Available tours in the Department of Engineering Physics at McMaster University.
Biomedical Engineering Tour (20 minutes):
The Department of Engineering Physics specializes in biophotonics and biosensors. Biophotonics uses light for applications in medicine, biomedical engineering, life sciences, agriculture, and environmental science. The term biophotonics refers to a combination of biology and photonics, which is the science and technology of the generation, manipulation, and detection of photons. Photons are the quantum mechanical units of light. Biophotonics is being used for the study of biological molecules, cells and tissues for disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Engineering Physics is also involved in the development and application of micro- and nano-sensors for the detection of DNA, proteins, viruses, and other biological materials. On this tour, you will explore our cleanroom fabrication facilities and see how our Engineering Physics students fabricate biomedical sensors.
Nuclear Reactor Tour (60 minutes):
McMaster University’s nuclear reactor is the only large (5 Megawatts) nuclear reactor on a University campus, in operation since 1959. It is the second largest nuclear reactor at a University in North America. Bertram Brockhouse (Physics Nobel Laureate) completed some of his ground-breaking work using McMaster’s nuclear reactor. Like Bertram Brockhouse, Engineering Physics students perform experiments using McMaster’s nuclear reactor. On this tour, you will go inside our working nuclear reactor and see how nuclear energy is put to work.
Note: At least 2 weeks advance notice is required. Reactor tours require some planning before the event to get the appropriate parent/guardian consent (if the student is alone) and ensure that the prospective students have appropriate clothing for the reactor (flat, closed shoes and pants are the main requirements). The students (and anyone joining a tour) must have valid government ID.
Solar Energy Tour (20 minutes):
In addition to nuclear energy, Engineering Physics specializes in photovoltaic energy (solar electricity), which is the conversion of sunlight to electricity. On this tour, you will see the tools used for making a solar cell, understand how a solar cell works, and see the working solar cells fabricated by Engineering Physics students.
Nanotechnology Tour (20 minutes):
Devices that are constructed on the nanometre or micrometre scale are the technological backbone of the modern age of computers and high-tech communications. Since the introduction of the integrated circuit in the 1960’s, device components have decreased in size and cost at an exponential rate, while increasing in speed and capabilities. The rapid advances in computer capabilities have transformed the worldwide economy and have led to a more prosperous society. On this tour, you will experience a working cleanroom where nano-devices are being fabricated. See a micro-drone, a worm sorter, and other nano-devices.
Engineering Capstone Projects Tour (30 minutes):
Our Engineering Physics undergraduate students work on a final year project of their choosing. From medical robotics, stair climbers, and cancer detectors - come see what Engineering Physics students are capable of making. You can also view our Capstone Gallery here!
