Undergraduate Courses 2023-24

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PHYS

Physics

Undergraduate courses marked with [BLD] or [SPO] may be offered in the mode of blended learning or self-paced online delivery respectively, subject to different offerings. Students should check the delivery mode of the class section before registration.

PHYS 1001
Physics and the Modern Society
3 Credit(s)
Previous Course Code(s)
CORE 1110
Prerequisite(s)
a passing letter grade in CORE 1401 OR CORE 1402 OR CORE 1403 OR CORE 1404 OR LANG 1002 (prior to 2022-23)
Exclusion(s)
Level 3 or above in HKDSE 1/2x Physics or HKDSE 1x Physics; any PHYS courses at 1100-level or above
Description
This course is for students with no physics background. Course content: Principle of scientific theories and methods, Aristotle's law, Newtonian mechanics. Thermal physics, heat engine, energy crisis and global warming. Nature of waves and the physics of hearing and vision. Electricity and magnetism, electromagnetic waves and telecommunication. Relativity, quantum physics, nuclear energy and semiconductor. Developments and outlook of contemporary physics. Students without HKDSE qualifications may seek instructor’s approval for enrolment.
PHYS 1002
Introduction to Astrophysics and Astronomy
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
a passing letter grade in LANG 1401 OR LANG 1402 OR LANG 1403 OR LANG 1404 OR LANG 1002 (prior to 2022-23)
Exclusion(s)
PHYS 1006, PHYS 3071
Description
This course addresses the origin of modern astronomy, the solar system, seasons, moon & eclipses, motion & gravity, light & telescopes, star light & atoms, stars (binary, formation, evolution and death), neutron stars & black holes, normal galaxies, peculiar galaxies, dark matter, dark energy and cosmology.
PHYS 1003
Energy and Related Environmental Issues
3 Credit(s)
Previous Course Code(s)
CORE 1111
Prerequisite(s)
a passing letter grade in LANG 1401 OR LANG 1402 OR LANG 1403 OR LANG 1404 OR LANG 1002 (prior to 2022-23)
Description
This course will introduce the basic concepts of the physical principles behind energy. Forms of energy (including fossil energy, nuclear energy and various forms of renewable energy) and their use for electricity generation, as well as their impacts on the environment from both global and regional perspectives will be covered. Issues related to energy conservation and related environmental issues in Hong Kong and the rest of the world will be addressed.
PHYS 1005
Physics in Movies
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
Level 3 or above in HKDSE 1/2x Physics OR HKDSE 1x Physics
Exclusion(s)
SISP 1111
Description
Films and movies are for entertainment. As such, actions and episodes in movies frequently violate the basic laws of physics. By analyzing the situations portrayed in movies, we seek to establish some basic principles of physics such as the laws of motions, conversation laws, principles of thermodynamics and notions of modern physics. Using films to illustrate the correct (or wrong) concepts of physics is a good way to help the students to comprehend and apply the basic principles of science in an enjoyable way. Movies and films also frequently describes, sometimes in a grossly exaggerated manner, the dire consequences when science or technology falls in the hands of the bad people or when good science is applied for a wrong purpose by unsuspecting people who have good intentions. Analyzing such situations can help students to evaluate the social and philosophical implications of scientific discoveries and technological development. Students without the physics prerequisite but have taken PHYS 1001 or equivalent may seek instructor’s approval for enrolling in the course.
PHYS 1006
Astronomy for Beginners
3 Credit(s)
Exclusion(s)
Level 3 or above in HKDSE 1/2x Physics OR HKDSE 1x Physics, PHYS 1001, PHYS 1002
Description
For students with no physics background. Introduction to our Universe; observation in astronomy; origin of modern astronomy. Newton's law of motions; gravity; light, atoms and telescope. The Sun; stellar formation and evolution; white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes. The Milky way Galaxy; Normal galaxies, active galaxies and supermassive black holes. Foundation of modern cosmology; dark matter, dark energy and the fate of the Universe; the beginning of time.
