New Student Registration: Physics

• PHYS 101 – Physics for the Life and Health Sciences:  Mechanics
• PHYS 102 – Physics for the Life and Health Sciences:  Waves and Fields
• PHYS 108 – Physics for the Life and Health Sciences:  Waves and Fields
• PHYS 121 – Physics for the Physical Sciences and Engineering I
• PHYS 122 – Physics for the Physical Sciences and Engineering II
• PHYS 171 – Introduction to Astronomy I
• PHYS 172 – Introduction to Astronomy II

PHYS 101, 102, 121, 122

PHYS 101 and 102 are intended for students planning to study the life sciences, primarily biology and human kinetics, and who do not intend to take additional physics courses above the first-year level.

PHYS 121 and 122 are intended for students planning to study the physical sciences of chemistry, engineering, and physics; for mathematics and computer science students; and for any students (including those in the life sciences) who may wish to take a physics course above the first-year level.

Students planning a program in Earth and environmental sciences may take PHYS 101/102 or PHYS 121/122.

As a general rule, students who are required or who wish to take PHYS 101/102 or 121/122 as part of their programs should consider doing so in first year. There are benefits from conceptual overlaps with calculus (MATH 106/107) if these courses are taken simultaneously. Also, taking an introductory physics course in first year will minimize the time gap between university physics and high school physics and math, which can be very beneficial to student success.

PHYS 101 is not a prerequisite for 102, so those wishing to take PHYS 102 in second term may do so without having completed 101 in first term.

PHYS 101/102 or 121/122 (normally 121/122) are prerequisites for all other courses in the department, other than 171, 172, 371 and 372.  (PHYS 171 and 172 have no prerequisites.  PHYS 371 and 372 require only PHYS 101 or PHYS 121, though 122 is also recommended.)

PHYS 108

PHYS 108 is the same course content as PHYS 102, but without the lab.  This course is not an option for students intending to take subsequent physics courses; upper-year courses will require intro courses with labs.  Students who are looking for a science course without a lab, and who do not plan to take more physics courses after the intro, can use this course in their programs.

This course is an option for students in BSc in Human Kinetics, in the Health Sciences minor, as long as students do not intend to take further physics courses.

Note that programs requiring introductory physics, such as chemistry, require 6 credits of lab-based physics, so PHYS 108 is not an option for those programs.  Also, some graduate-level programs require 6 credits of introductory physics courses with lab components, so students interested in such programs should be careful about their intro physics course choices.

PHYS 171 and 172

PHYS 171 and 172 are aimed at students who have no background in mathematics or science. These courses are recommended for students in the Faculties of Arts and Business. Science students interested in taking astronomy courses should take 371 and 372 in a future year, though credit will be granted for PHYS 171 and 172. Note that PHYS 171 and 172 may only count as open electives in a Physics program, and in some other Bachelor of Science programs.  Note also that a student cannot be granted credit for both PHYS 171 and 371, or for both PHYS 172 and 372.

Students should note that PHYS 171 is not a prerequisite for 172, so those looking for a 3-credit elective course in second term could register for PHYS 172 without having completed 171 in first term.

PHYS 171 and 172 cannot be used as prerequisites for upper-year physics courses, but can be used in a pair with PHYS 250 and 299 (though 299 is not always offered).

Course Descriptions

101   Physics for the Life and Health Sciences:  Mechanics
Forces and energy play a huge role in how humans and animals move, and how blood flows through the body. This course provides an algebra-based introduction to mechanics. Topics include vectors; Newton’s Laws; static equilibrium; kinematics and dynamics; gravity; momentum and energy conservation; work; rotational dynamics; and fluids. Applications to biology, human physiology, and medical technology will be emphasized. Recommended for students in the life or health sciences. Students expecting to take additional physics courses above the 100-level should take PHYS 121. Credit will be granted for only one of PHYS 101, PHYS 108, PHYS 121, PHYS 100, or PHYS 120. Three credits and lab.

102   Physics for the Life and Health Sciences:  Waves and Fields
The human body relies on many physical phenomena to function. Our senses detect optical and sounds waves; thermal energy is released when we move; our nerves and muscles use electrical signals. While the mechanical aspects of the body are covered in PHYS 101, this course provides an algebra-based introduction to wave motion and standing waves; electric charge, field, potential, and circuits; the electromagnetic spectrum; optics; and thermodynamics. Applications to biology, human physiology, and medical technology will be emphasized. Recommended for students in the life or health sciences. Previous physics experience would be an asset but is not required. Credit will be granted for only one of PHYS 102, PHYS 108, PHYS 122, PHYS 100 or PHYS 120. Three credits and lab.

108   Physics for the Life and Health Sciences:  Waves and Fields
The human body relies on many physical phenomena to function. Our senses detect optical and sounds waves; thermal energy is released when we move; our nerves and muscles use electrical signals. While the mechanical aspects of the body are covered in PHYS 101, this course provides an algebra-based introduction to wave motion and standing waves; electric charge, field, potential, and circuits; the electromagnetic spectrum; optics; and thermodynamics. Applications to biology, human physiology, and medical technology will be emphasized. Recommended for students in the life or health sciences. Previous physics experience is not required. Credit will be granted for only one of PHYS 108 or PHYS 100, PHYS 102, PHYS 120, or PHYS 122. Three credits.

121   Physics for the Physical Sciences and Engineering I
A calculus-based introduction to physics focusing on mechanics. Topics include Newton’s Laws; static equilibrium; kinematics and dynamics in 1 and 2 dimensions; momentum and energy conservation; work; and rotational dynamics. Recommended for those considering further study in any of the physical sciences, computer science, engineering, and mathematics. MATH 106, 121, or 127 should be taken concurrently. Credit will be granted for only one of PHYS 121, PHYS 101, PHYS 100, PHYS 108, or PHYS 120. Three credits and lab.

122   Physics for the Physical Sciences and Engineering II
A calculus-based introduction to physics focusing on electricity and magnetism. Topics include simple harmonic motion; electric charge, force, field, and potential; Gauss’s Law; simple electric circuits; magnetism, magnetic forces and fields; electromagnetic induction and Faraday’s Law. Recommended for those considering further study in any of the physical sciences, computer science, engineering, and mathematics. MATH 107, 122, or 127 should be taken concurrently. Credit will be granted for only one of PHYS 122, PHYS 102, PHYS 100 or 108, or PHYS 120. Prerequisite: PHYS 121; or PHYS 101 with permission of instructor. Three credits and lab.

171   Introduction to Astronomy I
This course provides an introduction to astronomy for students who have no background in mathematics or science. Topics include observing the night sky with and without optical aid, the development of astronomy and related sciences, time and calendars, the evolution of the solar system, sun, planets, comets, and meteors. Observing sessions will be arranged. This course is intended for nonscience students, but may be taken by science students as an elective. PHYS 371 is recommended for science students. Credit will be granted for only one of PHYS 171, PHYS 271, or PHYS 371. Three credits.

172   Introduction to Astronomy II
This course provides an introduction to astronomy for students who have no background in mathematics or science. Topics include stellar systems, galaxies, quasars, black holes, dark matter, dark energy, cosmology, cosmogony and life in the universe. Observing sessions will be arranged. This course is intended for non-science students, but may be taken by science students as an elective. PHYS 372 is recommended for science students. Credit will be granted for only one of PHYS 172, PHYS 272 or PHYS 372. Three credits.

Please refer to Section 9.30 Physics in the Academic Calendar.

Click here to go to the Physics department webpage.