For more information on our course offerings, please go to the York Course Website.
Calendar Year
Term
Course #
Course Title
2025
W
gs/phys 5020M
Electromagnetism
A formal treatment of electromagnetic fields, including: review of Maxwell's Equations; wave propagation, fields from time-independent sources; Green's Function methods; multipole expansions; field energy and momentum conservation; electromagnetic waves; refraction; wave-guides; solutions of Maxwell's Equations with time-dependent sources, multipole radiation; electromagnetic field of moving point charges; Lienard-Wiechart potentials; relativistic nature of Maxwell's Equations; Lorentz transformations of electric and magnetic fields.
Instructional Format: LECT
2024
W
gs/phys 5020M
Electromagnetism
A formal treatment of electromagnetic fields, including: review of Maxwell's Equations; wave propagation, fields from time-independent sources; Green's Function methods; multipole expansions; field energy and momentum conservation; electromagnetic waves; refraction; wave-guides; solutions of Maxwell's Equations with time-dependent sources, multipole radiation; electromagnetic field of moving point charges; Lienard-Wiechart potentials; relativistic nature of Maxwell's Equations; Lorentz transformations of electric and magnetic fields.
Instructional Format: LECT
Instructor(s): E. Hessels
2025
W
gs/phys 5040M
Elementary Particle Physics
The properties of the fundamental particles (quarks and leptons) and the force between them are studied. Topics include the interactions of particles with matter, symmetry principles and experimental techniques.
Instructional Format: LECT
2024
W
gs/phys 5040M
Elementary Particle Physics
The properties of the fundamental particles (quarks and leptons) and the force between them are studied. Topics include the interactions of particles with matter, symmetry principles and experimental techniques.
Instructional Format: LECT
Instructor(s): W. Taylor
2024
W
gs/phys 5050M
Atomic and Molecular Structure
Instructional Format: LECT
Instructor(s): T. Kirchner
2024
F
gs/phys 5061A
Experimental Techniques in Laser Physics
This course involves a selection of labs in laser physics, with emphasis on techniques necessary for trapping neutral atoms with lasers. Integrated with SC/PHYS 4061 3.00.
Instructional Format: TUTR
2025
W
gs/phys 5062M
Atom Trapping
Involves trapping atoms with lasers and investigating the properties of laser-cooled atoms. The course includes a set of lectures that cover theoretical concepts including basic properties of two-level atoms, radiation pressure, the laser cooling force, magnetic trapping, and the dipole force. Prerequisite: GS/PHYS 5061 3.00.
Instructional Format: TUTR
2024
W
gs/phys 5062M
Atom Trapping
Involves trapping atoms with lasers and investigating the properties of laser-cooled atoms. The course includes a set of lectures that cover theoretical concepts including basic properties of two-level atoms, radiation pressure, the laser cooling force, magnetic trapping, and the dipole force. Prerequisite: GS/PHYS 5061 3.00.
Instructional Format: TUTR
Instructor(s): A. Kumarakrishnan
2024
F
gs/phys 5070A
Advanced Numerical Methods
TBA
Instructional Format: LECT
2024
W
gs/phys 5070M
Numerical Solutions to Differential Equations
This course provides a rigorous treatment of numerical methods for the solutions of ordinary and partial differential equations.
Instructional Format: LECT
Instructor(s): M. Couchman
2025
W
gs/phys 5070M
Numerical Solutions to Differential Equations
This course provides a rigorous treatment of numerical methods for the solutions of ordinary and partial differential equations.
Instructional Format: LECT
2024
W
gs/phys 5090M
Stars & Nebulae
The astrophysics of radiating matter in the universe. The course covers radiation processes, radiative transfer, stellar atmospheres, stellar interiors, and interstellar matter. The course offers an overview of astrophysical radiation mechanisms; interactions of radiation with matter; radiative transfer; observations, theory, and modelling of stellar atmospheres; theory and modelling of stellar interiors and their evolution; interstellar gas and dust.
Instructional Format: LECT
Instructor(s): A. Muzzin
2024
W
gs/phys 5100M
Solid State Physics
This course covers symmetry concepts in solids, crystal field theory, a review of the theory of atomic spectra, and a discussion of the spectra of ions in solids and spin-orbit coupling. It also reviews the elastic properties of solids from the standpoint of vibrational lattice spectra.
