This course is a continuation of PHY426H1, but students have more freedom to progressively focus on specific areas of physics, do extended experiments, projects, or computational modules.

This course is a continuation of PHY428H1, but students have more freedom to progressively focus on specific areas of physics, do extended experiments, projects, or computational modules.

An introduction to the physical phenomena involved in the biological processes of living cells and complex systems. Models based on physical principles applied to cellular processes will be developed. Biological computational modeling will be introduced.

An introduction to relativistic electrodynamics. Topics include: special relativity, four-vectors and tensors, relativistic dynamics from the Principle of Stationary Action and Maxwell's equations in Lorentz covariant form. Noether's theorem for fields and the energy-momentum tensor. Fields of moving charges and electromagnetic radiation: retarded potential, Lienard-Wiechert potentials, multipole expansion, radiation reaction.

Classical and quantum statistical mechanics of noninteracting systems; the statistical basis of thermodynamics; ensembles, partition function; thermodynamic equilibrium; stability and fluctuations; formulation of quantum statistics; theory of simple gases; ideal Bose and Fermi systems.

The theory of continuous matter, including solid mechanics with a strong focus on fluid mechanics. Topics include the continuum approximation, dimensional analysis, stress, strain, the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations, vorticity, waves, instabilities, convection and turbulence.

Quantum dynamics in Heisenberg and Schrödinger pictures; WKB approximation; variational method; time-independent perturbation theory; spin; addition of angular momentum; time-dependent perturbation theory; scattering.

The theory of nonlinear dynamical systems with applications to many areas of physics. Topics include stability, bifurcations, chaos, universality, maps, strange attractors and fractals. Geometric, analytical and computational methods will be developed.

An individual study program chosen by the student with the advice of, and under the direction of, a staff member. A student may take advantage of this course either to specialize further in a field of interest or to explore interdisciplinary fields not available in the regular syllabus. Consult the department web pages for some possible topics. This course may also be available in the summer. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

An individual study program chosen by the student with the advice of, and under the direction of, a staff member. A student may take advantage of this course either to specialize further in a field of interest or to explore interdisciplinary fields not available in the regular syllabus. Consult the department web pages for some possible topics. This course may also be available in the summer. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

An individual experimental or theoretical research project undertaken with the advice of, and under the direction of, a staff member. A student may take advantage of this course either to specialize further in a field of interest or to explore independent research. Consult the department web site for some possible topics. This course may also be available in the summer. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

An individual experimental or theoretical research project undertaken with the advice of, and under the direction of, a faculty member. A student may take advantage of this course either to specialize further in a field of interest or to explore independent research. Consult the department web site for possible topics. This course may also be available in the summer. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Basis of Einstein's theory: differential geometry, tensor analysis, gravitational physics leading to General Relativity. Theory starting from solutions of Schwarzschild, Kerr, etc.

Applications of General Relativity to Astrophysics and Cosmology. Introduction to black holes, large-scale structure of the universe.

This course covers a broad range of advanced topics in classical optics, with the laser as a unifying theme. Topics include atom-photon interactions (absorption, radiation, and stimulated emission), how a laser works (gain, pumping, rate equation models, threshold, and gain clamping), optical resonators (their spectrum, finesse, stability, and transverse modes), propagation of Gaussian beams and paraxial rays, and the statistics of optical fields (spatial and temporal coherence). Time permitting, pulse propagation and pulsed lasers will be discussed.

Introduction to foundational concepts of condensed matter physics in the solid state. Main topics to be covered: crystal structure, reciprocal lattice, x-ray diffraction, crystal binding, lattice vibrations, phonons and electrons in solids, Fermi surfaces, energy bands, semiconductors and magnetism. Special topics to be surveyed: superconductivity and nanoelectronic transport.

This course introduces the basics of fundamental particles and the strong, weak and electromagnetic forces that govern their interactions in the Standard Model of particle physics. Topics include relativistic kinematics, conservation laws, particle decays and scattering processes, with an emphasis on the techniques used for calculating experimental observables.

