Welcome from the Ugrad Chair

Dr. Jeff Hutter

Welcome to the undergraduate area of the Physics & Astronomy website. Whether you are here for a single course or an entire module, we will offer you a stimulating learning experience.

Our department is a dynamic and exciting place, with eight new faculty members in the past two years, a new building for our undergraduate laboratories, and a full-scale building renovation starting soon. We offer small classes, both theoretical and applied programs, and many opportunities to participate in paid summer research.

Our undergraduates are an enthusiastic group that runs an annual conference showcasing their work and sends delegates to the Canadian Undergraduate Physics Conference each year.

Jeff Hutter

 

New and Important Information:

 

    Seminar Presentation

    In case you missed it, J. Hutter's presentation to the Physics 2950Y/3950Y/4950Y seminar class on February 2, 2012 can be downloaded here.

    Lloyd G. Elliott University Prize Exam

    Any undergraduate students interested in writing the Lloyd G. Elliot University Prize Exam sponsored by the Canadian Association of Physicists should contact Prof. Jeff Hutter as soon as possible to make arrangements. This year's exam will be held on Tuesday, February 7 at 1 pm.

    The University Prize Exam takes place each February and is designed to provide an interesting as well as challenging experience. The exam content includes all of the core areas of undergraduate physics, and their applications to both familiar and unfamiliar situations.

    The exam website contains more information, as well as sample exams from previous years. Note, however, that the exam guidelines were changed beginning in 2011 to make the exams less impossible, so don't be too traumatized by what you see.

    What's in it for you? The top student at each university is listed on the CAP site, and there are cash prizes available for the top three in the overall competition.

    Course Scheduling:

  • Please note that some Physics & Astronomy courses are not offered every year. Refer to the following table for terms in which courses are offered when planning your four-year degree.
  • Course
    2010-2011
    2011-2012
    (upcoming)
    2012-2013
    (tentative)
    Astro 2021A/B B - B
    Astro 2232F/G G G -
    Astro 3302A/B - A A
    Astro 4101A/B B - B
    Astro 4602A/B - B -
    Phys 2032A/B A - wdn?
    Phys 2070A/B A - A
    Phys 2128A/B A - wdn?
    Phys 2129A/B B - wdn?
    Phys 2700A/B - - wdn
    Phys 3380A/B A - A
    Phys 3809A/B - A -
    Phys 4551A/B - - -
    Phys 4662A/B - - A?
    Phys 4810A/B B - -
    Phys 4850A/B - B -
  •  
  • In particular, Physics 2700A, Introduction to Planetary Atmospheres, will likely no longer be offered. If you are a Planetary Science student, do not yet have this course, and plan to graduate this year, please contact Prof. Hutter for alternate arrangements.
  •  
  • In addition, Physics 2070A, Understanding Earth's Atmosphere, will not be offered this year.  If you are in a Minor in Conceptual Astronomy, please contact Prof. Hutter for alternate arrangements.

    New courses for 2011-2012:

  • We will be offering two "special topics" courses in the 2011-2012 academic year:
  •  
  • Physics 4930A - Statistical Mechanics
  • This course follows Physics 3400B, which is therefore a prerequisite.
  •  
  • Physics 4931B - Planetary Atmospheres
  • This course will cover material similar to that of Physics 2700A, but will be at a higher level.
  •  
  • All special topics courses require "permission of the department," so if you would like to take either of these courses, please contact Prof. Hutter, who will evaluate your background. Note that both courses can count toward a Minor in Advanced Physics.

    Important changes to Physics & Astronomy courses numbered 2000-2099:

  • Astronomy 2021A/B, Astronomy 2022A/B, Physics 2065A/B, and Physics 2070A/B are no longer open to students in the Faculty of Science. Moreover, these courses list Physics 1028A/B, 1301A/B, 1401A/B, 1501A/B, and the former Physics 1020, 1024, and 1026 as antirequisites.
  •  
  • Note: the on-line registration system will permit you to register in a course for which you have an antirequisite, but you will lose credit for the previous course.
  •  
  • If you are already in a module which requires one of these courses (such as the Minor in Conceptual Astronomy), and are a Science student or have previously taken one of the antirequisite courses, please contact Prof. Hutter.

    Science Internship Program

  • Are you interested in the Science Internship Program?  There will be information sessions at 5:30 pm on September 20 and 21, 2011, in Kresge K106 for interested students.

    NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards

  • Are you interested in a summer research experience? Consider applying for an NSERC USRA.
    deadline: January 17, 2012.