Course Descriptions
PHYC 0010 University Prep Physics
CREDIT HOURS: 0
This course can be used as a prerequisite for PHYC 1100X/Y.06 and
PHYC 1300X/Y.06. The course will develop problem-solving techniques in preparation for topics to be covered in PHYC 1100X/Y.06 and
PHYC 1300X/Y.06. This course is offered by the College of Continuing Education. Students may register and pay for this course at the College of Continuing Education located at 1220 LeMarchant Street, 2nd Floor or by calling (902) 494-2375. This course is offered in the Fall and Summer sessions only (see College of Continuing Education for more details http://collegeofcontinuinged.dal.ca).
PREREQUISITES: Grade 12 Pre-Calculus Math
PHYC 1190 Introduction to Physics
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course concentrates on mechanics (forces and motion). Primarily for students interested in Physical Sciences and Engineering. Students entering this course must be familiar with algebra, graphs, and trigonometry, and should be taking calculus (
MATH 1000.03/1010.03 or
MATH 1280.03/1290.03) concurrently. Ideas are introduced through in-class demonstrations enabling students to relate physical theory to events in the real world. Students explore many concepts via hands-on labs.
FORMAT:
FORMAT COMMENTS: number of labs = 6
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES: High School Physics equivalent to the Nova Scotia 12 level. Students not having a physics credit equivalent to Nova Scotia Grade 12 Physics are strongly advised to take
PHYC 0010.00 available in the summer and in the fall term. See the College of Continuing Education at: http://collegeofcontinuinged.dal.ca.
EXCLUSIONS: Credit will be given for only one of
PHYC 1190.03 or
PHYC 1310.03.
PHYC 1290 Introduction To Physics
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course concentrates on oscillations and waves, optics, electricity and magnetism. Primarily for students interested in Physical Sciences and Engineering. This course is required for all Engineering programs. Students entering this course must be familiar with algebra, graphs, and trigonometry, and should be taking calculus (
MATH 1000.03/1010.03 or
MATH 1280.03/1290.03) concurrently. Ideas are introduced through in-class demonstrations enabling students to relate physical theory to events in the real world. Students explore many concepts via hands-on labs.
FORMAT:
FORMAT COMMENTS: number of labs = 8
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES: High School Physics equivalent to the Nova Scotia 12 level. Students not having a physics credit equivalent to Nova Scotia Grade 12 Physics are strongly advised to take
PHYC 0010.00 available in the summer and in the fall term. See the College of Continuing Education at: http://collegeofcontinuinged.dal.ca.
EXCLUSIONS: Credit will be given for only one of
PHYC 1290.03 or
PHYC 1320.03.
PHYC 1310 Physics in and Around You I
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This an algebra-based introduction to physics for students in Life Sciences, Psychology, Arts and Environmental Sciences, Health Professions, and allied Health Sciences and for students preparing for MCAT, Medicine, and Dentistry. It is accepted as a prerequisite to advanced courses in physics when combined with
PHYC 1320.03,
MATH 1000.03, and
MATH 1010.03. Basic concepts in mechanics, waves, sound, and fluids are applied, where possible, to realistic biological models, e.g., the biomechanics of muscles and joints.
NOTES: This course is not acceptable for the Engineering program
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES: High School Physics equivalent to the Nova Scotia 12 level is strongly recommended. Students not having this equivalence are strongly advised to take
PHYC 0010.00. See the College of Continuing Education at: http://collegeofcontinuinged.dal.ca.
EXCLUSIONS: Credit will be given for only one of
PHYC 1190.03 or
PHYC 1310.03.
EXCLUSIONS: Credit will be given for only one of
PHYC 1190.03 or
PHYC 1310.03.
PHYC 1320 Physics in and Around You II
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This is a continuation of the introduction to physics presented in
PHYC 1310.03. The course is designed for students in Life Sciences, Psychology, Arts and Environmental Sciences, Health Professions, and allied Health Sciences and for students preparing for MCAT, Medicine and Dentistry. It is accepted as a prerequisite to advanced courses in physics when combined with
PHYC 1310.03,
MATH 1000.03, and
MATH 1010.03. Topics include optics, electricity, atomic and nuclear physics with applications to vision, cellular activity, imaging, and radiation treatment.
NOTES: This course is not acceptable for the Engineering program.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES:
PHYC 1310.03 or
PHYC 1190.03
EXCLUSIONS: Credit will be given for only one of
PHYC 1290.03 or
PHYC 1320.03.