Different interpretations of quantum mechanics are presented and discussed, comparing and contrasting the various approaches to understanding the formalism of the theory.  We begin with “textbook quantum mechanics” and then discuss the Copenhagen view, operationalist quantum mechanics, hidden variable theories, Bohm-de Broglie theory, consistent histories, relational quantum mechanics, relative state approaches (many minds and many worlds), QBism, the interactional interpretation, and collapse theories.

A preparatory course for research in experimental and theoretical atmospheric physics. Content will vary from year to year. Themes may include techniques for remote sensing of the Earth's atmosphere and surface; theoretical atmosphere-ocean dynamics; the physics of clouds, precipitation, and convection in the Earth's atmosphere.

Discussion of topics of current interest in planetary science with emphasis on papers published in scientific journals. This course is intended for students in the final year of the Planetary Science specialist program. Students must enrol with the course coordinator.

Research report by student in consultation with individual staff member in Astronomy, Chemistry, Geology or Physics. This course is intended for students in the final year of the Planetary Science specialist program. Students must enrol with the course coordinator. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

This course introduces students to compelling issues of contemporary politics through the lens of classic and important texts in political science. The course covers the politics of climate change, Indigenous rights, elections and electoral systems, terrorism, social movements and political activism, voting, democracy, and power.

This course examines the latest evidence-based research on the effects of social media on democracy. We cover surveillance capitalism, privacy, disinformation, and the often-overlooked ecological implications of data consumption. We also examine targeted digital espionage against civil society, Citizen Lab research reports, and explore solutions and alternatives to social media.

Why do individuals, groups, and societies make repeated, and often easily predictable mistakes? Why do they persist in courses of action that produce disastrous results? Why is it that in the political world good intentions are insufficient to ensure good results? This course employs the political science analytical toolkit to answer these questions and examines an array avoidable disasters, from the local to the international.

This course explores the relationship between justice, power, and interests in the works of prominent ancient, modern, and contemporary thinkers. It adopts a problem-driven approach and engages with current controversies in international relations in light of insights from classic books. Special attention is paid to the prospects of a just world order, the causes and justifications of war, the construction of images of citizens and enemies, and the nature of duties to outsiders.

Homes are core to our identities, shaping our beliefs, our social networks, and how we interact with the world. In turn, politics determines who has a home and who is homeless, whose home increases in value and whose mortgage gets foreclosed. Through careful consideration of evidence, we examine these processes.

Restricted to first-year students. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

This course introduces students to citizen political participation in democracies, with a focus on Canadian case studies. It examines theories of political participation and introduces students to a range of methods by which citizens engage in political life including social movements, political party membership, deliberative mini-publics and more. This course examines debates about the appropriate role for citizens in governance and considers barriers to equity in political participation in Canada.

Restricted to first-year students. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

A study of political ideas as found in literature, plays, art works and film.

Restricted to first-year students.

Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

This seminar explores the politics of representation in Indigenous multimedia. We study Indigenous cultural productions—memoir, documentary, graphic novel, film, poetry, music, and video games—to examine representations of settler colonialism and how Indigenous peoples endure it.

Restricted to first-year students.

Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

China’s meteoric rise to great power status has triggered an intense international debate over its global implications. While many analysts see Beijing’s rise as posing a threat to global political and economic stability, Chinese leaders have argued forcefully that China’s efforts to regain its historic preeminence will result in a ‘win-win” outcome for all states. This course will assess the merits of these contending positions through an historical examination of China’s 20th century renaissance. The course will begin by tracing the long period of imperial decline in the 19th century, culminating in China’s revolutionary rebirth as a Marxist state in 1949. A major focus will be on the Mao-era legacy of revolutionary diplomacy and the foreign policy consequences of its later transformation into a market-authoritarian powerhouse.

Restricted to first-year students.

Not eligible for CR/NCR option.