UTSC Calendar 2013-2014

Physical Sciences Programs

SPECIALIST PROGRAM IN PHYSICAL AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES (SCIENCE)

Supervisor: J. Lowman (416-208-4880) Email: lowman@utsc.utoronto.ca 

See Physics and Astrophysics section of this Calendar.

MAJOR PROGRAM IN PHYSICAL SCIENCES (SCIENCE)

Supervisor: G. Lorincz (416-287-7248) Email: lorincz@utsc.utoronto.ca

See Physics and Astrophysics section of this Calendar.

Physical Sciences Courses

PSCB57H3 Introduction to Scientific Computing

This course is an introduction to the use of computers in the physical and biological sciences emphasizing the choice and design of algorithms and their implementation in a high-level computer language for the solution of problems arising in the physical and biological sciences. Topics will include elementary numerical analysis, such as numerical integration, mathematical modeling of physical systems, data fitting and interpolation. (Intended primarily for physical and biological science students who do not plan to pursue any of the Programs in computer science or cognitive science.)
Corequisite: [MATA36H3 or MATA37H3] or MATA35H3 with permission of instructor & one A-level science course
Breadth Requirement: Quantitative Reasoning

PSCD01H3 The Physical Sciences in Contemporary Society

Current issues involving physical science in modern society. Topics include: complex nature of the scientific method; inter-connection between theory, concepts and experimental data; characteristics of premature, pathological and pseudo-science; organization and funding of scientific research in Canada; role of communication and publishing; public misunderstanding of scientific method. These will be discussed using issues arising in chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, mathematics and physics.
Note: Where PSCD01H3 is a Program requirement, it may be replaced by PHY341H with the approval of the Program supervisor.
Prerequisite: Completion of at least one-half of the credits required in any one of the programs offered by the Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences.
Corequisite: Continued participation in one of the Physical and Environmental Sciences programs.
Exclusion: PHY341H
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

PSCD02H3 Current Questions in Mathematics and Science

Topics of current prominence arising in chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, mathematics and physics will be discussed, usually by faculty or outside guests who are close to the areas of prominence. Topics will vary from year to year as the subject areas evolve.
Note: Where PSCD02H3 is a Program requirement, it may be replaced by PHY342H with the approval of the Program supervisor.
Prerequisite: Completion of at least 3.5 credits of a Physical Sciences program.
Corequisite: Continued participation in one of the Physical Sciences programs.
Exclusion: PHY342H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

PSCD10H3 Physical Sciences Project

This course is intended to introduce students to current topics of research in the physical sciences under the supervision of a professorial faculty member. Students will undertake an independent project or series of projects involving theoretical, computational, experimental laboratory or field work in the Physical or Environmental Sciences. Students will be evaluated by the supervising faculty member in consultation with the course supervisor. Students must obtain the consent of the course supervisor to enrol in this course.
Prerequisite: 14.0 credits & a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
Exclusion: (PSCC10H3)