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Energy and Environmental Physics

A major in Energy & Environmental Physics will provide a student with knowledge of "the physical laws governing the environment" (Physics of the Environment, A W Brinkman). This includes observations of the interactions among the environmental variables (atmospheric and fluid), and practical use of this information particularly as it relates to alternative energy sources. This major will propel students into the burgeoning field of renewable energy, while giving them a solid base of theoretical Physics.


To graduate with a Physics Major, the student must have done at Level I:

  • Semester 1
    • MATH1185*  Mathematics for Scientists and Engineers
    • MATH1141*  Introduction to Linear Algebra and Analytic Geometry
    • PHYS1411     Mechanics
    • PHYS1412     Waves, Optics and Thermodynamics
  • ​Semester 2

A major requires 36 Part II credits, 33 of which are core courses, and the other 3 from electives.

A minor requires 18 Part II credits, all of which are highlighted in the table below.       

                   

Core Courses
  Level II Level III
Core for Major and Minor  PHYS2300 – General Physics Lab 1  PHYS3661 – Atmosphere & Climate
 PHYS2351 – Quantum Mechanics and Nuclear Physics
 PHYS2386 – Electricity and Magnetism and Optics
 PHYS2396 – Computer Applications in Physics  PHYS3671 – Solar Power
 PHYS2600Fluid Dynamics and Environmental Physics Laboratory
Core for Major only  PHYS2671 – Fluid Dynamics PHYS3681 – Wind & Hydro Power
ELET3611 – Integrating Alternative Energy
 ELET2420 - Introduction to Semiconductor Devices ELET3600 – Energy Systems Lab II

 


Additional Physics/Electronics courses may be needed to complete a major.

If pursuing a double major, a single advanced level course CANNOT count towards 2 majors. Therefore, due to overlapping core courses, a double major within the department MUST have Electronics as one of the majors. 

*The Mathematics courses listed are those required to complete Physics majors. For more information on Mathematics courses, please contact the Department of Mathematics. Students pursuing both MATH1142 and MATH1151 otherwise do not need to do MATH1185.

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