, gauge theory, relativistic transformations of Maxwell's equations, properties of waves in free space, dielectrics, conductors and ionized media, reflection and refraction at the surfaces of various media, propagation in metallic and dielectric waveguides, radiation of electromagnetic waves from charged particles and antennae.

This course provides a detailed account of the formation, structure, evolution and endpoints of stars. Topics include the HR diagram, nuclear energy generation, radiative transport and stellar model building, supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars and black holes.

This course covers perturbation theory, scattering theory and the addition of angular momentum. Special topics may include: many-electron systems, path integral formulation of quantum mechanics, entanglement and quantum computing, quantum optics.

This course provides advanced physics and engineering physics students with experience in a wide range of modern experimental techniques. Experiments encompass measurements in applied physics, quantum solid state physics, low temperature physics, nuclear physics and optics. The course has set experiments in the Fall Term and group projects in the Winter Term.

Advanced physics laboratory course providing students with experience in a range of experimental techniques and analysis. A selection of experiments are performed from fields including nuclear physics, applied physics, fluid mechanics, solid state physics, low-temperature physics and optics.
LEARNING HOURS 132 (76Lb;60P)

Groups of students in physics and engineering physics undertake a large design project of their choice that reflects and further develops their knowledge of physics. The students then build a prototype of their design to demonstrate the feasibility of the project within the design constraints.

Topics and applications in modern physical optics, culminating with the development of the laser and its current applications. Topics include: Gaussian beam propagation, optical resonators, Fourier optics, fiber optics, holography, light-matter interaction using classical and semi-classical models, and the basic theory and types of lasers.

Phase space, the ergodic hypothesis and ensemble theory. Canonical and grand canonical ensembles. Partition functions. Ideal quantum gases. Classical gases and the liquid-vapour transition. Introduction to techniques for interacting systems, including Monte Carlo simulations.

This course teaches students how to use the tools of high performance computing facilities, including communications protocol for parallel computations. Students will employ these facilities and tools and use various numerical algorithms in the solution of physics problems.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (24L;24T;72P).

A fundamental treatment of the properties of solids. Topics include: crystal structure, X-ray and neutron scattering, the reciprocal lattice, phonons, electronic energy bands, and the thermal, magnetic, optical and transport properties of solids.

An examination of the key ideas, techniques and technologies in the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Emphasis will be placed on the physics involved, measurement techniques, and technological applications. Topics covered are selected from the following: electrical and optical properties of quantum dots, quantum wires and nanotubes; quantum information technology; mesoscopic electronics; nanostructures on surfaces; and scanning-probe and optical microscopy.

A systematic introduction to nuclear and particle physics for advanced physics students. Topics include basic nuclear properties: size, mass, decay and reactions; shell model of nuclear structure; magnetic moments; gamma and beta decay; quark model of elementary particles; and strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions.

The objective of this course is the understanding of the fundamental physics associated with a nuclear reactor. Topics include a brief review of basic nuclear physics, neutron interactions and cross-sections, neutron diffusion, neutron moderation, theory of reactors, changes in reactivity, control of reactors. Offered in alternate years.
NOTE Manual: estimated cost $15 to $25 per manual.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;12T;72P).

Topics include: the production and measurement of X-rays and charged particles for radiation therapy and nuclear medicine; interactions of radiation with matter and biological materials; interaction coefficients and radiation dosimetry; radiation safety; physics of medical imaging with examples from nuclear medicine, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.

Investigation of a contemporary research topic in physics or astronomy under the supervision of a faculty member, and leading to a written thesis and an oral presentation of results.

This course describes the material content, energetics, formation and evolution of the Galaxy, and places our Galaxy in the context of galaxies, in general. Topics include the interstellar medium, stellar populations, dynamics, the Galactic center and the Galactic halo. 

This course describes the material content, energetics and evolution of the Universe beyond our Galaxy. Topics include global properties of galaxies and clusters, the extragalactic distance scale, extragalactic radio sources, large scale structure, dark matter, and cosmology.

This course provides a detailed account of the formation, structure, evolution and end-points of stars. Topics include the HR diagram, nuclear energy generation, radiative transport and stellar model building, supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars and black holes. 

Due to its long range and lack of shielding, the Newtonian gravitational force plays a major role in the dynamical evolution of astronomical systems ranging in scale from planetary systems to clusters of galaxies. In this course we examine common features across these scales as well as specific features of importance in the gravitational dynamics of the Solar System and other planetary systems, star clusters, galaxies and clusters of galaxies.

Einstein's theory of gravity is developed from fundamental principles to a level which enables the student to read some of the current literature. The course includes an introduction to computer algebra, an essential element of a modern introduction to Einstein's theory. (Offered jointly with PHYS-414.)

