Physics

Students, when they first encounter the subject known as physics, might experience thoughts similar to Alice’s (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland) as she pondered the meaning of the poem Jabberwocky. Alice commented, “It seems very pretty but, it’s rather hard to understand. Somehow it fills my head with ideas — only I don’t exactly know what they are!”
    Although the concepts studied in physics may, at times, be a little troublesome, the pleasure it gives can more than compensate for its difficulty. Physics is considered to be a difficult subject because it uses a specific language — mathematics — that does not lend itself to the expression of nebulous or imprecise thoughts. It is this language that can ensure comprehension of the material being studied. Since one can demonstrate proficiency in this subject, students can expect high grades if they are diligent. The importance of physics in all of our lives cannot be overstressed. One thousand years from now, when one is asked to list the most important events of the 20th century, the discoveries of physics will top the list. To not include a little physics in your intellectual diet may leave you mentally undernourished.

Physics major
This section specifies the Physics major discipline requirements only. See BSc section for additional Bachelor of Science requirements, and to the appropriate pages for the chosen major or minor.

Lower-level requirements

Upper-level requirements

Twenty-seven upper-level physics credits that are to be selected from courses listed in the Course descriptions section. Students may transfer up to 15 upper-level physics credits from approved courses taken outside UCFV.

Physics minor
This section specifies the physics minor requirements only. See BSc section for additional Bachelor of Science requirements. In addition to the General BSc requirements, students must complete a minimum of
14 credits from physics courses numbered 300 and above. Students need to combine these physics minor requirements with the credits earned from another science minor or major.
Note: Students must be aware that upper-level physics courses require lower-level physics and math prerequisites. Students are advised to take these lower-level prerequisites in their first two years of full-time study.

Upper-level requirements

Physics Honours Degree
This section specifies the Physics honours requirements only. See BSc section for Bachelor of Science requirements, as well as the requirements for a physics major discipline.

Specific requirements:
Course         Title
PHYS 302     (Optics)
PHYS 311     (Statistical Physics)
PHYS 322     (Advanced Electromagnetism)
PHYS 351     (Quantum Mechanics)
PHYS 381     (Mathematical Physics)
PHYS 451     (Advanced Quantum Mechanics)
Any two upper level Physics labs (PHYS 342, PHYS, 382, PHYS 472, or PHYS 485)
At least one additional Physics course must have at least one third year pre-requisite
At least one of MATH 152 or MATH 221
MATH 211    (Calculus III)
MATH 255     (Ordinary Differential Equations)
MATH 322     (Complex Variables)
At least one other math course labeled 300 or above (MATH 312 suggested)
COMP 150 and COMP 155
Six other credits in computer science related courses (e.g. any Computing Science course, PHYS 393, PHYS 484, PHYS 485, PHYS 493, Math 302 (Analysis of Data), Math 316 (Numerical Analysis).

Note: More courses may be added as new courses are added to the calendar, but may not yet be included on this list. Check with the Physics department if there have been any additions.
    •    Students should note the pre-requisite requirements for these courses.
    •    Students should note that by choosing the appropriate options within the Physics Honours they will also           meet all the requirements for a Math minor.

Additional requirements:
Students must take at least two courses from any of the following:
CHEM 113, CHEM 114, PHYS 103, PHYS 104, MATH 125, MATH 270, BIO 111, BIO 112, any two Business courses, any two Economics courses, any two Arts courses.

Graduation requirements:
Credits:
    •     at least 132 credits total
    •     at least 54 upper level credits
    •     at least 45 of the upper level credits must be from physics or math
    •     at least 39 of the upper level credits must be from physics

Academic Performance:
    •     GPA in all courses applicable to the B.Sc. Honours Physics degree must be at least 3.33.
    •     GPA in all Physics courses applicable to the B.Sc. Honours Physics degree must be at least 3.33.
Students in the Physics major do not need to apply to the honours option, but they may graduate from the honours program, once all requirements have been met.

Faculty
Peter Mulhern, BSc (Hons) (SFU), MSc, PhD (UBC), Department Head
Tim Cooper, BSc (Exeter), MSc, PhD (Alberta)
Carmen Herman, BSc (Babes-Bolyai)
George McGuire, BEd, BSc (Sask), MSc (Portland), Prof. Teaching Cert. (Man, Sask, Alta, BC)
Norman Taylor, BSc, BA (UBC)
Robert Woodside, BSc (McGill), MSc, PhD (McMaster)
 

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