A few First-Year Seminars give preference during the first round of enrolment to students with membership in the college offering the course - if this is the case, the college name will be listed beside the course title. During the second round of enrolment, first-year students at any college may enroll if space is available.
PMU 199H1F: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5): Fall Offerings
PMU 199H1S: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5): Spring Offerings
| Section Number | Title | College | Time |
| L0111 | Great Astronomical Issues | Timetable | |
| L0112 | Astronomy at the Frontier | Timetable | |
| L0131 | Biopolymers | Timetable | |
| L0132 | The Quantum World and Its Classical Limit | Timetable | |
| L0133 | The Science of Energy Choices and Their Environmental Impacts | Timetable | |
| L0161 | Climate Change: Software, Science and Society | Timetable | |
| L0291 | Mathematical Explorations | Timetable |
PMU 199H1F: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5): Fall Offerings
PMU 199H1F
Section L0111
Timetable
PMU 199H1S
Section L0111
Timetable
Great Astronomical Issues
There are some fundamental questions which humankind has asked it's self over the centuries. Many of these involve astronomical origins, events, and objects. Astronomers now have the tools with which to attempt to answer some of the most fundamental questions, such as "Where did it all begin, where are we in space and time, are we alone, and who and what are we?" This seminar will explore some of these great issues. The selection of topics will be made initially by the instructor, but will be modified by the seminar participants at the first class meeting. Topics could include: stellar evolution and the future of the Sun, origin of the elements, origin and future of the Universe, origin of the Earth, origin of life, extinction of the dinosaurs, social and political implications of the development of the space station, global warming, the scientific method, astronomy and the public. Participants will be expected to join actively in lively discussions and to prepare and lead some of the seminars.
Instructor: M. Reid, Astronomy (L0111 F); F. Marleau, Astronomy (L0111 S)
Breadth category: 5 The Physical and Mathematical Universes
PMU 199H1F
Section L0112
Timetable
The Birth, Life, and Death of Stars
This course introduces major themes in astronomy and astrophysics: the creation, evolution, and demise of stars within galaxies, and the implications of these phenomena for planets and life. The format will be informal and varied, with a mixture of lectures, readings, and discussions. Evaluation will be based on short essays, student presentations, and class participation.
Instructor: S. Mochnacki, Astronomy
Breadth category: 5 The Physical and Mathematical Universes
PMU 199H1F
Section L0291
Timetable
Aha! Mathematical Discovery and Creative Problem Solving
This course is an exploration into the creative process and use of imagination as they arise in the context of mathematical problem solving. The problems, which are all at a pre-calculus level, are chosen primarily by the criterion of aesthetic appeal, and emphasize reasoning rather than technique. Still, many of them are quite challenging, and substantial independent thinking will be required, the course is therefore appropriate for students from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. Its goal will be to hone each participant's creativity and mathematical problem-solving skills while guiding them towards the "Aha!" experience which accompanies independent discovery.
Instructor: R. J. McCann, Mathematics
Breadth category: 5 The Physical and Mathematical Universes
PMU 199H1F
Section L0131
Timetable
The chemistry of cleaning: from basic science to innovation and wealth creation
In this course we will trace the path from concepts in fundamental science, to the development of a technology, and the success of a product in the market. The focus will be on products related to cleaning – soaps and personal care products, detergents and other surface active agents, electrostatic cleaners, coatings and rust proofers, etc. Concepts of intermolecular forces and surface chemistry will be discussed, and some experimental work may be performed. Students will work in teams to analyze what essential elements are needed to turn ideas into innovations and to economic success by looking at specific products. A strong interest in chemistry and physics, both fundamental and applied, is essential.
Instructor: C. Goh, Chemistry
Breadth category: 5 The Physical and Mathematical Universes
PMU 199H1F
Section L0341
Timetable
Section L0342
Timetable
The Poetry of Physics and the Physics of Poetry
This seminar explores the role of science and the humanities in modern society and the ways in which the arts and science influence each other. The nature and origin of abstract science is examined. Science is shown to be a form of language which is part of an evolutionary chain of languages linked to speech, writing, mathematics, computing and the internet. The parallels between science and literature, as well as models and metaphors are examined. Examples include: Creation myths and cosmology; pre-socratic philosophy and modern physics; the metaphysical poets (Donne) and Renaissance physics; Locke, Pope, Blake and Newtonian physics; Kierkegaard and Bohr's theory of the atom; Einstein-scientist and humanist; Relativity; Quantum Physics and Modern Art; Thermodynamics and Ecology; Nuclear Physics and the Pugwash Movement.
Instructor: TBA, Physics
Breadth category: 5 The Physical and Mathematical Universes.