PHYS 1007
Quantum Information for Everyone
3 Credit(s)
Previous Course Code(s)
CORE 1112
Prerequisite(s)
a passing letter grade in LANG 1401 OR LANG 1402 OR LANG 1403 OR LANG 1404 OR LANG 1002 (prior to 2022-23)
Exclusion(s)
PHYS 4812
Description
Information cannot exist without a physical system to represent it. Quantum physics enables some fundamental new ways of information processing. In recent years, quantum information processing (QIP) has emerged as one of the “most fiercely competitive in today’s world of technology”. This course offers an introduction to the past, present and future of QIP. The theme is to explain the major ideas and issues in QIP, and how this new technology will change our understanding of information processing. The course starts from a gentle introduction to quantum theory without assuming any physics background, then moves to the key applications of QIP including quantum computing, quantum cryptography, and quantum communication. Besides theory, demonstrations and hands-on experiences with quantum hardware will also be given. Students will benefit from learning quantum information technology in an interdisciplinary environment, with knowledge and skills for comprehending the fast-paced developments in today’s technological world.
PHYS 1101
Introductory Physics
4 Credit(s)
Exclusion(s)
Level 3 or above in HKDSE 1/2x Physics or HKDSE 1x Physics; any PHYS courses at 1100-level or above
Description
This course is for students with no physics background. It can serve as a standalone introduction to physics or as a preparatory course for students who intend to take PHYS 1112. It is not a preparatory course for PHYS 1111; students with no calculus background who plan to take General Physics should take calculus concurrently with PHYS 1101 so that they meet the prerequisites for PHYS 1112. Topics covered include heat and gases, force and motion, waves, and electricity and magnetism. Students without HKDSE qualifications may seek instructor’s approval for enrolment.
PHYS 1111
General Physics I
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
Level 3 or above in HKDSE 1/2x OR HKDSE 1x Physics
Exclusion(s)
Level 3 or above in HKDSE Mathematics Extended Module M1/M2, PHYS 1101, PHYS 1112, PHYS 1312
Description
PHYS 1111 and PHYS 1112 target students who have learned the most basic knowledge in physics in high school. Students with more advanced physics background should consider taking PHYS 1312. PHYS 1111 employs an algebra-based approach. Students with knowledge of calculus should take PHYS 1112 instead. Key topics include motions and Newton's laws, work and energy, conservation of energy and momentum, rotation, rigid body, simple harmonic and damped oscillations, forced oscillations, standing waves and sound waves, kinetic theory and the laws of thermodynamics. For students under the 4-year degree only. Students with a passing grade in any MATH courses coded between 1000 and 1600 need to seek instructor’s approval for enrolling in this course.
PHYS 1112
General Physics I with Calculus
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
(Level 3 or above in HKDSE 1/2x OR in HKDSE 1x Physics) AND Level 3 or above in HKDSE Mathematics Extended Module M1/M2
Exclusion(s)
PHYS 1111, PHYS 1312
Description
PHYS 1111 and PHYS 1112 target students who have learned the most basic knowledge in physics in high school. Students with more advanced physics background should consider taking PHYS 1312. PHYS 1112 employs a calculus-based approach. Students without knowledge of calculus should take PHYS 1111 instead. Key topics include motions and Newton’s Laws, work and energy, conservation of energy and momentum, rotation, rigid body, simple harmonic and damped oscillations, forced oscillations, standing waves and sound waves, kinetic theory and the laws of thermodynamics. Students without the physics prerequisite but who have taken PHYS 1101 or equivalent, and/or without the mathematics prerequisite but who have taken MATH 1012/ MATH 1013/ MATH 1020/ MATH 1023 or equivalent may seek instructor’s approval for enrolling in the course.
PHYS 1113
Laboratory for General Physics I
1 Credit(s)
Corequisite(s)
PHYS 1111 OR PHYS 1112 OR PHYS 1312
Description
A laboratory course to accompany PHYS 1111/PHYS 1112/PHYS 1312. Experiments in mechanics and heat are chosen to illustrate the experimental foundations of physics presented in the lecture courses.
PHYS 1114
General Physics II
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
(PHYS 1111 OR PHYS 1112 OR PHYS 1312) AND (level 3 or above in HKDSE Mathematics Extended Module M1/M2 OR MATH 1012 OR MATH 1013 OR MATH 1020 OR MATH 1023)
Exclusion(s)
PHYS 1314
Description
This course targets students who have learned the most basic knowledge in physics in high school. Students with more advanced physics background should consider taking PHYS 1314. This course employs a calculus‐based approach. Key topics include Coulomb's law, electric field and potential, Gauss' law, capacitance, circuits, magnetic force and field, Ampere's law, electromagnetic induction, AC circuit, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, wave optics, interference and diffraction.
