PHYS - Physics

Prerequisite: Level III placement on the Basic Math Skills Inventory or MATH 120. Credit by exam. An introduction to the principles of physics: kinematics, mechanics, rotational motion, mechanical waves, sound and thermodynamics; the development of physical laws; application to practical problems.

Prerequisite: PHYS 101. Credit by exam. A continuation of PHYS 101. Wave motion, electricity, magnetism, static and time varying fields, light and optical phenomena, lenses; application to practical problems.

Prerequisite: MATH 201 or concurrent enrollment in MATH 201. Credit by exam. Open to students who have not had PHYS 101. Topics essentially identical to those in PHYS 101, although this is a more analytical course that is primarily for majors in the sciences and mathematics. Physical laws and theories developed by application of calculus. Designed to prepare students for advanced work in the physical sciences.

Prerequisites: PHYS 203 and MATH 202, or concurrent enrollment in MATH 202. Credit by exam. Open to students who have not had PHYS 102. Continuation of PHYS 203. Topics essentially identical to those in PHYS 102, but continuing the analytical approach and use of calculus.

Prerequisites: PHYS 101, PHYS 102 or PHYS 203, PHYS 204 and MATH 201, MATH 202. A study of selected topics from atomic theories of matter, atomic spectra, special relativity, solid state and nuclear physics.

Prerequisites: PHYS 101, PHYS 102 or PHYS 203, PHYS 204, and MATH 201, MATH 202. A mathematical study of statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies including work and energy, stability of equilibrium, motion under the action of a central force, fixed axis rotation and oscillatory motion.

Prerequisites: PHYS 101, PHYS 102 or PHYS 203, PHYS 204 and MATH 201, MATH 202. Topics chosen from among electrostatics, Gauss’ law, dielectrics, steady current, magnetic field of a current, motion of a charge in a magnetic field, electromagnetic induction, Maxwell’s equations, magnetic material, Poynting vector and electromagnetic radiation.

May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits. An opportunity for qualified students to assist in PHYS 101, PHYS 102, PHYS 203 and/or PHYS 204 by tutoring students, correcting problem sets and/or helping set up equipment for the laboratory in these courses. Assistants work under the supervision of the physics faculty and are selected by the department. Grading is on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Prerequisites: 6 credits of 200-level coursework in physics, and permission of the department. Independent study, reading and problems in a selected field of physics.