PHYC 1400 Life in the Universe
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course provides an overview of the night sky, solar system and stellar astronomy. The focus is on conditions necessary for life, the requirements of extrasolar planetary systems to support Earth-like environments, and the development of life on the Earth.
NOTES: Suitable as science elective for non-science majors.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 1
TUTORIAL HOURS PER WEEK: 1
EXCLUSIONS: PHYC 1451.03, PHYC 1452.03
PHYC 1600 Understanding Weather
CREDIT HOURS: 3
The changing weather is a topic of almost universal interest. This course provides an introductory explanation for the basic processes that comprise the day to day weather changes in a non-mathematical way. Topics include weather maps and the wide range of atmospheric phenomena.
FORMAT: Lecture
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PHYC 2050 Computer Simulations in Science
CREDIT HOURS: 3
Computer simulation plays an essential role in all fields of science. This class introduces techniques in computer simulation, including finite-difference calculations, Monte Carlo methods, and scientific visualization. A modern programming language and practical tools will be used. The course is suitable for students in Science, Computer Science and Engineering.
PREREQUISITES:
PHYC 1190.03/
PHYC 1290.03,
MATH 1000.03/
MATH 1010.03
PHYC 2060 Oscillations and Waves
CREDIT HOURS: 3
Oscillations and waves occur in a wide range of physical, chemical and biological systems. The objective of this course is to quantitatively explore the physics of oscillation and waves in a variety of classical systems such as mechanical and electrical oscillators, sound, and electromagnetic waves.
NOTES: This course replaces PHYC 2140.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
TUTORIAL HOURS PER WEEK: 1
PREREQUISITES:
PHYC 1190/1290 or
PHYC 1310/1320, and
MATH 1000/1010 or
MATH 1280/1290
EXCLUSIONS: PHYC 2140
PHYC 2150 Physics Tools: Experiment
CREDIT HOURS: 3
Introducing experimental tools and techniques within a theoretical framework, this course explores concepts in oscillations, waves, electricity and magnetism. The aim is to learn and apply techniques commonly used in Physics research. The following experimental tools and techniques are explored: Instrumentation; Fourier series; Data analysis; building AC and DC circuits; Detection and production of ultrasonic, acoustic, visible, microwaves; Mechanical systems. For example, the concept of resonance is applied to electronic (e.g. Radio), optical, acoustic (e.g. Music), mechanical and nuclear (e.g. MRI) systems in the lab. Textbook: An Introduction to Error Analysis, John R. Taylor.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 1
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 5
PREREQUISITES:
PHYC 1190.03/1290.03 or 1300X/Y.06 or SCIE 1500X/Y.30 and a 1000-level calculus course, or permission of instructor
PHYC 2250 Physics of Biological and Medical Technology
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course focuses on the nature of different forms of radiation and their interactions with living organisms. Particular attention is given to imaging techniques for the examination of internal organs, and the resulting effects of radiation. Topics may include ultrasound, nuclear medicine, X-ray tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and exposure to ultraviolet and nuclear radiation.
FORMAT: Lecture
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES:
PHYC 1190.03/1290.03 or 1300X/Y.06:
MATH 1000.03/1010.03 or SCIE 1500X/Y.30, 1501X/Y.30, 1501X/Y.27, 1502X/Y.21 1503X/Y.21, 1504X/Y.27, or 1510X/Y.33 or permission of the instructor.
PHYC 2310 Energy and the Environment
CREDIT HOURS: 3
The physical principles and limitations of renewable energy source utilization and energy conversion. A quantitative introduction to energy conversion and storage systems, including solar power and heating, wind, tidal, geothermal, hydroelectric, nuclear power, hydrogen technology, electrical and mechanical energy storage. The input of these energy options on the global climate and environment will be discussed.
FORMAT: Lecture
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES:
PHYC 1190.03/1290.03 (or
PHYC 1310/1320), C
HEM 1011.03/1012.03, a
nd MATH 1000.03
(or MATH 1215.03), or permission of the instructor.
CROSS-LISTING:
ENVS 2310.03
EXCLUSIONS: Students who have previously taken PHYC 3330 can not take
PHYC 2310.
PHYC 2451 Solar System Astronomy & the Night Sky
CREDIT HOURS: 3
An introduction to solar system astronomy and the night sky for science students. The historical development of astronomy, and celestial coordinate systems are discussed, with focus on the planets and satellites of our solar system. Planetarium sessions are included, as are opportunities to observe the night sky through small telescopes.
