Please note:
To view the current Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar.html.
Mathematical Physics Honours
This bachelor of science (BSc) honours program is offered jointly by the Departments of Mathematics and Physics. Entry requires permission of both.
Students should speak with an advisor as soon as possible to schedule their programs.
Graduates may undertake graduate work in mathematics or physics depending on interest. Some additional work in either mathematics or physics may be required.
Minimum Grade Requirement
Students wishing to enroll in physics courses must obtain a C- grade or better in prerequisite courses.
Program Requirements
Lower Division Requirements
Complete all of
An elementary introduction to computing science and computer programming, suitable for students with little or no programming background. Students will learn fundamental concepts and terminology of computing science, acquire elementary skills for programming in a high-level language, e.g. Python. The students will be exposed to diverse fields within, and applications of computing science. Topics will include: pseudocode; data types and control structures; fundamental algorithms; recursion; reading and writing files; measuring performance of algorithms; debugging tools; basic terminal navigation using shell commands. Treatment is informal and programming is presented as a problem-solving tool. Prerequisite: BC Math 12 or equivalent is recommended. Students with credit for CMPT 102, 128, 130 or 166 may not take this course for further credit. Students who have taken CMPT 125, 129, 130 or 135 first may not then take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Toby Donaldson |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m. Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby Burnaby |
D300 |
Nicholas Vincent |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m. Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby Burnaby |
D400 |
Brian Fraser |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. |
Surrey Surrey |
D401 |
Brian Fraser |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D402 |
Brian Fraser |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D403 |
Brian Fraser |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D404 |
Brian Fraser |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D405 |
Brian Fraser |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D406 |
Brian Fraser |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D407 |
Brian Fraser |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D408 |
Brian Fraser |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
Riemann sum, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, definite, indefinite and improper integrals, approximate integration, integration techniques, applications of integration. First-order separable differential equations and growth models. Sequences and series, series tests, power series, convergence and applications of power series. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151, with a minimum grade of C-; or MATH 154 or 157 with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 155 or 158 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Lyn Ge |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
OP01 | TBD |
Linear equations, matrices, determinants. Real and abstract vector spaces, subspaces and linear transformations; basis and change of basis. Complex numbers. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors; diagonalization. Inner products and orthogonality; least squares problems. Applications. Subject is presented with an abstract emphasis and includes proofs of the basic theorems. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or MACM 101, with a minimum grade of C-; or MATH 154 or 157, both with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 232 cannot take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Michael Monagan |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
OP01 | TBD |
Rectangular, cylindrical and spherical coordinates. Vectors, lines, planes, cylinders, quadric surfaces. Vector functions, curves, motion in space. Differential and integral calculus of several variables. Vector fields, line integrals, fundamental theorem for line integrals, Green's theorem. Prerequisite: MATH 152 with a minimum grade of C-; or MATH 155 or MATH 158 with a grade of at least B. Recommended: It is recommended that MATH 240 or 232 be taken before or concurrently with MATH 251. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Weiran Sun Weiran Sun |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D200 |
Justin Gray |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D400 |
Justin Chan |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m. |
Surrey Surrey |
OP01 | TBD | ||
OP02 | TBD |
Vector calculus, divergence, gradient and curl; line, surface and volume integrals; conservative fields, theorems of Gauss, Green and Stokes; general curvilinear coordinates and tensor notation. Introduction to orthogonality of functions, orthogonal polynomials and Fourier series. Prerequisite: MATH 240 or 232, and 251, all with a minimum grade of C-. MATH 240 or 232 may be taken concurrently. Students with credit for MATH 254 may not take MATH 252 for further credit. Quantitative.