PHYS 1115
Laboratory for General Physics II
1 Credit(s)
Corequisite(s)
PHYS 1114 OR PHYS 1314
Description
A laboratory course to accompany PHYS 1114/1314. Experiments in static and current electricity and magnetism, and optics are chosen to illustrate the experimental foundations of physics presented in the lecture courses.
PHYS 1312
Honors General Physics I
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
(Level 5* or above in HKDSE 1/2x Physics OR in HKDSE 1x Physics) AND (Level 5 or above in HKDSE Mathematics Extended Module M1/M2)
Exclusion(s)
PHYS 1111, PHYS 1112
Description
This course is a more in-depth version of PHYS 1112. It is intended to provide a solid foundation to students who wish to take more advanced physics courses in the future. Key topics include motions and Newton’s Laws, work and energy, conservation of energy and momentum, rotation, rigid body, simple harmonic and damped oscillations, forced oscillations, standing waves and sound waves, kinetic theory and the laws of thermodynamics. Students without the prerequisite may seek instructor’s approval for enrolling in the course. For students under the 4-year degree only.
PHYS 1314
Honors General Physics II
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
(Grade A- or above in PHYS 1111 OR PHYS 1112 OR Grade B- or above in PHYS 1312) AND (Level 5 or above in HKDSE Mathematics Extended Module M1/M2 OR MATH 1012 OR MATH 1013 OR MATH 1020 OR MATH 1023)
Exclusion(s)
PHYS 1114
Description
This course is a more in-depth version of PHYS 1114. It is intended to provide a solid foundation to students who wish to take more advanced physics courses in the future. Key topics include Coulomb’s law, electric field and potential, Gauss’ law, capacitance, circuits, magnetic force and field, Ampere’s law, electromagnetic induction, AC circuit, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, geometric optics, interference and diffraction. Students without the prerequisite may seek instructor’s approval for enrolling in the course. For students under the 4-year degree only.
PHYS 2010
Introductory Biological Physics
3 Credit(s)
Previous Course Code(s)
BIPH 2010
Prerequisite(s)
(LIFS 1901 OR level 3 or above in HKDSE 1xBiology) AND (PHYS 1111 OR PHYS 1112 OR PHYS 1312)
Description
This course introduces the use of physical methods in the study of biological systems, including macromolecules, membranes, nerves, muscle, photosynthetic systems and visual systems. The biological systems to which the methods are applied will be surveyed and current interpretations of their structure and function will be discussed. The treatment of biological phenomena will be based on physical principles with appropriate mathematics when necessary. The emphasis will be on the applications of physics in biology.
PHYS 2022
Modern Physics
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
PHYS 1114 OR PHYS 1314
Mode of Delivery
[BLD] Blended learning
Description
Introduction to relativity; introduction to quantum theory: particle-wave duality and Schrodinger equation; atoms, molecules; and statistical physics: Maxwell, Bose and Fermi distributions.
PHYS 2023
Modern Physics Laboratory
1 Credit(s)
Corequisite(s)
PHYS 2022
Description
Laboratory accompanying PHYS 2022.
PHYS 2080
Physics Seminar and Tutorial I
1 Credit(s)
Description
Appropriate seminars and small group tutorials are scheduled to expose students to a variety of issues in science and society, and to enhance students' communication with faculties and among themselves. For Physics students in their second year of study under the four-year degree only. Graded P or F.
PHYS 2090
Directed Studies in Physics I
1 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
CGA at 2.70 or above
Description
This course covers special topics selected by the instructor on the basis of individual student's request. For students in the second year of study under the four-year degree only. Instructor's approval is required for enrollment in the course. May be repeated for credits.
PHYS 2124
Mathematical Methods in Physics I
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
MATH 2023 AND (MATH 2121 OR MATH 2131)
Exclusion(s)
MATH 2350, MATH 2351, MATH 2352
Description
This course will cover most of the mathematical tools required for studying classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. Key topics include complex numbers, vector analysis, Fourier series and transform, ordinary differential equations and series solutions.
PHYS 3031
Mathematical Methods in Physics II
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
MATH 2023 AND MATH 2121 AND (MATH 2352 OR PHYS 2124)
Description
Physical applications of analytic and numerical methods are studied in such topics as differential equations, Fourier series, Laplace transforms, matrices and vectors.