FORMAT: Lecture
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES: A first year science course
EXCLUSIONS:
PHYC 1400, PHYC 1451
PHYC 2452 Stellar & Galactic Astrophysics
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This companion course to
PHYC 2451 will serve as a general introduction to the
astrophysics of stars and galaxies for science students. The basic properties of stars,
star formation, stellar evolution, stellar populations, star clusters, and the late
stages of stellar evolution will be discussed. The course will examine the interstellar
medium, and galactic structure and evolution, and compact objects (neutron stars, black
holes, quasars) at an introductory level. The role of dark matter and dark energy in the
formation of the universe, and in establishing the present-day large scale structure of
the universe will be reviewed.
FORMAT: Lecture
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES: A first year science course, and one of
MATH 1000, 1215, 1500, or 1280
EXCLUSIONS: PHYC 1452, PHYC 2450
PHYC 2510 Electricity and Magnetism
CREDIT HOURS: 3
The course will develop the vector calculus needed for the description of electric and magnetic fields. Other topics include scalar and vector potentials, forces on charges, magnetic induction and Maxwell's equations. The course will give students the necessary foundation for an understanding of more advanced topics in electricity and magnetism.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES: PHYC 2140.03 or
PHYC 2060.03,
MATH 2001.03 and
MATH 2120.03 (which can be taken concurrently), or permission of the instructor.
PHYC 2515 Modern Physics
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course introduces two physics revolutions: Einstein's theory of special relativity and the theory of quantum mechanics. Important early experiments are considered throughout the course. We consider length contraction, time dilation, and relativistic kinematics. Then, to account for wave-like properties of matter, we introduce complex wave functions in one-dimension and show how they lead to energy quantization, Schrodinger's equation, and penetration into classically forbidden regions. Other topics of modern physics, such as random walks (transport theory) may be introduced. A tutorial is offered.
FORMAT:
FORMAT COMMENTS: tutorial 1.5 hours
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES:
PHYC 1190.03/1290.03 or
PHYC 1300.06 or SCIE 1500.03, and a 1000 level calculus course
PHYC 2610 Introduction to Biomechanics
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course provides an introduction to mechanical and analytical concepts applied to the study of biological systems, particularly human movements and tissues. It expands on the knowledge acquired in
PHYC 1310, the mechanics as it applies to the human body. It deals with the muscle forces required for the different tasks, the role of the centre of mass in balance and motion and the stresses and strains endured by the different biological tissues.The primary goal of the course is to learn to apply basic mechanical concepts to human movements.
FORMAT: Lecture
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES:
PHYC 1310.03 or
PHYC 1190.03 or
permission of the instructor
EXCLUSIONS:
KINE 2465.03
PHYC 2800 Climate Change
CREDIT HOURS: 3
The workings of the Earth's climate system are examined and then applied to help understand contemporary climate change. The role of numerical climate models is discussed with the aim of interpreting climate change predictions for the coming decades. Finally the impacts of climate change are studied with a focus on the various mitigation and adaptation strategies needed.
FORMAT COMMENTS: 3 hours
CROSS-LISTING:
GEOG 2800.03,
OCEA 2800.03
EXCLUSIONS: ECON2850.06, PHYC2850.06
PHYC 2850 The Science and Economics of Climate Change
CREDIT HOURS: 6
This course examines how climate change will impact the environment and human activities, and how to formulate and implement economically realistic solutions. It integrates the physical and biological science with economics in order to analyze the response options as we move towards a carbon-neutral society.
FORMAT: Lecture
PREREQUISITES:
ECON 1101.03 or
ECON 1102.03 or any first year science or math course or permission of the instructor.
CROSS-LISTING:
ECON 2850.03
EXCLUSIONS:
PHYC 2800,
ECON 2216
PHYC 3000 Experimental Physics I
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course introduces students to electronics and measuring techniques. Topics include digital electronics: logic gates, clocks, shift registers, counters, memory; analog electronics; R.C.L. circuits, operational amplifiers; electronic systems: A/D and D/A chips, computer chips, and displays. The course also introduces students to modern data acquisition methods (including LabVIEW), skills which will be applied in the design and execution of experiments that illustrate fundamental concepts in physics. This course is open to Honours students only.
NOTES: This course has no final examination. Student evaluation is through performance on assignments and projects, and evaluation of written lab reports.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 6
PREREQUISITES:
PHYC 2150.03 and
PHYC 2515.03, or permission of the instructor.