Department Head R. Knobel
Chair of Undergraduate Studies J. Stotz
Undergraduate Assistant Melissa Balson
Department Office Stirling Hall, Room 205
Email 4mjb5@queensu.ca
Telephone (613) 533-2707
Departmental Web Site http://www.queensu.ca/physics
Core courses in the Engineering Physics plan provide the student with fundamental physical principles and theoretical tools for professional practice as well as a firm foundation in modern experimental techniques. To relate these abilities to the attitudes and knowledge of other engineering disciplines, the plan has four sub-plans: electrical, materials, mechanical, and computing. These sub-plans provide a sequence of courses in other engineering departments and thus provide career or graduate studies opportunities in both engineering and applied physics.
Note: Students will not be registered in any core second year engineering physics courses until they have passed all the required first year mathematics and physics courses. It is strongly recommended that students have a grade of C- or better in the first year mathematics and physics courses.
Fourth year elective courses must be chosen such that at the end of the academic plan each student meets or exceeds the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) program requirements. A spreadsheet will be provided by the Undergraduate Chair to aid fourth year students with their course selection.
Options available:
- Electrical Option
- Materials Option
- Mechanical Option
- Computing Option
Courses
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Identify systems exhibiting oscillatory behaviour.
- Understand the difference between a generic oscillator and a harmonic one.
- Linearize suitable oscillating systems.
- Derive a wave equation.
- Establish and use the laws of refraction.
(Lec: 2, Lab: 1.5, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Use computational methods to analyze and model physics systems.
- Apply a variety of computational algorithms, analyze limitations of the algorithms, and appropriately tailor them to suit particular problems or situations.
- Select and apply appropriate analytical models and computational algorithms to problems in physics and engineering.
- Analyze a multifaceted problem of computational analysis and design and develop an algorithmic solution that provides quantitative predictions of performance.
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Employ a variety of coordinate systems to describe the motion of particles (or system of particles, including rigid bodies) and select the most effective coordinate system for a particular problem
- Analyze the motion of a particle (or system of particles) using the force-mass-acceleration approach to generate the equations of motion.
- Apply the conservation laws (of energy, momentum, angular momentum) to aid in describing the motion of a particle or system of particles.
- Understand the difference between inertial and non-inertial forces and be able to correctly identify them with the aid of free-body diagrams.
- Apply the laws of motion and the conservation laws to describe general rigid-body motion (translation and rotation) in 1-, 2- and 3-dimensions.
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Have a conceptual understanding of how to apply the methods of vector calculus to problems in electromagnetism.
- Understand and apply the basic principles of electrostatics, including electric fields and potentials, work and energy.
- Develop solutions for the electrical potential of systems of charges using methods involving Laplace's equation, image charges, separation of variables, multipole expansion
- Model the behaviour of electric fields in matter, especially in the case of linear dielectrics.
- Understand and apply the basic principles of magnetostatics, including the Lorentz force law, Biot-Savart law and Ampere's law.
- Model the behaviour of magnetic fields in matter, for both linear and nonlinear (e.gferromagnetic) materials.
- Understand the principles of electromagnetic induction and Faraday's law and the mathematical developments leading to Maxwell's equations.
- Understand the experimental and theoretical developments leading to Maxwell's equations of electromagnetism.
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the limitations of classical physics and the resulting need to introduce the principles of the Special Theory of Relativity.
- Understand and apply basic transformations between different reference frames in Special Relativity.
- Draw and read spacetime diagrams.
- Calculate the results of collisions between relativistic particles.
- Understand the key ideas of introductory equilibrium statistical mechanics.
- Describe the key phenomena of thermal radiation and determine its effects, apply the mathematical laws relating to those phenomena to real-world problems and critically evaluate the results.
- Describe different aspects of interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter and make predictions for outcomes of related experiments based on the understanding and the mathematical models developed in this course.
- Understand the atomic models of Bohr and Schrodinger and do basic calculations for Bohr's model.
- Understand the connection between the quantum mechanical description of nature and non-intuitive phenomena like Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, Pauli-Exclusion principle and tunneling.
COURSE DELETED 2021-2022
(Lec: 1, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.25)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Determine and justify errors in measurements.
- Propagate errors from measurements and understand the limitations in different methods to propagate errors.
- Understand various statistical distributions and how they arise in physical processes.
- Use statistical distributions to determine the confidence in a conclusion or measurement.
- Use computers to analyze and visualize data.
- Determine the parameters of a model from data and evaluate the goodness of fit of that model.