PHYS 3032
Classical Mechanics
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
(PHYS 1111 OR PHYS 1112 OR PHYS 1312) AND MATH 2023
Description
Newtonian mechanics, including rigid bodies; oscillating systems; gravitation and planetary motion; Lagrange equations; Hamilton's equations; normal modes and small oscillations.
PHYS 3033
Electricity and Magnetism I
3 Credit(s)
Co-list with
PHYS 3053
Prerequisite(s)
(PHYS 1114 OR PHYS 1314) AND MATH 2023
Exclusion(s)
PHYS 3053
Description
A physics core course. Electrostatics: electric charge and fields, multipoles, Laplace equation, dielectrics; magnetostatics: currents, magnetic fields and vector potential, magnetic materials; Maxwell's equations.
PHYS 3034
Electricity and Magnetism II
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
PHYS 3033 OR PHYS 3053
Description
Electrodynamics: applications of Maxwell's equations, propagation in various media, radiation, relativistic electrodynamics, transmission lines and wave guides.
PHYS 3036
Quantum Mechanics I
3 Credit(s)
Co-list with
PHYS 3037
Prerequisite(s)
PHYS 2022
Exclusion(s)
PHYS 3037
Description
Basic properties of Schrodinger equation, bound and scattering states in simple one-dimensional potentials, formulation of quantum mechanics in terms of Hilbert space and Dirac bracket notation, Schrodinger equation in three-dimensions, angular momentum, hydrogen atom wavefunction, systems of identical particles, spin and statistics, multi-electron atoms and the periodic table.
PHYS 3037
Honors Quantum Mechanics I
4 Credit(s)
Co-list with
PHYS 3036
Prerequisite(s)
Grade B- or above in PHYS 2022
Exclusion(s)
PHYS 3036
Description
This course is a more in-depth version of PHYS 3036 Elementary Quantum Mechanics I. Topics include: classical mechanics, Schrodinger equation and simple examples in one-dimension, formulation of quantum mechanics in terms of Hilbert space and Dirac bracket notation, real and momentum space representations, Heisenberg and Schrodinger pictures, Schrodinger equation in three-dimensions, angular momentum, hydrogen atom wavefunction, systems of identical particles, the periodic table.
PHYS 3038
Optics
3 Credit(s)
Exclusion(s)
ELEC 4610
Description
Ray tracing, matrix optics, wave optics, superposition of waves and interference, coherence, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction, polarisation, Fourier optics, holography, phase and group velocity, material dispersion, propagation of Gaussian beams.
PHYS 3040
Introduction to Materials Science
3 Credit(s)
Description
An integrated study of the nature and behavior of metals, ceramics and polymers. Topics include crystal structures, phase diagrams, microstructures and microscopy, defects, phases and interfaces in materials systems, phase transformations, deformation, annealing and failure of materials.
PHYS 3042
Structure and Properties of Crystalline Solids
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
PHYS 2022
Description
This course covers material structures and physical properties. Topics include the periodic structure of crystals with basic crystallography, symmetry operations and crystalline structures, diffraction and microscopy techniques to determine Bravais lattices and crystal structures, the imperfections in solid materials and their roles in physical properties, physical and mechanical behavior of solid materials based on different bonding types and common defects, the fundamental concepts of mechanical, electrical, optical and magnetic properties and nanomaterials including nanotubes, nanowires, graphene, and 2D semiconductors.
PHYS 3053
Honors Electricity and Magnetism I
4 Credit(s)
Co-list with
PHYS 3033
Prerequisite(s)
[PHYS 1114 (Grade B- or above) OR PHYS 1314] AND MATH 2023
Exclusion(s)
PHYS 3033
Description
This course is a more in-depth version of PHYS 3033. Key topics include: (i) Electrostatics: electric charge and fields, Coulomb’s law, Gauss’ Law, multipoles, Laplace equation; (ii) Magnetostatics: currents, magnetic fields and vector potential, Biot-Savart Law, Faraday’s law, magnetic materials; (iii) Maxwell’s equations; and (iv) Interaction of electromagnetic fields with matter, polarization and magnetization, bound charges and bound currents, relative permittivity and permeability, ferromagnets.