Instructional Format: LECT
Instructor(s): W. van Wijngaarden
2024
W
gs/phys 5180M
Quantum Field Theory I
The objective of this course is to introduce quantum field theory topics such as the failure of relativistic quantum mechanics, canonical quantization, spin 0, 1/2 & 1 fields, symmetries and conservation laws, interacting fields, Feynman diagrams and quantum electrodynamics. Recommended prerequisite: GS/PHYS 5000 3.00.
Instructional Format: LECT
Instructor(s): R. Lewis
2024
F
gs/phys 5400A
Physics Research
A non-thesis experimental or theoretical research endeavour in physics, supervised by a faculty member. The student and supervising faculty member agree at the outset on the project scope (including required literature review), milestones (including frequency of regular student-faculty meetings), and deliverables (including a final written report).
Instructional Format: ISTY
2024
SU
gs/phys 5400A
Physics Research
A non-thesis experimental or theoretical research endeavour in physics, supervised by a faculty member. The student and supervising faculty member agree at the outset on the project scope (including required literature review), milestones (including frequency of regular student-faculty meetings), and deliverables (including a final written report).
Instructional Format: ISTY
2024
W
gs/phys 5400M
Physics Research
A non-thesis experimental or theoretical research endeavour in physics, supervised by a faculty member. The student and supervising faculty member agree at the outset on the project scope (including required literature review), milestones (including frequency of regular student-faculty meetings), and deliverables (including a final written report).
Instructional Format: ISTY
2025
W
gs/phys 5400M
Physics Research
A non-thesis experimental or theoretical research endeavour in physics, supervised by a faculty member. The student and supervising faculty member agree at the outset on the project scope (including required literature review), milestones (including frequency of regular student-faculty meetings), and deliverables (including a final written report).
Instructional Format: ISTY
2024
F
gs/phys 5490A
Astronomical Research
A non-thesis experimental or theoretical research endeavour in astronomy, supervised by a faculty member. The student and supervising faculty member agree at the outset on the project scope (including required literature review), milestones (including frequency of regular student-faculty meetings), and deliverables (including a final written report).
Instructional Format: ISTY
2024
SU
gs/phys 5490A
Astronomical Research
A non-thesis experimental or theoretical research endeavour in astronomy, supervised by a faculty member. The student and supervising faculty member agree at the outset on the project scope (including required literature review), milestones (including frequency of regular student-faculty meetings), and deliverables (including a final written report).
Instructional Format: ISTY
2025
W
gs/phys 5490M
Astronomical Research
A non-thesis experimental or theoretical research endeavour in astronomy, supervised by a faculty member. The student and supervising faculty member agree at the outset on the project scope (including required literature review), milestones (including frequency of regular student-faculty meetings), and deliverables (including a final written report).
Instructional Format: ISTY
2024
W
gs/phys 5490M
Astronomical Research
A non-thesis experimental or theoretical research endeavour in astronomy, supervised by a faculty member. The student and supervising faculty member agree at the outset on the project scope (including required literature review), milestones (including frequency of regular student-faculty meetings), and deliverables (including a final written report).
Instructional Format: ISTY
2025
W
gs/phys 5590M
Observational and Theoretical Cosmology
A survey of observational and theoretical foundations of modern cosmology. Observational constraints on the history and current state of the universe are examined. Theoretical foundations of modern cosmology are introduced and employed to interpret observations. In the process, ideas about the early evolution of the universe, including the introduction of cosmic inflation and the development of large-scale structure, are elucidated.
Instructional Format: LECT
2024
W
gs/phys 5590M
Observational and Theoretical Cosmology
A survey of observational and theoretical foundations of modern cosmology. Observational constraints on the history and current state of the universe are examined. Theoretical foundations of modern cosmology are introduced and employed to interpret observations. In the process, ideas about the early evolution of the universe, including the introduction of cosmic inflation and the development of large-scale structure, are elucidated.
Instructional Format: LECT
Instructor(s): R. Kannan
2025
W
gs/phys 5800M
Introduction to Biological Physics
This course will focus on applications of quantum physics in biology and medicine. Integrated with SC/BPHS 4090 4.00.
Instructional Format: LECT
2024
W
gs/phys 5802M
Cellular Electrodynamics
The objective of the course is to help students to use methods of physics to study biological processes. This course focuses on physics relevant to cellular dynamics and transport. Integrated with SC/BPHS 4080 3.0.
