Please note:

To view the Fall 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/fall.html.

Department of Physics | Faculty of Science Simon Fraser University Calendar | Spring 2025

Physics Major

Bachelor of Science

This bachelor of science (BSc) program offers a solid physics background with the opportunity to explore other disciplines.

Because of flexibility in upper division physics requirements, students can plan their own upper division courses to fit their individual objectives. Students are advised to consult an advisor when planning, and to have their program approved.

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

CHEM 121 - General Chemistry and Laboratory I (4)

Atomic and molecular structure; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; elements; periodic table; gases liquids, solids, and solutions. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: Chemistry 12 with a minimum grade of B, or CHEM 109 or 111 with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CHEM 120 or 125 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Garry Mund
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D111 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D112 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D113 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D114 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D115 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D116 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D117 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D118 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D119 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D120 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D121 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D122 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D123 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D124 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D300 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Surrey
D301 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Surrey
D302 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Surrey
LA03 Uwe Kreis
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
LA04 Uwe Kreis
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
LA06 Uwe Kreis
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
LB03 Uwe Kreis
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
LB04 Uwe Kreis
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
LB06 Uwe Kreis
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
LC01 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
LE01 TBD
LE03 TBD
CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II (2)

Chemical equilibria; electrochemistry; chemical thermodynamics; kinetics. Students who intend to take further laboratory courses in chemistry should take CHEM 122 concurrently with CHEM 126. Prerequisite: CHEM 120 or 121 with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CHEM 124 or CHEM 180 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Andrew Bennet
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D111 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D112 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D113 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D114 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D115 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D116 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D117 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D118 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D119 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D120 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D121 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D122 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D123 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D124 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D200 Corina Andreoiu
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
D201 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Surrey
D202 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Surrey
D203 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
D204 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Surrey
D205 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
D300 Corina Andreoiu
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
D301 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Surrey
CMPT 120 - Introduction to Computing Science and Programming I (3) **

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 Diana Cukierman
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D200 John Edgar
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Surrey
D201 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
D202 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
D203 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Surrey
D204 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Surrey
D205 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey
D206 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey
D207 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Surrey
D208 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Surrey
MATH 152 - Calculus II (3)

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 or 155, with a minimum grade of C-; or MATH 154 or 157, with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 158 or 251 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Nathan Ilten
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D200 Jamie Mulholland
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D300 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D400 Abraham Punnen
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
OP01 TBD
OP02 TBD
MATH 251 - Calculus III (3)

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 158 with a grade of at least B. Also, for students in the life sciences, MATH 154 with a minimum grade of C- and MATH 155 with a minimum grade of A-. Recommended: It is recommended that MATH 240 or 232 be taken before or concurrently with MATH 251. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
OP01 TBD
MATH 252 - Vector Calculus (3)

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Weiran Sun
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 Weiran Sun
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Weiran Sun
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
MATH 260 - Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations (3)

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 Cedric Chauve
Ralf Wittenberg
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Ralf Wittenberg
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Ralf Wittenberg
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Ralf Wittenberg
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHYS 132 - Physics Laboratory I (1) *

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 Jeff Sonier
Sessional
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHYS 133 - Physics Laboratory II (1) *

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
LA01 Steve Dodge
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHYS 201 - Physics Undergraduate Seminar (1)

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
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
PHYS 211 - Intermediate Mechanics (3)

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Jeffrey McGuirk
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jeffrey McGuirk
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHYS 233 - Physics Laboratory III (3)

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.

PHYS 234 - Physics Laboratory IV (3)

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
E100 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
LA01 John Bechhoefer
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHYS 255 - Vibrations and Waves (3)

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.

