Physics Course Descriptions
PHY 115 PHYSICS FOR TECHNOLOGY....................................4-3-3
This algebra-based course is a one-semester overview of physics designed for students in the technology programs. Emphasis will be placed on topics most applicable to the technology programs, including basic principles of motion, statics, work and energy, fluid mechanics, sound and waves, thermal physics, electricity, magnetism, light, and optics. The weekly laboratory is designed to reinforce material introduced in lecture.
Prerequisite: MAT 115
PHY 121 GENERAL PHYSICS I (ALGEBRA-BASED)...................4-3-3
This course, designed for liberal arts and life science majors, is an algebra-based approach to the experimental and analytical study of Newtonian mechanics and thermal physics, emphasizing one-and two-dimensional kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, energy, momentum, conservation theorems, center of mass, rotational dynamics, static equilibrium, thermal properties of materials, calorimetry, the laws of thermodynamics, and heat engines.
Prerequisite: High school algebra or MAT 011
PHY 122 GENERAL PHYSICS II (ALGEBRA-BASED)................4-3-3
This course, designed for liberal arts and life science majors, is an algebra-based approach to the experimental and analytical study of oscillations, wave motion, acoustics, electrostatics, electric fields, basic direct-current circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, light, and optics. The course also introduces students to the basic concepts of modern physics.
Prerequisite: High school algebra or MAT 011
(PHY 121 is strongly recommended, but not required)
PHY 151 PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS I (CALCULUS-BASED).....4-3-3
This calculus-based course, designed for physical science majors, presents in depth an experimental and analytical study of Newtonian mechanics and thermal physics, emphasizing one- and two-dimensional kinematics, dynamics, work and energy, conservation theorems, linear and angular momentum, collisions, rotational dynamics, statics, fluid mechanics, thermal properties of materials, laws of thermodynamics, kinetic theory of ideal gases, calorimetry, Carnot cycle, heat engines, and heat pumps.
Prerequisites: High school physics or PHY 121, PHY 122
Corequisite: MAT 190
PHY 152 PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS II (CALCULUS-BASED)....4-3-3
This calculus-based course, designed for physical science majors, presents in depth an experimental and analytical study of mechanical oscillators, simple harmonic motion, waves, acoustics, resonance, electrostatics, electric fields, DC and AC circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, electromagnetic waves, including the laws of Coulomb, Faraday, Gauss, Ampere, and Kirchhoff. The course will also cover the nature of light, and geometrical and physical optics, as applied to reflection, refraction, polarization, interference, and diffraction.
Prerequisites: PHY 151, MAT 190
Corequisite: MAT 201
PHY 153 MODERN PHYSICS (CALCULUS-BASED).................3-3-0
A one semester course covering an introduction to the basic concepts underlying modern physics. Topics include the theories of Special Relativity and Quantum Mechanics, with an emphasis on the physical phenomena and experiments that led up to the origin of these theories. The course continues through a study of the applications of quantum mechanical theories to specialized areas of modern physics such as atomic structure, lasers, physics of solids, and nuclear physics. In addition to lectures, the course will make use of computer facilities and software to permit the student to observe and experience simulations of realistic numerical problems in the field of modern physics.
Prerequisites: PHY 152, MAT 201
PHY 199 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN PHYSICS..........................3-3-0
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