An intermediate graduate level course in quantum mechanics suitable for students from all research areas in the department. Topics include second quantization, many-particle systems and Hartree-Fock theory, symmetries and invariance in quantum theory, density matrices, quantization of the electromagnetic field, path integrals, relativistic quantum mechanics and the Dirac equation.

An advanced but non-relativistic discussion of classical electromagnetic theory intended for students in applied/engineering physics and condensed matter physics and with an emphasis on the generation and propagation of electromagnetic waves. Topics include polarization, multipoles and electromagnetic fields in macroscopic media, diffraction theory, simple radiating systems, and the propagation of waves in dispersive media and plasmas. Additional topics may include guided waves, nonlinear optics, and the optics ofanisotropic media.

An advanced course in relativistic electrodynamics, intended for students in subatomic physics and astrophysics. Topics include the covariant formulation of Maxwell's equations, relativistic motionof charged particles in electromagnetic fields and the resultant radiated fields, synchrotron radiation, Cerenkov radiation, and the inverse Compton effect are discussed. Additionally, the course may offer a brief treatment of magnetohydrodynamics. Applications to problems in astrophysics and high energy particle physics will be discussed.

A survey of instrumentation and techniques for astronomical ground and space-based observations. Topics include theory of measurement; imaging; interferometry and spectroscopy of electromagnetic radiation at radio, infrared, optical, and X-ray wavelengths; data analysis.

An introduction to experimental techniques employed in modern particle astrophysics experiments. Topics will include a description of the interactions of particles with matter and the detection techniques for topics of current interest, including neutrinos, dark matter, double beta decay and supernovae.

A course covering modern theories of the formation of cosmological structure. Topics include the theory of gravitational instability in the linear regime; the statistics of density fields; cosmic flows; non-linear instability in the context of the cold dark matter universe; N-body simulations; comparisons of theory with the observed Universe.

A survey of astrophysical sources and mechanisms that produce high energy particles (gamma rays, neutrinos, and cosmic rays). Propagation of the particles and techniques for detecting high energy particles will be discussed.

An introduction to neutrino physics and astrophysics. Topics include neutrino mass and mixing; solar neutrinos; supernova neutrinos; ultra high energy neutrino astronomy.

An overview of the physics of the interstellar medium with particular focus on molecular clouds and the process of star formation. Possible topics include: phases of the ISM, molecular cloud properties and substructure, heating and cooling processes in molecular clouds, radiative transfer, Jeans instability and fragmentation, and the regulation of star formation by magnetic fields, turbulence and feedback.
PREREQUISITE: permission of the instructor.

This course provides an introduction to the physics of stellar atmospheres, including bulk stellar properties, concepts of local thermodynamic equilibrium, excitation and ionization equilibria, radiative energy transport, convective instability, continuous opacity, model stellar atmospheres, and stellar continua. This is followed by a development of the basic tools of quantitative spectroscopy, including concepts of line opacity and line profiles, contribution functions, hydrogen line profiles, stellar abundance determinations, and microscopic and macroscopic velocity fields. The course concludes with a discussion of special topics such as stellar magnetic fields, non-LTE, stellar winds, stellar pulsation, and stellar activity including chromospheres and coronae. 

This module studies astrophysical situations in which Newtonian dynamics fails at the local scale. Topics include:  Neutron Stars: Origin, current understanding of their structure, interaction with their environment and the importance of binary pulsars in verifying the status of general relativity.  Black Holes: Origin, current understanding of their uniqueness properties in the static and stationary cases, interaction with their environment and the importance of black holes in a cosmological context.

This course introduces a number of topics in the field of medical physics. Included are: the physics of radiation therapy, ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, x-ray imaging, radioisotope imaging and image reconstruction techniques.

A multi-disciplinary graduate course on advanced topics in microfabrication with research perspectives. It aims to help students from a broad range of Applied Sciences with special interests in micro/nano-technology to relate the physics of selected advanced topics to current opportunities and problems in their research. Instructions integrate contributions from several faculty members. An ongoing articulation of the interface between micro- and nano-scale methodologies will be maintained.

The history of the Universe from the Big Bang to the formation of the cosmic radiation background. Topics include shortcomings of the standard cosmological model; inflation; baryogenesis; the quark-hadron phase transition; big bang nucleosynthesis; dark matter; the epoch of last scattering.

