Program Requirements
The B.Sc.; Honours in Physics; Biological Physics program contains a strong core of foundational physics and specializes in biology, mathematics, physiology, computer science, and chemistry. This Honours program offers a more rigorous preparation, with additional research experience, in biophysics. The program includes a research project within a biophysics lab in the department that is completed in the final year. This program may be completed in 81 or 82 credits
Required Courses (63 credits)
Bio-Physical Sciences Core
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BIOL 219 Introduction to Physical
Molecular and Cell Biology (4 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : An introduction to molecular and cell biology from a physical perspective. Techniques and methodologies, both experimental and computational, are included in the presentation of each thematic module.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Weber, Stephanie; Watt, Alanna; Reyes Lamothe, Rodrigo; Hendricks, Adam (Fall)
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 112; CHEM 110 and CHEM 120; MATH 140, MATH 141 and MATH 133; PHYS 131 and PHYS 142; or the equivalents of these courses.
Corequisite(s): MATH 222 or equivalent
Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken or are taking ANAT 212, BIOC 212, BIOL 200, and BIOL 201, or BIEN 219. Only open to students in Bioengineering, Computer Science-Biology, Biology-Mathematics, Biology-Quantitative Biology, Chemistry-Biophysical Chemistry, and Physics-Biological Physics Options.
This course is meant to prepare students for related 300-level courses in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering and Physics.
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BIOL 395 Quantitative Biology Seminar (1 credit)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Overview of concepts and current research in quantitative biology; theoretical ecology and evolution, computational biology, and physical biology.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Fussmann, Gregor; Hendry, Andrew; Guichard, Frederic; Schmidt, Alexandra; Oeffinger, Marlene; Hendricks, Michael; Bui, Khanh Huy; Weber, Stephanie; Hayer, Arnold; Gerhold, Abigail (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisites: BIOL 219; or BIOL 200 plus BIOL 201 or ANAT 212 or BIOC 212; CHEM 212; COMP 202 or COMP 204 or COMP 250; MATH 222; or permission of instructor.
Restriction: Only open to U2 students in the following programs: B.Sc.; Major and Honours in Biology; Quantitative Biology, B.Sc.; Major and Honours Computer Science and Biology, B.Sc.; Major Biology and Mathematics, B.Sc.; Major Physiology and Mathematics, B.Sc.; Major Physiology and Physics, B.Sc.; Major and Honours Chemistry; Biophysical Chemistry, and B.Sc.; Major and Honours Physics; Biological Physics.
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CHEM 212 Introductory Organic Chemistry 1 (4 credits) *
Overview
Chemistry : A fundamental study of aliphatic compounds and saturated functional groups including modern concepts of bonding, reaction mechanisms, conformational analysis, spectroscopy, and stereochemistry.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Vlaho, Danielle; Huot, Mitchell; Sirjoosingh, Pallavi; Tsantrizos, Youla S; Pavelka, Laura; Luedtke, Nathan (Fall)
Fall, Summer
Restriction: Not open to students registered in Chemistry or Biochemistry. Not open to students who have taken or are taking CHEM 211, CHEM 242, or equivalent.
Each lab section is limited enrolment
Note: Some CEGEP programs provide equivalency for this course. For more information, please see the Department of Chemistry's Web page ().
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MATH 247 Honours Applied Linear Algebra (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Matrix algebra, determinants, systems of linear equations. Abstract vector spaces, inner product spaces, Fourier series. Linear transformations and their matrix representations. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalizable and defective matrices, positive definite and semidefinite matrices. Quadratic and Hermitian forms, generalized eigenvalue problems, simultaneous reduction of quadratic forms. Applications.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Hoheisel, Tim (Winter)
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MATH 315 Ordinary Differential Equations (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : First order ordinary differential equations including elementary numerical methods. Linear differential equations. Laplace transforms. Series solutions.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Paquette, Courtney (Fall) Kamran, Niky (Winter)
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MATH 323 Probability (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Sample space, events, conditional probability, independence of events, Bayes' Theorem. Basic combinatorial probability, random variables, discrete and continuous univariate and multivariate distributions. Independence of random variables. Inequalities, weak law of large numbers, central limit theorem.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Summer 2025
Instructors: Sajjad, Alia (Fall) Nadarajah, Tharshanna (Winter)
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PHYS 319 Introduction to Biophysics (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : Emerging physical approaches and quantitative measurement techniques are providing new insights into longstanding biological questions. This course will present underlying physical theory, quantitative measurement techniques, and significant findings in molecular and cellular biophysics. Principles covered include Brownian motion, low Reynolds-number environments, forces relevant to cells and molecules, chemical potentials, and free energies. These principles are applied to enzymes as molecular machines, membranes, DNA, and RNA.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Reisner, Walter (Winter)
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PHYS 329 Statistical Physics with Biophysical Applications (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : This interdisciplinary course introduces Statistical Physics illustrated with modern biophysical applications. Principles covered include partition functions, Boltzmann distribution, bosons, fermions, Bose Einstein condensates, Ferni gases, chemical potential, thermodynamical forces, biochemical kinetics, and an introduction to noise and phase transitions in biology.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
* Students who have taken the equivalent of CHEM 212 can make up the credits with complementary 3 or 4 credit courses in consultation with the program adviser.