K3.5(Lec: Yes, Lab: Yes, Tut: Yes)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Operate common mechanical and electrical instrumentation in a physics lab in order to make measurements of physical systems
- Recognize and record key information about the experiment and record it in a laboratory notebook that can easily be interpreted by others.
- Analyze experimental data and infer the physical properties and behaviour of systems from that data, thereby acquiring a deeper understanding of the laws that govern those physical systems.
- Estimate the uncertainty of experimental data acquired, propagate those error estimates and produce a credible assessment of the experimental results
- Prepare graphs that clearly illustrate the relationship of the data that was collected to theories or to other observations.
- Write reports that summarize the experimental work that was completed, the data that was collected, how the data were interpreted and the conclusions that were drawn.
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Use functions of complex numbers in a wide variety of problems.
- Apply methods of linear vector spaces to solve problems in classical and quantum mechanics
- Develop a working knowledge of Fourier analysis and apply these methods to a wide range of problems in physics and engineering physics.
- Develop the skills and tools to handle ordinary and partial differential equations
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Model differential equation eigenvalue problems with a discrete approximation
- Develop linear algebra based approaches to ordinary differential equation problems
- Solve boundary-value problems using separation of variables
- Develop the differential and integral calculus of complex variables
- Solve inhomogeneous differential equations by applying the residue theorem
- Deliver a technical presentation with an organized, story format
- Produce a clear, concise, and well-organized report of a technical computation
- Assess gaps in your understanding and ask questions to help you fill them
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Have a conceptual understanding of the role of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics.
- Apply advanced Lagrangian and Hamiltonian methods to real world problems.
- Understand the role of symmetries in mechanical systems.
- Understand and apply variational methods to solve problems in a variety of contexts.
- Develop an understanding of Poisson brackets and the construction of phase space constants.
- Understand the technique of separation of variables.
- Understand some of the global features of Lagrangian systems.
- Understand some of the global features of Hamiltonian systems.
(Lec: 3, Lab: 1.5, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Have a thorough understanding of current, voltage, resistance, and Ohm's law.
- Analyze DC circuits using Kirchhoff's laws.
- Analyze AC Circuits using complex representationsImpedance, RC filters, decibels, tuned filters.
- Use an Arduino microcontroller to replicate the functionality of a multimeter and an oscilloscope, and to implement functional circuit designs;
- Have a working knowledge of the Orcad circuit simulation software package.
- Be knowledgeable of voltage and current sources, Thevenin's and Norton's theorems.
- Analyze circuits containing operational amplifiers, and design complex circuits using operational amplifiers as a building block.
- Analyze digital electronics: logic gates, flip-flops, counters, and memory with the aid of Truth tables, DeMorgan's theorems, and Boolean algebra.
- Create figures and diagrams for the analogue and digital design project reports.
- Use multiple strategies to solve an engineering problem as part of design projects.
- Deliver short presentations on the design projects by speaking clearly and confidently and answering questions.
- Works in teams of two to complete labs and design projects.
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.25)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Have a conceptual understanding of semiconductor physics and semiconductor devices.
- Apply semiconductor physics to a system with numerical results.
- Apply basic quantum mechanics to semiconductor systems.
- Determine the properties of a pn-junction with numerical results.
- Understand the operation of a bipolar junction transistor and calculate expected performance with possible design enhancements.
- Understand the operation of field effect transistors (i.e.MOSFETs), and calculate expected performance with possible design enhancements.
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Assess whether classical mechanics can successfully describe the behaviour of atomic systems
- Develop linear algebra based formalisms to describe systems at the atomic scale
- Apply analytic or numerical techniques to compute the spectrum of physical systems
- Deliver a technical presentation with an organized, story format
- Produce a clear, concise, and well-organized report of a technical computation
- Assess gaps in your understanding and ask questions to help you fill them
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Apply the postulates of quantum mechanics to determine the outcomes of measurements on a variety of quantum systems.
- Determine the quantum states of total angular momentum for different systems.
- Use particle-exchange symmetry to characterize the energy levels of multi-particle systems.
- Determine the quantum states of multielectron atoms and molecules.
- Estimate the ground state energy of quantum systems using the variational method.
- Determine the effects of perturbations on the energy levels of quantum systems.
(Lec: 1, Lab: 1.5, Tut: 0)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Research experiments and supporting models from the literature to propose a project of an appropriate scope.
- Apply and develop models for physical phenomena and experimental apparatus that can be tested with an experiment.