First-order differential equations, second- and higher-order linear equations, series solutions, introduction to Laplace transform, systems and numerical methods, applications in the physical, biological and social sciences. Prerequisite: MATH 152 with a minimum grade of C-; or MATH 155 or 158, with a grade of at least B; MATH 232 or 240, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for MATH 310 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Ahmad Mokhtar |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D101 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D105 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D400 |
Justin Chan |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m. Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m. |
Surrey Surrey Surrey |
D401 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D402 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D403 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
Introduction to experimental physics with an emphasis on measurement and experimental design. Includes elementary experiments in mechanics designed to support and enrich conceptual learning. Corequisite: PHYS 101 or 120 or 125. Students with credit for PHYS 140 may not take PHYS 132 for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
LA01 |
Steve Dodge |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Introduction to experimental physics with an emphasis on measurement and experimental design. Includes elementary experiments in electromagnetism and optics designed to support and enrich conceptual learning. Prerequisite: PHYS 132 or 140 or ENSC 120 (no substitutions), with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: PHYS 102 or 121 or 126. Students with credit for PHYS 141 may not take PHYS 133 for further credit. Quantitative.
A seminar to expose students majoring in any Physics program to opportunities available with a physics degree. Seminar will include invited speakers, group discussions, and student presentations on topics including modern physics research, industrial physics, career opportunities, and communication and other professional skills. May be repeated once for credit. Graded as pass/fail (P/F). Prerequisite: PHYS 121 or PHYS 126 or PHYS 141, with a minimum grade of C-, or PHYS 102 with a minimum grade of B.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Erol Girt |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
An intermediate mechanics course covering kinematics, dynamics, calculus of variations and Lagrange's equations, non-inertial reference frames, central forces and orbits, and rigid body motion. Prerequisite: MATH 251; MATH 232 or MATH 240; PHYS 255 or ENSC 380. All prerequisite courses require a minimum grade of C-. Recommended Corequisite: MATH 260 or MATH 310. Quantitative.
Statistical data analysis, experimental design and scientific communication, studied in the context of experiments spanning a range of physical systems. Prerequisite: PHYS 133 or PHYS 141 or ENSC 120, with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended Prerequisite: CMPT 120. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D300 |
Jeff Sonier |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
LA03 |
Jeff Sonier |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
Introduction to modern techniques in experimental physics, including computer-aided data acquisition, electronics, control theory, and statistical data analysis. Prerequisite: PHYS 233 and PHYS 255, both with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for PHYS 231 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
The physics of vibrations and waves. Topics include periodic motion, including free and forced oscillations, coupled oscillators, normal modes, and waves in one and higher dimensions. Prerequisite: PHYS 126 or PHYS 121 or PHYS 141, with a minimum grade of C-, or PHYS 102 with a minimum grade of B. Corequisite: MATH 251; MATH 232 or MATH 240. Recommended Corequisite: MATH 260 or MATH 310. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
David Broun |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby Burnaby |
D101 |
David Broun |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D104 |
David Broun |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
The concepts of quantum mechanics introduced through two-level systems and explored in a way that requires only familiarity with general concepts of linear algebra. Introduction to concepts in classical and quantum information theory, bits and qubits, quantum dynamics, quantum communication and cryptography, and quantum circuits. Prerequisite: Either MATH 232 or MATH 240, with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.
Basic laws of probability, sample distributions. Introduction to statistical inference and applications. Prerequisite: or Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158, with a minimum grade of C-. Students wishing an intuitive appreciation of a broad range of statistical strategies may wish to take STAT 100 first. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Lloyd Elliott |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
OL01 |
Tim Swartz |
Online | |
OP01 | TBD |
and one of
A rigorous introduction to computing science and computer programming, suitable for students who already have some background in computing science and programming. Intended for students who will major in computing science or a related program. Topics include: memory management; fundamental algorithms; formally analyzing the running time of algorithms; abstract data types and elementary data structures; object-oriented programming and software design; specification and program correctness; reading and writing files; debugging tools; shell commands. Prerequisite: CMPT 120 or CMPT 130, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMPT 126, 129, 135 or CMPT 200 or higher may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
E100 |
Victor Cheung |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m. Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 4:30–6:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby Burnaby |
E101 |
Victor Cheung |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
E102 |
Victor Cheung |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
E103 |
Victor Cheung |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
E104 |
Victor Cheung |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
E105 |
Victor Cheung |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
E106 |
Victor Cheung |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
E107 |
Victor Cheung |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
E108 |
Victor Cheung |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
Computer-based approaches to solving complex physical problems. Includes topics such as Monte-Carlo and molecular dynamics techniques applied to thermal properties of materials; dynamical behavior of systems, including chaotic motion; methods for ground state determination and optimization, including Newton-Raphson, simulated annealing, neural nets, and genetic algorithms: symplectic methods; and analysis of numerical data. Prerequisite: MATH 260 or MATH 310; PHYS 255; CMPT 120 or equivalent. All prerequisite courses require a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.
