Course Selection At UTSG

[zmike]

Hi,

It's my first time choosing courses at UTSG.To keep things simple, I've numbered my questions :)


1. I am not sure of which 1st year physics course to take. I took HS grade 12 physics and I ended up with an 86% (I unfortunately slacked off near the end so my electrodynamics is really weak). I meet the pre-reqs for all the courses but I am just really not sure of how difficult or interesting the courses actually are? What's the difference between the specialist, core major and general major (what's the advantage of having each one)?


PHY101H1
Emergence in Nature [26L, 13T]

The universe is not a rigid clockwork, but neither is it formless and random. Instead, it is filled with highly organized, evolved structures that have somehow emerged from simple rules of physics. Examples range from the structure of galaxies to the pattern of ripples on windblown sand, to biological and even social processes. These phenomena exist in spite of the universal tendency towards disorder. How is this possible? Self-organization challenges the usual reductionistic scientific method, and begs the question of whether we can ever really understand or predict truly complex systems.

Exclusion: PHY131H1/PHY132H1/PHY151H1/PHY152H1 110Y1/138Y/140Y taken previously or concurrently
PHY101H1 is primarily intended as a Science Distribution Requirement course for students in the Humanities and Social Sciences.

PHY131H1
Introduction to Physics I [26L, 24P, 12T]

A first university physics course primarily for students not intending to pursue a Specialist or Major program in Physical or Mathematical Sciences. Topics include: momentum, energy, force, work, power, angular momentum, classical kinematics & dynamics, friction, thermal properties, gases, liquids, viscosity.

Exclusion: PHY151H1/110Y1138Y1/140Y1
Prerequisite: MCV4U Calculus & Vectors / MCB4U Functions & Calculus
Recommended preparation: SPH4U Physics and SCH4U Chemistry
Co-requisite: MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1

PHY132H1
Introduction to Physics II [26L, 24P, 12T]

The second university physics course primarily for students not intending to pursue a Specialist or Major program in Physical or Mathematical Sciences. Topics include: oscillations, waves, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, special relativity.

Exclusion: PHY152H1/110Y1138Y1/140Y1
Prerequisite: PHY131H1/PHY151H1
Co-requisite: MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1

PHY151H1
Foundations of Physics I [39L, 18P, 12T]

The first physics course in many of the Specialist and Major Programs in Physical Sciences. It provides an introduction to the concepts, approaches and tools the physicist uses to describe the physical world while laying the foundation for classical and modern mechanics. Topics include: mathematics of physics, energy, momentum, conservation laws, kinematics, dynamics, and gravity.

Exclusion: PHY131H1/110Y1138Y1/140Y1
Prerequisite: MCV4U Calculus & Vectors / MCB4U Functions & Calculus; SPH4U Physics
Co-requisite: MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1

PHY152H1
Foundations of Physics II [39L, 18P, 12T]

The second physics course in many of the Specialist and Major Programs in Physical Sciences. Topics include special relativity and electromagnetism.

Exclusion: PHY132H1/110Y1138Y1/140Y1
Prerequisite: PHY131H1/PHY151H1
Co-requisite: MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1

http://www.artsandscience.utoronto.ca/ofr/calendar/crs_phy.htm#PHY132H1



2. I heard there's no advantage to having a specialist degree as opposed to a major in the same field. Is that true.
3. Anyone have any extra advice or favorite courses to share?




btw I was hoping to talk to someone at the registrar but they're always busy or closed (since I am currently working full time to pay for univ, I can't make it there in person)

THANK YOU :)

[xOnic_]

Since you are planning to go for a physics major, you should totally ignore PHY101. PHY131/PHY132 are the standard physics that most first years take whereas PHY151/PHY152 is intended for people who really wants to specialize in physics similar difference between CHM151 and CHM138/CHM139.

A simple rule to remember is that a higher course number usually means a tougher course.

From this point, since you already know which major/specialist POSt you want to go into, you should look into the calendar and look for all the courses you have to take to complete that degree.

Main difference between specialist and major:
specialist - most of your courses are set for you + less electives
major - more opportunity to explore different fields since most people will do 2 majors or 1 major and 2 minors + opportunity to pick easy electives or easy majors.
When applying for graduate school for research, it really depends on which prof is willing to take you on. GPA + personality + undergraduate research + reference letters would be the main factors in getting you into research.

In most case, first year physics is mostly review + some new material. I would recommend you to take the first year seminar on quantum mechanics if you are really into it.