PHYS 3060
Physics Internship
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
PHYS 3152 OR PHYS 3153
Description
This course provides students with an opportunity to gain work experience in physics. Students will undertake internships in companies/organizations. For PHYS students with instructor's approval only. Graded P or F.
PHYS 3071
Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
PHYS 2022
Description
Stellar radiation, stellar spectrum, binary stars, interiors of stars, star formation, post-main-sequence stellar evolution, stellar remnants.
PHYS 3090
Directed Studies in Physics II
1 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
CGA at 2.70 or above
Description
This course covers special topics selected by the instructor on the basis of individual student's request. For students in their third year of study under the four-year degree only. The instructor's approval is required for taking this course. May be repeated for credits.
PHYS 3142
Computational Methods in Physics
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
(COMP 1021 OR COMP 1029P) AND (MATH 2352 OR PHYS 2124)
Exclusion(s)
MATH 3312
Description
This course provides an introduction to basic numerical and symbolic computation. Topics include methods of interpolation and extrapolation, approximation methods of root finding, numerical integration and solving ordinary differential equations, symbolic algebra and calculus. Students need to write computer codes in laboratory sessions and write lab reports to describe their results.
PHYS 3152
Methods of Experimental Physics I
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
(PHYS 1114 OR PHYS 1314) AND PHYS 2023
Description
This course will cover the techniques of experimental physics in the area of electronics. Students will complete experiments involving ac circuits and input/output impedance, diodes and transistors, operational amplifiers, frequency analysis and digital electronics.
PHYS 3153
Methods of Experimental Physics II
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
(PHYS 1114 OR PHYS 1314) AND PHYS 2023
Description
This course will cover the techniques of experimental physics in the area of optics. Students will complete experiments involving basic optical systems, interferometry, waveguides and optical fibers, optical spectroscopy, semiconductor laser diodes, microwave reflection, scattering and diffraction.
PHYS 4050
Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
PHYS 2022
Description
Laws of thermodynamics, entropy, thermodynamic relations, free energy; elementary statistical mechanics: Maxwell-Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics; elementary transport theory; applications to physical systems.
PHYS 4051
Quantum Mechanics II
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
PHYS 3031/MATH 4052, AND PHYS 3036/PHYS 3037
Description
This course is mainly on approximation methods in quantum mechanics. Topics include stationary state perturbation theory, variational principle, WKB method, time-dependent perturbation theory, emission and absorption of radiation, adiabatic approximation and geometric phase, scattering theory.
PHYS 4055
Particle Physics and the Universe
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
PHYS 3036 OR PHYS 3037
Mode of Delivery
[BLD] Blended learning
Description
In this course, a systematic introduction to particle physics will be provided, with the topics mainly covering: the tool of Feynman diagrams, the Standard Model in particle physics (the zoo of fundamental particles, electroweak unified theory, and Higgs mechanism), particle physics at colliders (particularly at the Large Hadron Collider), and the interplay between particle physics and cosmology. It aims at enabling students to catch up the progress in particle physics in a timely way, and appreciate the beauty of fundamental rules in nature.
PHYS 4058
Information Physics
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
PHYS 3031 OR PHYS 4050
Description
Probability theory, entropy in information theory, relative entropy and mutual information, Second Law of thermodynamics, instantaneous code and block code, data compression: Huffman code, portfolio management. Introduction to Mathematical Finance: Options and Binomial Tree.
PHYS 4071
Big Bang Cosmology and Inflation
3 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
PHYS 2022 AND (PHYS 2124 OR MATH 2351 OR MATH 2352)
Description
In this course, a systematic introduction to modern cosmology will be provided, with the topics including: Robertson-Walker metric and Friedmann equation, spacetime evolution of the Universe, thermal history of the Universe, Big-Bang nucleosynthesis, cosmic microwave background, dark matter and dark energy, inflation. It aims at enabling students to catch up with the progress in cosmology in a timely way, and appreciate the beauty of the science on the Universe.
PHYS 4080
Physics Seminar and Tutorial II
1 Credit(s)
Description
Appropriate seminars and small group tutorials are scheduled to expose students to a variety of issues in science and society, and to enhance students' communication with faculties and among themselves. For Physics students in their fourth year of study under the four-year degree only. Graded P or F.