PMU 199H1S: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5): Spring Offerings
PMU 199H1S
Section L0112
Timetable
Astronomy at the Frontier
This seminar series aims at building up general scientific literacy, by discussing a selection of topics in current research in astronomy, cosmology, and space science. We will delve into the physical foundation behind the questions being asked and how the answers are being sought. Students will have an opportunity early in the course to select topics of particular interest to them and this will govern the choice of readings as well. Topics could include: formation of stars; planets around other stars; recent results from Hubble and other telescopes in space; architecture of the solar system; exploration in the solar system; the invisible universe: dark energy and dark matter; first light; formation of galaxies; the age and future of the universe. Participants should be comfortable with basic mathematics and quantitative reasoning. Students will be expected to do independent research for essays, presentations, etc.
Instructor: C. Matzner, Astronomy
Breadth category: 5 The Physical and Mathematical Universes
PMU 199H1S
Section L0131
Timetable
Biopolymers
Polymers are found in nature in a wide variety of forms. Proteins act as enzymes, and play an important role in cell structure. Nucleic acids form the genetic material of cells and are responsible for coding the information required to synthesize enzymes. Polysaccharides are important constituents of plant cell walls and serve as food storage mechanisms in many organisms. This course will explore the chemistry and the shapes of these biopolymers and how these features affect the ability of biopolymers to carry out their biological functions. Ideas from chemistry, physics, mathematics and molecular biology will all play a part in understanding the structure and function of biopolymers.
Instructor: S. Whittington, Chemistry
Breadth category: 5 The Physical and Mathematical Universes
PMU 199H1S
Section L0132
Timetable
The Quantum World and Its Classical Limit
Quantum Mechanics provides a reliable description of behavior of atoms, molecules and photons, but is characterized by a variety of conceptual problems resulting from its non-intuitive predictions. Using lectures, computerized visualizations, written essays, etc. we will discuss aspects of quantum mechanics and its classical limit, focusing first on its manifestations in nature and then on fundamental issues such as uncertainty, interference, entanglement, and decoherence. Students will be expected to interact with the Writing Centres at their college to gain strength in essay writing. Required texts are "The New Quantum Universe" by Hey and Walters, and "The Strange World of Quantum Mechanics" by Streyer. A strong background and interest in Physics and Mathematics is needed.
Instructor: P. Brumer, Chemistry
Breadth category: 5 The Physical and Mathematical Universes
PMU 199H1S
Section L0133
Timetable
The Science of Energy Choices and Their Environmental Impacts
This seminar course will consider the energy choices that are available to society and the environmental consequences that arise from their use. This is a topic of significant current interest as we move forward from a world where cheap oil was readily available to one where alternative energy sources are being increasingly considered, along with expanded use of coal and nuclear power. In addition, the environmental consequences of different energy choices are now more readily apparent. Emphasis will be given to the development of a sound scientific understanding of the sources of energy that exist in our natural world and of the manner by which this energy can be transformed from one form to another. Discussion will be framed within the context of the current energy requirements of society and of the impact that our energy choices have on the environment. We will also consider the feasibility and environmental impacts that may arise from the use of alternative energy sources.
Instructor: J. Abbatt, Chemistry
Breadth category: 5 The Physical and Mathematical Universes
PMU 199H1S
Section L0161
Timetable
Climate Change: Software, Science and Society
This course will examine the role of computers and software in understanding climate change. We will explore the use of computer models to build simulations of the global climate, including a historical view of the use of computer models to understand weather
and climate, and a detailed look at the current state of computer modelling, especially how global climate models are tested, what kinds of experiments are performed with them, how scientists know they can trust the models, and how they deal with uncertainty. The course
will also explore the role of computer models in helping to shape society's responses to climate change, in particular, what they can (and can't) tell us about how to make effective decisions about government policy, international treaties, community action and the choices we make as individuals. The course will take a cross-disciplinary approach to these questions, looking at the role of computer models in the physical sciences, environmental science, politics, philosophy, sociology and economics of climate change. However, students are not expected to have any specialist knowledge in any of these fields prior to the course.
Instructor: S. Easterbrook, Computer Science
Breadth category: 5 The Physical and Mathematical Universes
PMU 199H1S
Section L0291
Timetable
Mathematical Explorations
This course is meant to develop appreciation for, and understanding of, mathematics, in students who have been avoiding the discipline. The course will feature a variety of interesting mathematical topics accessible to the intelligent layperson, using, The Heart of Mathematics by E. Burger and M. Starbird. Topics include infinity, the 4th dimension, Mobius strips, golden rectangles, secret codes, puzzles, fractals, etc. Students will be expected to write a non-technical paper and/or make a presentation on some mathematical topic, and to keep a journal of their progress and difficulties in understanding the topics of the course. Anyone who is taking or plans to take calculus is not invited.
Instructor: M. Gualtieri, Mathematics
Breadth category: 5 The Physical and Mathematical Universes