Biology and Mathematics
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BIOL 202 Basic Genetics (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Introduction to basic principles, and to modern advances, problems and applications in the genetics of higher and lower organisms with examples representative of the biological sciences.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Moon, Nam Sung; Nilson, Laura; Schoen, Daniel J; Hipfner, David; Champetier, Serge (Winter)
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MATH 248 Honours Vector Calculus (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Partial derivatives and differentiation of functions in several variables; Jacobians; maxima and minima; implicit functions. Scalar and vector fields; orthogonal curvilinear coordinates. Multiple integrals; arc length, volume and surface area. Line and surface integrals; irrotational and solenoidal fields; Green's theorem; the divergence theorem. Stokes' theorem; and applications.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Mutanguha, Jean Pierre (Fall)
Physics
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PHYS 241 Signal Processing (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : Linear circuit elements, resonance, network theorems, diodes, transistors, amplifiers, feedback, integrated circuits.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Hessels, Jason (Winter)
Winter
2 hours lectures; 3 hours laboratory alternate weeks
Prerequisite: CEGEP physics or PHYS 142.
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PHYS 251 Honours Classical Mechanics 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : Newton's laws, work energy, angular momentum. Harmonic oscillator, forced oscillations. Inertial forces, rotating frames. Central forces, centre of mass, planetary orbits, Kepler's laws.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Chiang, Hsin Cynthia (Fall)
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PHYS 253 Thermal Physics (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : Energy, work, heat; first law. Temperature, entropy; second law. Absolute zero; third law. Equilibrium, equations of state, gases, liquids, solids, magnets; phase transitions.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Grutter, Peter H (Fall)
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PHYS 257 Experimental Methods 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : Introductory laboratory work and data analysis as related to mechanics, optics and thermodynamics. Introduction to computers as they are employed for laboratory work, for data analysis and for numerical computation. Previous experience with computers is an asset, but is not required.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Vachon, Brigitte (Fall)
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PHYS 258 Experimental Methods 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : Advanced laboratory work and data analysis as related to mechanics, optics and thermodynamics. Computers will be employed routinely for data analysis and for numerical computation, and, particularly, to facilitate the use of Fourier methods.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Cooke, David (Winter)
Winter
6 hours of laboratory and classroom work
Prerequisite: PHYS 257
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PHYS 346 Majors Quantum Physics (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : De Broglie waves, Bohr atom. Schroedinger equation, wave functions, observables. One dimensional potentials. Schroedinger equation in three dimensions. Angular momentum, hydrogen atom. Spin, experimental consequences.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Vachon, Brigitte (Fall)
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PHYS 350 Honours Electricity and Magnetism (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : Fundamental laws of electric and magnetic fields in both integral and differential form.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Liu, Adrian (Fall)
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PHYS 352 Honours Electromagnetic Waves (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : Vector and scalar potentials; plane waves in homogeneous media; refraction and reflection; guided waves; radiation from simple systems; dipole and quadrupole radiation; introduction to fields of moving charges; synchrotron radiation; Bremsstrahlung.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Lovejoy, Shaun MacDonald (Fall)
Fall
3 hours lectures
Prerequisite: PHYS 350.
Restriction: Honours students, or permission of the instructor
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PHYS 459D1 Research Thesis (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : Supervised research project and thesis.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Gale, Charles (Fall)
Fall
Permission of the instructor.