PHYS 4090
Directed Studies in Physics III
1 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
CGA at 2.70 or above
Description
This course covers special topics selected by the instructor on the basis of individual student's request. For students in their fourth year of study only. The instructor's approval is required for taking this course. May be repeated for credits.
PHYS 4151
Experimental Physics: An Experiential Approach
2 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
PHYS 1113 AND PHYS 1115
Description
This course encourages self-initiation and practicing experiential learning through hands-on experience. Students are expected to develop a study and fabrication plan at the start of the course. Under the supervision of the course instructor, students will design, build or fabricate the needed parts and assemble the parts to produce functional prototypes or units to demonstrate the proposed physical laws in the areas related to physics, e.g. mechanics, electronics, waves (optics or sound), electromagnetism, or model physics. By the end of the course, students are required to write a final report for the project and perform an oral presentation. The project may be extended for a second term for extra credits subject to satisfactory performance and project report. Students may also repeat the course for credits if different topics are taken. For PHYS students with instructor's approval only.
PHYS 4191
Capstone Project
4 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
PHYS 3152 AND PHYS 3153
Exclusion(s)
PHYS 4291
Description
Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will perform a capstone project based on a selection of advanced modern physics experiments. The students are expected to perform an independent literature search on the historical background, significance and impact of the experiments. Upon completion of the projects, students are required to submit a project report that complies with contemporary scientific standards and perform an oral presentation. For PHYS students under the four-year degree only. Instructor approval is required.
PHYS 4291
Capstone Research
6 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
PHYS 3152 AND PHYS 3153
Exclusion(s)
PHYS 4191
Description
Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will complete an independent capstone research project. The course is extended over two regular terms. By the end of the course, students need to summarize their results in the form of a short thesis and perform oral presentation. For PHYS students under the four-year degree only. Enrollment in the course requires approval by course instructors and supervisors. May be graded PP.
PHYS 4498
Independent Study Project
4 Credit(s)
Description
Undergraduate research conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. A written report is required and one of the following activities is expected: identify a non-textbook problem and suggest approaches to its solution, solve a non-textbook problem, or acquire a specific research skill. Course duration is one-year. The instructor's approval is required for taking this course.
PHYS 4811
Contemporary Applications of Physics: Machine Learning in Physics
1 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
PHYS 2022 AND (PHYS 3142 OR MATH 3312) AND MATH 2023
Description
Students in this course will apply the basic concepts of physics to the subject of machine learning. Topics include algorithms of supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning, together with their applications in physics.
PHYS 4812
Contemporary Applications of Physics: Quantum Information Technology
1 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
PHYS 3036 OR PHYS 3037 OR CHEM 3420
Description
Students in this course will apply the basic concepts of quantum mechanics to the topic of quantum information technology. The course will briefly introduce the foundations of quantum information science and discuss recent developments in realizing useful quantum devices for quantum communication, quantum computing and quantum simulation.
PHYS 4813
Contemporary Applications of Physics: Atmospheric Physics - Making Sense of Weather and Climate
1 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
PHYS 3032
Corequisite(s)
PHYS 4050
Description
Atmospheric physics is a fascinating application of physics that has been part of our daily life since the last century. An accurate daily weather forecast in the modern era relies not only on our intellectual understanding of the atmosphere, but also on the real-time monitoring and numerical modelling of atmospheric motions. Both of them are fruitful applications of atmospheric physics. In recent decades, there has been growing concern over human impacts on global climate. The wide-ranging claims of human-induced climate change have to be supported by scientific theories and evidence. Atmosphere physics plays a central role in such debates as the atmosphere is a core component of the climate system. This course offers both conceptual and quantitative discussions of the fundamental physical processes that shape our weather and climate.
PHYS 4814
Contemporary Applications of Physics: Medical Physics
1 Credit(s)
Prerequisite(s)
PHYS 2022 AND (PHYS 3033 OR PHYS 3053)
Description
This course covers the concepts and practical applications of medical physics, emphasizing physics methods for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human diseases with the specific goal of improving human health and well-being. It focuses on radiation physics, medical imaging physics and nuclear medicines. Topics include radiation physics, nuclear medicines such as radiotherapy, medical imaging including nuclear medicine imaging, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound imaging. The main goal of this course is to equip students with the physical knowledge for medical physics. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to explain the basic physics behind medical physics and to address problems related to medical physics. This course will also provide some physical insights into the issues of the medical equipment industry.

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