and one of
Designed for students specializing in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing science and engineering. Topics as for Math 151 with a more extensive review of functions, their properties and their graphs. Recommended for students with no previous knowledge of Calculus. In addition to regularly scheduled lectures, students enrolled in this course are encouraged to come for assistance to the Calculus Workshop (Burnaby), or Math Open Lab (Surrey). Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B+, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least B-, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the Simon Fraser University Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 151, 154 or 157 may not take MATH 150 for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Jamie Mulholland |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D101 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D200 |
MacKenzie Carr |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D201 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D202 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D203 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D204 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D206 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D400 |
Natalia Kouzniak |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m. |
Surrey Surrey |
D401 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D402 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D403 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
OP01 | TBD |
Designed for students specializing in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing science and engineering. Logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions, inverse functions. Limits, continuity, and derivatives. Techniques of differentiation, including logarithmic and implicit differentiation. The Mean Value Theorem. Applications of differentiation including extrema, curve sketching, Newton's method. Introduction to modeling with differential equations. Polar coordinates, parametric curves. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least A, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least B, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the Simon Fraser University Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 150, 154 or 157 may not take MATH 151 for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Jamie Mulholland |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D200 |
MacKenzie Carr |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D400 |
Natalia Kouzniak |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m. |
Surrey Surrey |
OP01 | TBD | ||
OP04 | TBD |
and one of
A general calculus-based introduction to mechanics. Topics include translational and rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12 or PHYS 100 or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. This prerequisite may be waived, at the discretion of the department, as determined by the student's performance on a regularly scheduled PHYS 100 final exam. Please consult the physics advisor for further details. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154. Recommended Corequisite: PHYS 132. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 125 or 140 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Daniel Higginbottom Sarah Johnson |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D101 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D105 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D107 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D108 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D109 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D110 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D111 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D112 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D113 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D116 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D117 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D118 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
A course in mechanics and modern physics designed for students who want to study translational and rotational dynamics, conservation laws, and oscillations in depth and gain additional insight into foundations of special relativity and select topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: Permission of the department. Corequisite: MATH 151. Recommended Corequisite: PHYS 132. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 120 or PHYS 140 may not take PHYS 125 for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Matthias Danninger |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D101 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
A general calculus-based introduction to mechanics taught in an integrated lecture-laboratory environment. Topics include translational and rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12, or PHYS 100 or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154. Students with credit for PHYS 125 or 120 or 101 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D200 |
Daria Ahrensmeier |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m. |
Surrey Surrey |
D201 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m. |
Surrey Surrey |
|
LA02 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, Fri, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
and one of
A general calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism and optics. Topics include electricity, magnetism, simple circuits, optics and topics from applied physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 120 or 125 or 140, with a minimum grade of C-, or PHYS 101 with a minimum grade of B. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155. Recommended Corequisite: PHYS 133. Students with credit for PHYS 102, 126 or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
A course in electromagnetism designed for students who want to study electric charge and current, electric and magnetic fields, circuits, electromagnetic interactions in depth and gain additional insight into Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, and wave-particle duality. Prerequisite: PHYS 125 with a minimum grade of C- or permission of the department. Corequisite: MATH 152. Recommended Corequisite: PHYS 133. Students with credit in PHYS 102, 121 or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
A general calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism and optics taught in an integrated lecture-laboratory environment. Topics include electricity, magnetism, simple circuits, optics and topics from applied physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 120 or PHYS 125 or PHYS 140 or MSE 103, with a minimum grade of C-, or PHYS 101 with a minimum grade of B. Corequisite: MATH 152 or MATH 155. Students with credit for PHYS 126 or 121 or 102 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
It is recommended that students also complete CHEM 121 and 122.