6 hours
Restriction: Honours students or permission of instructor
Students must register for both PHYS 459D1 and PHYS 459D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both PHYS 459D1 and PHYS 459D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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PHYS 459D2 Research Thesis (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : See PHYS 459D1 for course description.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Gale, Charles (Winter)
Winter
Prerequisite: PHYS 459D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both PHYS 459D1 and PHYS 459D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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PHYS 519 Advanced Biophysics (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : An advanced biophysics course, with a special emphasis on stochastic and out of equilibrium physical processes in living matter.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Wiseman, Paul (Winter)
Complementary Courses
(18-19 credits)
3 credits selected from:
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COMP 202 Foundations of Programming (3 credits)
Overview
Computer Science (Sci) : Introduction to computer programming in a high level language: variables, expressions, primitive types, methods, conditionals, loops. Introduction to algorithms, data structures (arrays, strings), modular software design, libraries, file input/output, debugging, exception handling. Selected topics.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: M'hiri, Faten (Fall) M'hiri, Faten (Winter)
3 hours
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking COMP 204, COMP 208, or GEOG 333; not open to students who have taken or are taking COMP 206 or COMP 250.
COMP 202 is intended as a general introductory course, while COMP 204 is intended for students in life sciences, and COMP 208 is intended for students in physical sciences and engineering.
To take COMP 202, students should have a solid understanding of pre-calculus fundamentals such as polynomial, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
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COMP 250 Introduction to Computer Science (3 credits)
Overview
Computer Science (Sci) : Mathematical tools (binary numbers, induction,recurrence relations, asymptotic complexity,establishing correctness of programs). Datastructures (arrays, stacks, queues, linked lists,trees, binary trees, binary search trees, heaps,hash tables). Recursive and non-recursivealgorithms (searching and sorting, tree andgraph traversal). Abstract data types. Objectoriented programming in Java (classes andobjects, interfaces, inheritance). Selected topics.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Alberini, Giulia (Fall) Alberini, Giulia (Winter)
3 credits selected from:
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PHYS 328 Electronics (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : Semiconductor devices, basic transistor circuits, operational amplifiers, combinatorial and sequential logic, integrated circuits, analogue to digital converters. The laboratory component covers design, construction and testing of basic electronic circuits.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Chiang, Hsin Cynthia (Fall)
Fall
2 hours lectures; 3 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: PHYS 241 or permission of instructor
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PHYS 351 Honours Classical Mechanics 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : Rigid bodies, angular momentum, gyroscope, moment of inertia, principal axes, Euler's equations. Coupled oscillations and normal modes. Lagrangian mechanics and applications. Hamiltonian mechanics. Topics in advanced analytical mechanics.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Schutz, Katelin (Winter)
3 credits selected from:
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PHYS 339 Measurements Laboratory in General Physics (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : Introduction to modern techniques of measurement. The use of computers in performing and analysing experiments. Data reduction, statistical methods, report writing. Extensive use of computers is made in this laboratory; therefore some familiarity with computers and computing is an advantage.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Ryan, Dominic (Winter)
Winter
6 hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 241 or permission of instructor
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PHYS 359 Advanced Physics
Laboratory 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : Advanced level experiments in physics including quantum effects and some properties of condensed matter physics and modern physics.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Ryan, Dominic (Winter)
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PHYS 469 Advanced Physics Laboratory 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : Advanced level experiments in physics including quantum effects and some properties of condensed matter physics and modern physics.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Cooke, David (Fall)
Fall
6 hours
Restriction: Honours students or permission of instructor
Prerequisite: PHYS 258 or permission of the instructor
Corequisite: PHYS 457 or PHYS 447 or permission of the instructor.
Restriction: Open to honours and majors physics students
Student who have taken PHYS 359 will conduct different experiments in this course.