A graduate course aimed at completing the cosmology curriculum of Queen's astronomy students, and providing the context and theoretical background behind the particle astrophysics research done at Queen's. Topics include inflation, nucleosynthesis, recombination, perturbation theory and linear structure formation, dark matter physics and detection, dark energy, neutrino astronomy, gravitational waves, cosmic rays and dark matter.
PREREQUISITE: Permission from the course coordinator.
EXCLUSION: PHYS-861

The principles of classical and quantum statistical mechanics with application to the theories of the gaseous, liquid, and solid states of matter. Review of thermodynamics, fundamentals. Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics, solids and phase transitions.

A double-numbered course to teach students how to use the tools of high­performance computing facilities, and to have them employ these tools and various common numerical algorithms, in the solution of numerical physics projects. Offered jointly with PHYS-479.
PREREQUISITE: prior programming experience and permission from the course instructor
EXCLUSION: PHYS-479

The structural, electronic, optical and transport properties of solids. (Offered jointly with PHYS-480*.)

A continuation of PHYS-880*. Topics include the vibrational, magnetic, and superconducting properties of solids.

Advances in photonics materials and sensing benefit from a multidisciplinary approach. Students will work at the interface of chemistry, physics and engineering in interdisciplinary teams to solve up to three problems, involving techniques such as chemical synthesis, optical characterization, device fabrication, and numerical modelling. Some projects may involve hands-on experimentation.
PREREQUISITE: Permission from the course coordinator

Nonlinear optical effects arise when the electric polarization of a medium is a nonlinear function of the light field. With the advent of new materials and more intense lasers, nonlinear optics has become important in many systems of scientific and technological interest. Topics will include an examination of nonlinear susceptibilities and nonlinear wave propagation in molecular and solid state systems.
PREREQUISITE: PHYS-432/ENPH-431 and PHYS/ENPH-345 or equivalent.
EXCLUSION: PHYS-882*

Quantum Optics describes the behavior of quanta of light ¿ photons ¿ as they flow through our world or interact with matter. Increasingly, concepts from this field are at the core of complex experiments and emerging technologies. This course introduces the basic principles of quantum optics, the use of nanophotonics to enhance these effects, and then applies these to select topics within this growing field.
PREREQUISITE: PHYS-432/ENPH-431 and PHYS/ENPH-345 or equivalent.
EXCLUSION: PHYS-882*

A systematic introduction to nuclear and particle physics. Topics include basic nuclear properties; size mass, decay and reactions; shell model of nuclear structure; magnetic moments; gamma and beta decay; quark model of elementary particles; and strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions

A course in particle physics, covering topics such as:  the physics of particles; symmetries and conservation laws; quark models of hadrons; the parton model and QCD; weak interactions.

A series of research seminar presented by students in the PhD programme summarizing the important issues in their research areas. Presentation of a seminar is required of every PhD student in each of their second and third years. To be offered every fall/winter; graded Pass/Fail.

The Science Leadership and Management course will be delivered over twelve 3-hour sessions to Chemistry and Physics students in either of the first two years of their PhD studies (or other graduate students with permission from the course coordinator and supervisor). The first and last four-week sessions will focus on the development and application of leadership skills, and the second four-week session will focus on the development of management skills, that are useful in scientific positions in industry and academia. To be offered every fall; graded Pass/Fail. Exclusion: CHEM-904*

A discussion of recent problems in astronomy based on current literature. Possible topics include: radio jets in double radio sources, emission from the galactic centre and early type star formation.

A discussion of recent problems in astrophysics based on current literature. Possible topics include: clock synchronization in general relativity, gravitational bounce and the effect of gravitational radiation in very close binary systems.

Introduction to quantum field theory, with applications to particle physics, condensed matter, gravitation, and cosmology. Topics that may be covered include effective field theory, non-Abelian interactions, renormalization, anomalies, symmetry breaking, and the path integral.

An investigation into different theoretical perspectives on the issue of identity and the importance of these perspectives for the politics of identity. Theories of gender, race, class, nation, and sexual orientation, from a variety of perspectives, including Marxist, feminist, postmodern, and psychoanalytic theory. (Offered jointly with POLS-456*).

A discussion of recent problems in medical physics based on current literature. Possible topics include: adaptive radiation therapy, Monte Carlo simulations in radiation physics, imaging in radiation therapy, image reconstruction, and radiation dose planning algorithms.

Topics in condensed matter physics of current interest. Examples of such topics are: surface physics, magnetotransport properties, polymers and disordered solids, low temperature physics.

Topics include pseudopotential theory of metals, band theory of ordered and disordered solids, linear response theory, density functional theory, field theories of phase transitions.

A discussion of selected topics of current interest in nuclear and particle physics. Possible subjects include one or more from weak interactions and neutrinos, particle astrophysics, and grand unified theories. 

A course primarily for students in theoretical physics. Various topics of current interest will be discussed, such as the interacting boson model, and investigations of the nuclear response to leptonic, pionic, and hadronic probes.