- Specify an experimental apparatus, assemble and test it to ensure it meets requirements.
- Design an experimental procedure to measure one or more physical properties.
- Use professional scientific instruments effectively and control them by computer.
- Measure nuclear radiation through counting and spectroscopy experiments.
- Use software to analyze experimental data including fitting data to a non-linear function.
- Determine measurement and statistical uncertainties and use these to compare a model to data quantitatively.
- Record data, settings, preliminary calculations in a laboratory notebook and/or electronic document following standard practices.
- Present an experimental report orally and in written form using the formatting standards of professional scientists or engineers.
- Work safely in a laboratory, including with radioactive sources, high voltages and other hazards.
- Work collaboratively and professionally as a team, sharing feedback, managing tasks and resolving disputes.
(Lec: 1, Lab: 2.5, Tut: 0)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Develop proficient LabVIEW programming skills.
- Build a photodiode-based light meter to measure the light output of a white LED as a function of biasing voltage and duty cycles.
- Understanding the physics and key characteristics of photodiodes, solar cells, light-emitting diodes and diode lasers.
- Design a sturdy, motor-driven mechanical mount to vary the incident angle of a light source relative to the photodiode/solar cell.
- Design circuits to generate a variable, program-controlled DC voltage bias that can be used to bias the photodiode or LED.
- Design a current vsvoltage (I-V) tracer to measure the dark and light I-V curves of a photodiode/solar cell.
- Write a LabVIEW program to perform automated I-V scans of the photodiode and display data in real time; write an evaluator program to automatically calculate key device parameters based on the measured I-V curves.
- Be able to effectively communicate technical background, design ideas and test results in technical writing.
- Be able to demonstrate professionalism, safe conduct and effective teamwork.
- Demonstrate skills of self-education.
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Apply a broad range of topics in thermodynamics including temperature, equations of state, internal energy, the first and second laws of thermodynamics.
- Relate the basic principles of statistical mechanics to derive the underlying concepts of thermodynamics.
- Use entropy and response functions, free energies to understand how system properties and state variables evolve, including phase changes.
- Evaluate and compare practical applications of thermodynamics such as engines, refrigerators, and heat pumps.
- Demonstrate proficiency in solving problems in thermodynamics, both individually and working in groups.
- Investigate a specific topic in thermodynamics or statistical mechanics, and create a presentation that relates this topic to the material covered in class.
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Have a conceptual understanding of the role of spacetime curvature in our understanding of gravitation (GR).
- Apply GR to the Universe as a whole as we currently understand it (cosmology).
- Understand the geodesic motion of particles in a gravitational field.
- Develop simple models of non-rotating black holes and their observational consequences.
- Develop simple models of gravitating objects in hydrostatic equilibrium including a study of their interior properties.
- Understand the junction of one spacetime onto another in order to develop complete models of isolated systems.
- Appreciate the complex role rotation plays in a background spacetime and understand some of the properties of real world black holes.
- Understand some of the global features of a spacetime as represented in a Penrose diagram.
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Implement Maxwell’s equations in vector form to analyse important charge and current structures.
- Utilize linear response theory to describe the electromagnetic properties of materials.
- Solve for harmonic waves propagating in a homogeneous medium.
- Quantify energy flow of electromagnetic waves in physical systems.
- Characterize the behaviour of the incident, reflected, and transmitted waves that arise when a uniform plane wave encounters a boundary between two simple media.
- Describe the operation and application of waveguides, including filters and fibre optic cables.
NOT OFFERED 2024-2025
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- CLOs coming soon; please refer to your course syllabus in the meantime.
(Lec: 0, Lab: 3.5, Tut: 0)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Propose an original research experiment that includes theoretical and instrumental contexts. You will evaluate the context of the experimental Science, and digest and construct knowledge related to the field addressed by the experiment through research proposals you would submit before performing the measurements. This involves mastering both the theoretical and instrumental contexts of the experiment enough to propose an original research direction. You will utilize your knowledge of Mathematics to estimate the expected results based on the theoretical context of the setup.
- Describe and discuss models or theories as they relate to a particular physics experimental investigation. You will Identify the key underlying physics involved in the experiment, Formulate the connection between the theory and the experimental setup, and Evaluate your experimental investigation to test the models or theories.
- Conduct the experiment based on your understanding of the experimental setup and procedure. You will adhere to the Safety code of the laboratory to prioritize the safety of you and your classmates. You will perform Analysis of the collected data, and Synthesis the results considering the statistical and systematical uncertainties of the setup.
