Sample classes

In your first year, you’ll take this class along with its complement, PHYC 1290. No matter what science stream you choose as your focus—chemistry, engineering, biology, or physics—this class is valuable. You’ll get a broad overview of key topics in physics, including mechanics, waves, optics, electricity, and magnetism. Bi-weekly labs will give you the chance to explore hands-on the phenomena discussed in class.

Prerequisites: High school physics equivalent to Nova Scotia Grade 12 level is highly recommended. If you don't have a physics credit equivalent to Nova Scotia grade 12 physics, you are strongly advised to take PHYC 0010.00 (available in the summer and in the fall term). For more information, see Dalhousie's College of Continuing Education at http://collegeofcontinuinged.dal.ca.

If you're in biology, psychology, the arts, or environmental sciences—or if you're preparing for the MCAT or medicine, dentistry, and applied health sciences—this class provides an introduction to physics. It is accepted as a prerequisite to advanced physics classes when combined with MATH 1000 and 1010. Basic concepts in physics are applied, where possible, to realistic biological models. For example, you'll learn how forces and torques are related to muscles and joints, electricity to cellular activity, fluids to blood circulation, and more.

Prerequisites: High school physics equivalent to Nova Scotia Grade 12 level is highly recommended. If you don't have a physics credit equivalent to Nova Scotia grade 12 physics, you are strongly advised to take PHYC 0010.00 (available in the summer and in the fall term). For more information, see the College of Continuing Education at http://collegeofcontinuinged.dal.ca.

This topical class gives you a solid background in the physical principles and limitations of using renewable energy sources. You’ll also be introduced to energy conversion and storage systems, including solar power and heating; wind, tidal, geothermal, hydroelectric, and nuclear power; hydrogen technology; and electrical and mechanical energy storage. Plus, you’ll discover how these energy options affect the global climate and environment.

Prerequisites: PHYC 1100 or PHYC 1300, MATH 1010, CHEM 1011 or permission of the instructor.

After completing this class, you’ll know the principles needed to understand the physical properties of materials, such as thermal and mechanical stability, and electrical and optical properties. You’ll cover all phases of matter, from gases, liquids, films, liquid crystals, perfect crystals, defective solids, to glasses. You’ll also learn about fascinating processes like photography and xerography.

Prerequisites: PREREQUISITES: CHEM 2301 or PHYC 3200 (which may be taken concurrently) or ERTH 2001/2002 or ENGI 2800 or permission of the instructor.