* students with credit for PHYS 140 and 141 are not required to complete PHYS 132 or 133
** students with computing experience may be able to test out of CMPT 120
+ recommended
Upper Division Requirements
Complete all of
A presentation of the problems commonly arising in numerical analysis and scientific computing and the basic methods for their solutions. Prerequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158, and MATH 232 or 240, and computing experience. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Ralf Wittenberg |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D101 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D107 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D108 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Functions of a complex variable, differentiability, contour integrals, Cauchy's theorem, Taylor and Laurent expansions, method of residues. Prerequisite: MATH 251 with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for MATH 424 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
David Muraki David Muraki |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D101 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
The integers, fundamental theorem of arithmetic. Equivalence relations, modular arithmetic. Univariate polynomials, unique factorization. Rings and fields. Units, zero divisors, integral domains. Ideals, ring homomorphisms. Quotient rings, the ring isomorphism theorem. Chinese remainder theorem. Euclidean, principal ideal, and unique factorization domains. Field extensions, minimal polynomials. Classification of finite fields. Prerequisite: MATH 240 with a minimum grade of C- or MATH 232 with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 332 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Nathan Ilten |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D102 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
First-order linear equations, the method of characteristics. The wave equation. Harmonic functions, the maximum principle, Green's functions. The heat equation. Distributions and transforms. Higher dimensional eigenvalue problems. An introduction to nonlinear equations. Burgers' equation and shock waves. Prerequisite: (MATH 260 or MATH 310) and one of MATH 314, MATH 320, MATH 322, PHYS 384, all with a minimum grade of C-. An alternative to the above prerequisite is both of (MATH 252 or MATH 254) and (MATH 260 or MATH 310), both with grades of at least A-. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Weiran Sun |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
A detailed presentation of Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity and how it revolutionized physics. Topics covered include: constancy of the speed of light, Lorentz transformations, time dilation, length contraction, relativistic paradoxes, space-time diagrams, relativistic particle kinematics and dynamics, electromagnetism as a relativistic phenomenon, and an introduction to general relativity. Prerequisite: PHYS 121 or 126 or 141 (or PHYS 102 with a minimum grade of B); MATH 232 or 240; both with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.
Development and application of Maxwell's equations in vector differential form. Notation and theorems of vector calculus; electric charge, fields, potentials, capacitance and field energy; conductors; methods for solving electrostatic problems; electric fields in matter; electrical current and the magnetic field; Ampere's law and the vector potential; magnetic fields in matter; electromotive force, electrical resistance, Faraday's law and inductance; Maxwell's correction to Ampere's law and electromagnetic waves. Prerequisite: PHYS 121 or PHYS 126 or PHYS 141 (or PHYS 102 with a minimum grade of B); MATH 252 or MATH 254; MATH 260 or MATH 310. All prerequisite courses require a minimum grade of C-, unless specified. Quantitative.
Experiments investigating a range of physical phenomena such as Brownian motion, molecular order, chaotic dynamics, Doppler broadening of stellar spectra, and biophysical forces using techniques such as interference, optical trapping, and spectroscopy. Attention will also be given to more general skills, including experimental design, operating and troubleshooting experimental equipment, modeling of experimental results, data analysis, and the presentation of experimental results. Biological Physics students will do a selected set of experiments. Prerequisite: PHYS 233; PHYS 285 or CHEM 260; both with a minimum grade of C-. Writing/Quantitative.