- Define the discrepancies between theoretical expectations and your lab results. You will evaluate different Stratergies to understand and resolve the discrepancies. You will evaluate different Solutions to verify your hypothesis and Assess the validity of your solutions through calculation or additional data collection.
- Create the appropriate computing codes to build models based on the theory, analyze your lab results, and simulate the lab setup. You will Apply relevant knowledge and appropriate techniques, and tools to understand the collected data and connect the results to theoretical expectations. You will estimate Limitations of the lab setup, such as uncertainties originating from your instrument and measurement methods, and the limitations of the theories and models you have assumed.
- Work as a group to pursue your measurements. You will provide Contributions to your group’s activities by participating in the planning of the laboratory setup, taking data, analyzing data, writing reports, and presenting the results. You will set agreements within your group on how you will collaborate and respect each other’s opinions and viewpoints. At the end of the course, you will review other groups’ results and provide Feedback on their presentations.
- Communicate the results of a physics experiment in a coherent, well-structured, and clear manner, both in written and oral formats. You will Synthesize, Communicate the results through a coherent, well structured, and clear written report under the form of a journal publication, including a concise abstract, and through oral presentations either in small or large attendance.
K4.5(Lec: No, Lab: No, Tut: No)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Work effectively as a team, Students should delegate tasks, manage their time, work with formal project planning, work as effective team leaders and members, support and learn from each other.; please refer to your course syllabus in the meantime.
- Develop an engineering design project that meets a need for (a) stakeholder(s) This project should attempt to solve problems for a client (real or hypothetical), for the inventors, as an entrepreneur, or for society/the planet.
- Use engineering and scientific/physics knowledge to quantitatively specify and design a device, process or system to solve the desired problem.
- Give supportive, constructive and considerate feedback to teammates and peers through project review and teamwork.
- Effectively document project progress through working documents and meetings (lab notebook, progress reports, team meetings).
- Communicate project goals, design, results and prospects in formal written reports, visual and oral presentations.
- Research background, alternatives, safety protocols, government regulations, and industry standards so that the chosen project meets needs, works effectively, and can be deployed.
- Use technical, scientific and engineering tools (hardware, software) to draw, calculate, model, design, simulate, fabricate, modify, characterize and/or test the desired process/device/system.
- Independently or as a team acquire new knowledge and skills to support the goals of the team and project.
- Assess on an ongoing basis the trajectory/development of the project and to re-evaluate and iterate the design and techniques to achieve their originally desired outcome.
- Adhere to all appropriate health and safety protocols. This includes those personal requirements in any lab/work environment as well as appropriate safety assessment and mitigation within the design project.
- Consider and incorporate economic, ethical, equity and environmental issues through the whole design process. Demonstrate knowledge of professional accountability in engineering.
- Carry out the construction/programming and/or prototyping of your system, device or process using or developing tools, expertise and supplies as required.
- Critically evaluate and quantitatively test the success or failure of your project, and correct as necessary.
K4(Lec: No, Lab: No, Tut: No)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Define and refine an engineering project, determining the objectives and constraints.
- Use multiple strategies to solve an engineering problem.
- Design a product, process or system to solve the problem, meeting the needs of the client and subject to appropriate iterations.
- Assess the results, successes and limitations of your design.
- Use appropriate tools and techniques to perform the design, including modelling, drawing, simulation and calculation.
- Produce clear, concise, precise and well-organized written communication.
- Create figures, diagrams and other visual aids to aid in communication.
- Deliver formal oral presentations, speaking clearly and confidently, answering the audience’s questions.
- Perform independent research, acquiring new knowledge and properly organizing and citing sources.
- Apply economic principles to your design, including costs for development, manufacturing, operation and capital.
- Consider environmental effects, ethical considerations, cultural and equity issues throughout the designs as appropriate.
- Involve safety of operation and manufacturing of the product or process in the design.
NOT OFFERED 2024-2025
(Lec: 0, Lab: 0, Tut: 2)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- CLOs coming soon; please refer to your course syllabus in the meantime.
NOT OFFERED 2024-2025
(Lec: 0, Lab: 0, Tut: 9)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- CLOs coming soon; please refer to your course syllabus in the meantime.
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Apply Maxwell's formalism to determine the characteristics of spatially coherent light propagating through free space and simple optical elements.
- Apply the Lorentz model, to characterize classical light-matter interaction, including dispersion and absorption.
