PHY - Physics Course Descriptions
Relates the methods of the physical sciences to everyday experiences. Arts and science students will learn to appreciate these methods in addition to learning about the physical environment. Topics are taken from physics, chemistry, astronomy, and earth science.
Acquaints students majoring in education with the content and methods of the physical sciences. Topics are taken from physics, chemistry, astronomy, and earth science with emphasis on the basic theories in each area. Algebra is used so the relationships can be quantified. The laboratory exercises include demonstrations and experiments-from both biological and physical sciences-which could be adapted for use at various grade levels. 2 hours of lecture and 2 hours of lab per week.
Education majors or permission of instructor.
Is a lecture- and recitation-based intensive introduction to mechanics and kinematics, fluids, and waves. Emphasizes quantitative and conceptual understanding without the use of calculus.
Science majors co-requisite: PHY 112 (not required but strongly encouraged for non-science majors).
Includes experimental confirmation and reinforcement of some topics from PHY 111; includes computer use in data collection and analysis.
Is a lecture- and recitation-based intensive introduction to electricity and magnetism, heat, and optics. Emphasizes quantitative and conceptual understanding without the use of calculus.
Science majors co-requisite: PHY 114 (not required but strongly encouraged for non-science majors).
Includes experimental confirmation and reinforcement of some topics from PHY 113; includes computer use in data collection and analysis.
Is a one-semester course, including a laboratory component, covering the major theories of physics and its ability to give a quantitative explanation for the world around us. Algebra is used to define quantities, to state the physical laws, and to solve simple problems. Emphasis is on macroscopic explanations, not on quantum mechanics. The major topics are mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, and electromagnetism. Three lecture and one 3-hour laboratory periods per week.
Is a calculus-based introduction to Newtonian gravitation, sound, fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer, electromagnetic waves, and op- tics. Comprises 3 lectures hours and 1 recitation hour per week.
Science majors co-requisite (not required but strongly encouraged for non-science majors):
PHY 221
Includes experimental confirmation and reinforcement of some topics from PHY 220; includes error analysis, computer use in data collection and analysis, and formal laboratory notebook write-ups.
Is a calculus-based introduction to Newtonian gravitation, sound, fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer, electromagnetic waves, and optics. Comprises 3 lectures hours and 1 recitation hour per week.
Science majors co-requisite (not required but strongly encouraged for non-science majors):
PHY 223
Includes experimental confirmation and reinforcement of some topics from PHY 222; includes error analysis, computer use in data collection and analysis, and formal laboratory notebook write-ups.
Is a calculus-based introduction to electricity and magnetism including Maxwell's equations, circuits, and power. Comprises 3 lectures hours and 1 recitation hour per week.
Science majors co-requisite (not required but strongly encouraged for non-science majors):
PHY 225
Includes experimental confirmation and reinforcement of some topics from PHY 224; includes error analysis, computer use in data collection and analysis, and formal laboratory notebook write-ups.