Instructional Format: LECT
Instructor(s): C. Bergevin
2025
W
gs/phys 6001M
M.Sc. Research Evaluation
Instructional Format: REEV
2024
W
gs/phys 6001M
M.Sc. Research Evaluation
Instructional Format: REEV
2024
SU
gs/phys 6100A
Advanced Topics in Solid State Physics: Solid Mechanics
Instructional Format: DIRD
2024
F
gs/phys 6100A
Advanced Topics in Solid State Physics: Solid Mechanics
Instructional Format: DIRD
2024
W
gs/phys 6100M
Advanced Topics in Solid State Physics: Solid Mechanics
Instructional Format: DIRD
2025
W
gs/phys 6100M
Advanced Topics in Solid State Physics: Solid Mechanics
Instructional Format: DIRD
2024
SU
gs/phys 6110A
Advanced Topics in Quantum Electronics - Reading Course
: Advanced Topics in Quantum Electronics. A more detailed and advanced discussion of the material of GS/PHYS5110.03.
Instructional Format: DIRD
2024
W
gs/phys 6120M
Advanced Topics in Fluid Mechanics: Turbulence and Diffusion
Instructional Format: LECT
Instructor(s): M. Gordon, P. Taylor
2024
F
gs/phys 6140A
Advanced Topics In Particle Physics
This course is a continuation of the material in Physics 5140 3.0. Non-Abelian guage theories will be studied in some detail, namely the Weinberg-Salam model of weak interactions, quantum chromodynamics for the strong interaction and the SU(5) grand unified theory.
Instructional Format: LECT
2024
W
gs/phys 6140M
Advanced Topics In Particle Physics
This course is a continuation of the material in Physics 5140 3.0. Non-Abelian guage theories will be studied in some detail, namely the Weinberg-Salam model of weak interactions, quantum chromodynamics for the strong interaction and the SU(5) grand unified theory.
Instructional Format: LECT
Instructor(s): B. Radics
2024
SU
gs/phys 6170A
Selected Topics in Applied Optical Physics
Topics may change from year to year. Typical subject material may be selected from: design of advanced optical components, instruments and systems, detectors and instruments, the principles of laser radar (lidar), the interaction of laser radiation with materials, optical communication systems, advanced instrumentation for astronomy and space science.
Instructional Format: DIRD
2024
F
gs/phys 6170A
Selected Topics in Applied Optical Physics
Topics may change from year to year. Typical subject material may be selected from: design of advanced optical components, instruments and systems, detectors and instruments, the principles of laser radar (lidar), the interaction of laser radiation with materials, optical communication systems, advanced instrumentation for astronomy and space science.
Instructional Format: DIRD
2024
W
gs/phys 6170M
Selected Topics in Applied Optical Physics
Topics may change from year to year. Typical subject material may be selected from: design of advanced optical components, instruments and systems, detectors and instruments, the principles of laser radar (lidar), the interaction of laser radiation with materials, optical communication systems, advanced instrumentation for astronomy and space science.
Instructional Format: DIRD
2025
W
gs/phys 6170M
Selected Topics in Applied Optical Physics
Topics may change from year to year. Typical subject material may be selected from: design of advanced optical components, instruments and systems, detectors and instruments, the principles of laser radar (lidar), the interaction of laser radiation with materials, optical communication systems, advanced instrumentation for astronomy and space science.
Instructional Format: DIRD
2024
F
gs/phys 6180A
Selected Topics in Biological Physics
Discussion of one or more topics in biological physics. Specific topics will vary.
Instructional Format: DIRD
2025
W
gs/phys 6213M
Selected Topics in Physics
This course covers a selected topic in theoretical or experimental physics.
Instructional Format: DIRD
2024
W
gs/phys 6213M
Selected Topics in Physics
This course covers a selected topic in theoretical or experimental physics.
Instructional Format: DIRD
2025
W
gs/phys 6214M
Selected Topics in Astronomy
This course covers a selected topic in theoretical or observational astronomy.
Instructional Format: DIRD
2024
W
gs/phys 6214M
Selected Topics in Astronomy
This course covers a selected topic in theoretical or observational astronomy.
Instructional Format: DIRD
Instructor(s): Z. Marsan
2025
W
gs/phys 7001M
Ph.D. Research Evaluation
TBA
Instructional Format: REEV
2024
W
gs/phys 7001M
Ph.D. Research Evaluation
TBA
Instructional Format: REEV
Learn More
The Graduate Program in Physics & Astronomy at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.