- Apply the postulates of quantum mechanics to model semiclassical light-matter interaction (Maxwell-Bloch theory) and quantify optical amplification for particular systems.
- Characterize the performance of various gain media and laser cavities to generate laser light.
- Identify an interesting technical problem and explain how optics solves it or may solve it.
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Apply statistical reasoning to the analysis of physical systems.
- Derive the standard ensemble distribution functions of equilibrium statistical mechanics.
- Examine non-interacting quantum gases using ensemble statistical mechanics.
- Examine non-interacting classical gases using ensemble statistical mechanics.
- Examine simple models in interacting magnetic systems using exact and approximate methods.
(Lec: 2, Lab: 0, Tut: 2)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Have a detailed understanding and working knowledge of various numerical algorithms used in physics and engineering physics problems.
- Use effective written communication skills and present a summary of results from various models and assignments throughout the course.
- Be able to explain scientific results and ideas including critical analysis.
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Have a conceptual understanding of electrons (charge) and phonons (heat) in crystalline materials.
- Describe crystal structures using a Bravais lattice and basis vectors and identify crystal structures from the results of x-ray diffraction measurements.
- Apply quantum mechanics to describe electron energy levels in crystalline materials.
- Apply quantum mechanics to describe vibrational energy levels in crystalline materials.
- Apply quantum mechanics to describe the dynamics of electrons in externally applied electric and magnetic fields.
NOT OFFERED 2024-2025
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- CLOs coming soon; please refer to your course syllabus in the meantime.
NOT OFFERED 2024-2025
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Have a fundamental understanding of the underlying physics and engineering as it connects to nanoscience and nanotechnologies.
- Understand the limits and advantages of fabrication, analysis and characterization tools for nanoscale materials and devices.
- Read and analyze papers from the current research literature in a variety of fields.
- Use effective oral communication and present a summary of research scientific research.
- Be able to explain scientific results and ideas including critical analysis.
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Conceptually understand low energy nuclear physics, including nuclear structure and basic interactions.
- Conceptually understand particle physics including the quark model, the structure of mesons and hadrons, the fundamental forces and interactions.
- Understand nuclear instability and calculate rates and properties for alpha, beta, and gamma decays, fusion and fission.
- Understand the process for calculating particle interaction rates from first principles and the role of Feynman Diagrams.
- Understand basic renormalization and how to calculate simple QED decay and annihilation processes from first principles.
- Understand special relativity, particle kinematics, 4-vectors, and associated calculations relevant for nuclear and particle processes.
- Understand the role of experiments in forming theories and the limitations of nuclear models and the standard model of particle physics and conceptually understand possible extensions to these models.
- Understand the role of nuclear and particle physics in the modern age including nuclear power, nuclear medicine, and fundamental science.
NOT OFFERED 2024-2025
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- CLOs coming soon; please refer to your course syllabus in the meantime.
NOT OFFERED 2022-2023
(Lec: 3.0, Lab: 0, Tut: 0.5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Have a working definition of what constitutes a plasma.
- Be able to describe the motion of charged particles under the influence of various applied fields.
- Be familiar with adiabatic invariants.
- Develop a basic understanding of plasma as a fluid including the governing magnetohydrodynamics.
- Be familiar with the propagation of waves in plasma.
- Be able to describe diffusion processes, collision processes, and plasma resistivity.
- Be aware of various plasma instabilities.
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0, Tut: 0)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Estimate the biological effects on humans from different sources of ionizing radiation.
- Describe the basic interactions of x-rays and charged particles with matter, and use this understanding to calculate radiation energy deposition in mater.
- Describe some of the medical equipment used for radiation therapy and imaging from the perspective of the physical mechanisms involved in the radiation production and detection.
- Derive and calculate some basic properties of x-ray images.
- Use fundamental physical properties such as x-ray attenuation coefficients to explain the workings of conventional radiography and computed tomography.
- Describe the physical basis for ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.
- Describe different methods for radiation therapy.
- Use basic dose calculation techniques to determine doses received from a simple radiation therapy treatment.
- Perform independent reading and critical analysis of medical physics related topics.
- Work as a group to create an in-depth poster presentation on a selected medical physics topic.
- Give an oral presentation and answer questions on the selected medical physics topic.
- Evaluate peer presentations.
- Assess personal and team member contributions to a project.
- Critically assess news articles related to radiation exposure and describe key institutions involved in radiation safety.
K4(Lec: No, Lab: No, Tut: No)
Course Learning Outcomes:
- CLOs coming soon; please refer to your course syllabus in the meantime.