Heat, temperature, heat transfer, kinetic theory, laws of thermodynamics, entropy, heat engines, applications of thermodynamics to special systems, phase transitions. Prerequisite: PHYS 121 or PHYS 126 or PHYS 141 (or PHYS 102 with a minimum grade of B); MATH 251; both with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Gopolang Mohlabeng |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D101 |
Gopolang Mohlabeng |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
Applications of mathematical methods in physics, differential equations of physics, eigenvalue problems, solutions to wave equations. Prerequisite: MATH 252 or 254; MATH 260 or MATH 310; PHYS 211; PHYS 255 or ENSC 320. All prerequisite courses require a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Malcolm Kennett |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D101 |
Malcolm Kennett |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
Stern-Gerlach experiments and the structure of quantum mechanics; operators; angular momentum and spin; Schrödinger equation and examples for time evolution; systems of two spin-½ particles; density operators; wave mechanics in one dimension including the double slit experiment, particle in a box, scattering in one dimension, tunnelling; one-dimensional harmonic oscillator; coherent states. Prerequisite: MATH 252 or MATH 254; MATH 260; PHYS 255; PHYS 285 or ENSC 380 or CHEM 260. All prerequisite courses require a minimum grade of C-. Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 211. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Daria Ahrensmeier |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D101 |
Daria Ahrensmeier |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and either Option A or Option B
Option A
Students who choose this option will complete all of
Central forces, rigid body motion, small oscillations. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics. Prerequisite: PHYS 384 or permission of the department. Non-physics majors may enter with MATH 252; MATH 260 or MATH 310; PHYS 211. All prerequisite courses require a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
John Bechhoefer John Bechhoefer |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D101 |
John Bechhoefer |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Wave mechanics in three dimensions; orbital angular momentum and spherical harmonics; central potentials, hydrogen atom; time-independent perturbation theory, Stark effect, Zeeman effect; identical particles, helium atom; scattering, Born approximation; time-dependent perturbation theory, interaction picture. Prerequisite: PHYS 385; either PHYS 384 or MATH 314. All prerequisite courses require a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.
A continuation of PHYS 321: properties of electromagnetic waves and their interaction with matter. Transmission lines and waveguides; antennas, radiation and scattering; propagation of electromagnetic waves in free space and in matter; reflection and refraction at boundaries; polarization, interference and diffraction. Prerequisite: PHYS 321 (no substitution); PHYS 255 or ENSC 380; both with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Eundeok Mun |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D101 |
Eundeok Mun |
Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
and six units of upper division MATH courses, including three units at the 400 level or higher
and either
three units of upper division PHYS
or
Undergraduate research and preparation of an honours thesis over the fall and the subsequent spring semesters. The research project may be in experimental or theoretical physics. Prospective students must obtain agreement of a faculty member willing to supervise the project. Prerequisite: All students interested in taking this course must consult with their faculty supervisor regarding prerequisites.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Erol Girt |
TBD |
Option B
Students who choose this option will complete
Students will develop skills required for mathematical research. This course will focus on communication in both written and oral form. Students will write documents and prepare presentations in a variety of formats for academic and non-academic purposes. The LaTeX document preparation system will be used. Course will be given on a pass/fail basis. Corequisite: MATH 499W. Students must have an approved project prior to enrollment.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Amarpreet Rattan |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An honours research project in mathematics is an original presentation of an area or problem in mathematics. A typical project is an original synthesis of knowledge generated from students research experience. A project can contain substantive, original mathematics, but need not. The presentation consists of a written report and an oral presentation both of which must be completed before the end of the exam period. Prerequisite: 18 units of upper division MATH or MACM courses. Must be in an honours program with a GPA of at least 3.0. Corequisite: MATH 498. Students must have an approved project prior to enrollment. Writing.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 | TBD |
and nine units of 400 level MATH courses
and six units of upper division PHYS courses at the 400 level or higher
A maximum of six units from the research courses MATH 498, 499 and PHYS 432 may be used to satisfy the upper division requirements.
University Honours Degree Requirements
Students must also satisfy University degree requirements for degree completion.
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to Simon Fraser University beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Simon Fraser University within the student's major subject; two courses (minimum three units each) |
|
Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division; two courses (total six units or more) | |
B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth |
Must be outside the student's major subject, and may be lower or upper division: Two courses (total six units or more) Social Sciences: B-Soc |
6 |
Additional Breadth |
Two courses (total six units or more) outside the student's major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements). Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |
Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit
- At least half of the program's total units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
- At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
Elective Courses
In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.