PHYS 285 - Quantum I (3)

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Bernd Stelzer
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 Bernd Stelzer
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Bernd Stelzer
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and one of

CMPT 125 - Introduction to Computing Science and Programming II (3)

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
D100 Janice Regan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D101 Janice Regan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Janice Regan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Janice Regan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D104 Janice Regan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Janice Regan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Janice Regan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Janice Regan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Janice Regan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D200 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D201 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D202 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D203 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D204 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D205 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D206 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D207 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D208 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
CMPT 129 - Introduction to Computing Science and Programming for Mathematics and Statistics (3)

A second course in computing science and programming intended for students studying mathematics, statistics or actuarial science and suitable for students who already have some background in computing science and programming. Topics include: a review of the basic elements of programming: use and implementation of elementary data structures and algorithms; fundamental algorithms and problem solving; basic object-oriented programming and software design; computation and computability and specification and program correctness. Prerequisite: CMPT 102 or CMPT 120, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMPT 125 or 135 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

MACM 203 - Computing with Linear Algebra (2)

Using a mathematical software package for doing calculations in linear algebra. Development of computer models that analyze and illustrate applications of linear algebra. All calculations and experiments will be done in the Matlab software package. Topics include: large-scale matrix calculations, experiments with cellular automata, indexing, searching and ranking pages on the internet, population models, data fitting and optimization, image analysis, and cryptography. Prerequisite: One of CMPT 102, 120, 126, 128 or 130 and one of MATH 150, 151, 154 or 157 and one of MATH 232 or 240. MATH 232 or 240 can be taken as corequisite. Students in excess of 80 units may not take MACM 203 for further credit. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Petr Lisonek
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Petr Lisonek
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Petr Lisonek
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Petr Lisonek
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHYS 395 - Computational Physics (3)

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Andrei Frolov
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and one of

MATH 150 - Calculus I with Review (4)

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 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D400 Vijaykumar Singh
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
D401 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
D402 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
D403 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
OP01 TBD
OP02 TBD
MATH 151 - Calculus I (3)

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.

and one of

MATH 232 - Applied Linear Algebra (3)

Linear equations, matrices, determinants. Introduction to vector spaces and linear transformations and bases. Complex numbers. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors; diagonalization. Inner products and orthogonality; least squares problems. An emphasis on applications involving matrix and vector calculations. 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 240 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Luis Goddyn
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D200 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D400 Randall Pyke
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
OP01 TBD
OP02 TBD
MATH 240 - Algebra I: Linear Algebra (3)

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 Katrina Honigs
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OP01 TBD

and one of

PHYS 120 - Mechanics and Modern Physics (3)

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 Sarah Johnson
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D111 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D112 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHYS 125 - Mechanics and Special Relativity (3) +

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.

PHYS 140 - Studio Physics - Mechanics and Modern Physics (4) *

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.

and one of

PHYS 121 - Optics, Electricity and Magnetism (3)

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Erol Girt
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D111 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D112 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D113 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHYS 126 - Electricity, Magnetism and Light (3) +

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Steve Dodge
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 Steve Dodge
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHYS 141 - Studio Physics - Optics, Electricity and Magnetism (4) *

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Daria Ahrensmeier
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
D101 Daria Ahrensmeier
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
D200 Daria Ahrensmeier
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey
D201 Daria Ahrensmeier
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Surrey
LA01 Daria Ahrensmeier
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
LA02 Daria Ahrensmeier
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, Fri, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Surrey

* 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 to satisfy this requirement

+ recommended

Upper Division Requirements

Complete all of

PHYS 313 - Special Relativity (3)

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Gopolang Mohlabeng
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 Gopolang Mohlabeng
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHYS 321 - Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism (3)

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Paul Haljan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Paul Haljan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHYS 332W - Advanced Physics Laboratory I (4)

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
E100 Paul Haljan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
LA01 Paul Haljan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHYS 344 - Thermal Physics (3)

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.

PHYS 385 - Quantum II (3)

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.

and a minimum of 12 other upper division physics units to satisfy the physics subject area requirements for a major.

University 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
Two courses (total six units or more) Humanities: B-Hum
Two courses (total six units or more) Sciences: B-Sci

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.