3 credits selected from:
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CHEM 514 Biophysical Chemistry (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : Physical chemistry concepts needed to understand the function of biological systems at the molecular level, including the structure, stability, transport, and interactions of biological macromolecules.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Blum, Amy; Mittermaier, Anthony (Winter)
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MATH 437 Mathematical Methods in Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : The formulation and treatment of realistic mathematical models describing biological phenomena through qualitative and quantitative mathematical techniques (e.g. local and global stability theory, bifurcation analysis and phase plane analysis) and numerical simulation. Concrete and detailed examples will be drawn from molecular and cellular biology and mammalian physiology.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Khadra, Anmar (Winter)
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PHGY 425 Analyzing Physiological Systems (3 credits)
Overview
Physiology : An introduction to quantitative analysis of physiological data, both to the mode of thinking and to a set of tools that allows accurate predictions of biological systems. Examples will range from oscillating genetic networks to understanding higher brain function. Modelling and data analysis through examples and exercises will be emphasized.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Cook, Erik; Glavinovic, Mladen I; Baker, Curtis L; Bashivan, Pouya (Fall)
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PHYS 432 Physics of Fluids (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : The physical properties of fluids. The kinematics and dynamics of flow. The effects of viscosity and turbulence. Applications of fluid mechanics in biophysics, geophysics and engineering.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Jeon, Sang Yong (Winter)
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PHYS 434 Optics (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : Fundamental concepts of optics, including applications and modern developments. Light propagation in media; geometric optics and optical instruments; polarization and coherence properties of light; interference and interferometry; diffraction theory and applications in spectrometry and imaging; Gaussian beams, Fourier optics and photonic band structure. A laboratory component provides hands-on experience in optical setup design, construction and testing of concepts introduced in lectures.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Wang, Kai (Fall)
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PHYS 447 Applications of Quantum Mechanics (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : One electron atoms, radiation, multielectron atoms, molecular bonds. Selected topics from condensed matter, nuclear and elementary particle physics.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Wang, Kai (Winter)
Restriction(s): Not open to students in the following programs: 路 Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) - Honours Electrical Engineering 路 Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) - Minor Physics 路 Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - Honours Mathematics and Physics 路 Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - Honours Physics 路 Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - Honours Physics and Chemistry 路 Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - Honours Physics and Computer Science
Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken or are taking PHYS 457.
1. Winter
2. 3 hours lectures
6 to 7 credits selected from:
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BIOL 300 Molecular Biology of the Gene (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : A survey of current knowledge and approaches in the area of regulation of gene expression, post-transcriptional control of gene expression, and signal transduction.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Sch枚ck, Frieder; Moon, Nam Sung (Fall)
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BIOL 301 Cell and Molecular Laboratory (4 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : An introduction to biology research and communication with a focus on cell and molecular biology. Through conducting a series of project-based experiments and writing a final report, molecular and synthetic biology techniques such as gene cloning, manipulation, protein isolation and characterization and how research is conducted, analyzed and communicated will be addressed. In addition, an introduction to bioinformatics methods and their role in analysis will be provided.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Hayer, Arnold; Harrison, Paul; Zheng, Huanquan; Leroux, Maxime (Fall) Zheng, Huanquan; Harrison, Paul; Leroux, Maxime; Hayer, Arnold (Winter)
Fall or Winter
1 hour lecture and one 6-hour laboratory
Prerequisites: BIOL 200, BIOL 201 (or ANAT 212/BIOC 212); or BIOL 219
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking BIOC 300, or BIOC 220 and BIOC 320. Requires departmental approval.
For approval email maxime.leroux [at] mcgill.ca. Specify your ID number as well as the term and two lab day preferences.
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BIOL 303 Developmental Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : A consideration of the fundamental processes and principles operating during embryogenesis. Experimental analyses at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels will be presented and discussed to provide an overall appreciation of developmental phenomena.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Gerhold, Abigail; Rao, Yong; Dufort, Daniel (Winter)
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BIOL 306 Neural Basis of Behaviour (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Neural mechanisms of animal behaviour; neuroethology; cellular neurophysiology, integrative networks within nervous systems; neural control of movement; processing of sensory information.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Sakata, Jon; Dent, Joseph Alan (Fall)
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BIOL 313 Eukaryotic Cell Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : In-depth examination of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells, with an emphasis on experimental design and interpretation. Examination of the molecular mechanisms of various cellular processes, including protein homeostasis, intracellular transport, cytoskeletal dynamics, multicellular organization and cell proliferation.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Weber, Stephanie (Winter)
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BIOL 316 Biomembranes and Organelles (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : The course focuses on biomembranes and subcellular organelles and their implications for disease. The topics include: protein and lipid biochemistry, membrane structure and transport; intracellular compartmentalization, protein sorting and modification, intracellular membrane trafficking; energy transfer, organization and dynamics of chloroplasts and mitochondria; extracellular matrix and cell walls.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Zheng, Huanquan (Fall)
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BIOL 551 Principles of Cellular Control (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Fundamental principles of cellular control, with cell cycle control as a major theme. Biological and physical concepts are brought to bear on control in healthy cells..
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
