Physics Courses & Descriptions
PHYS& 100 Physics - Basic Concepts • 5 CR
Previously PHYS 106 Basic Concepts in Physics
Motion is one of the most familiar aspects of the natural world, but it can be surprisingly difficult to analyze. Through observation, activities, and classroom presentations students study practices (e.g., baseballs, automobiles) and waves (e.g., sound and water waves) to learn the concepts and skills needed to study motion. Applies wave particle duality to explain the motion of electrons in atoms. Prerequisite: MATH 099.
PHYS 104 Discoveries in Physics • 6 CR
Introduces physical reasoning and basic concepts in physics. Hands-on activities demonstrate fundamental concepts in geometric optics, electricity, and motion. Designed for students with little or no previous physics. Appropriate for general students including those preparing for PHYS 114 and K-12 teachers. Prerequisite: MATH 099.
PHYS 109 Science for Information Technology • 6 CR
Develops research and problem-solving skills in the science of modern technology, including computers and data transmission. Topics include magnetism, electricity, and microchip circuitry. Designed for information technology students, class format includes hands-on group work. Prerequisite: MATH 098 or equivalent assessment.
PHYS 114 General Physics I • 6 CR
First in a three-course survey of physics for allied health, building construction, biology, forestry, architecture, and other programs. Topics include units, kinematics, vectors, dynamics, work and energy, momentum, rotational motion, and harmonic motion. Laboratory work is integral to the course. Prerequisite: MATH& 142 (prev MATH 120) or equivalent.
PHYS 115 General Physics II • 6 CR
Second in a three-course survey of physics for allied health, building construction, biology, forestry, architecture, and other programs. Topics include fluids, heat, thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism. Laboratory work is integral to the course. Prerequisite: PHYS 114.
PHYS 116 General Physics III • 6 CR
Third in a three-course survey of physics for allied health, building construction, biology, forestry, architecture, and other programs. Topics include wave motions, sound, light, geometric and physical optics, relativity, and modern physics. Laboratory work is integral to the course. Prerequisite: PHYS 115.
PHYS 121 General Engineering Physics I • 6 CR
First in a three-course survey of physics for science and engineering majors. Course presents fundamental principles of mechanics, including motion, Newton’s laws, work, energy, momentum, rotation, and gravity. Conceptual development and problem solving have equal emphasis. Laboratory work presents methods of experimental and analysis (modeling, errors, graphical analysis, etc.) and prepares students for upper-division research. Prerequisite: High School physics or equivalent, and MATH& 151 (prev MATH 124) or permission of instructor.
PHYS 122 General Engineering Physics II • 6 CR
Second in a three-course survey of physics for science and engineering majors. Course presents fundamental principles of electromagnetism, including electrostatics, current electricity circuits, magnetism induction, generation of electricity, electromagnetic oscillations, alternating currents, and Maxwell’s equations. Conceptual development and problem solving have equal emphasis. Laboratory work presents methods of experimental analysis (modeling, errors, graphical analysis, etc.) and prepares students for upper-division research. Prerequisite: PHYS 121 and MATH& 152 (prev MATH 125) or permission of instructor.
PHYS 123 General Engineering Physics III • 6 CR
Third in a three-course survey of physics for science and engineering majors. Course presents fundamental principles of oscillating systems and wave phenomena, including optics, simple harmonic motion, waves, sound, light, optical instruments, interference, diffraction, and polarization. Conceptual development and problem solving have equal emphasis. Laboratory work presents methods of experimental analysis (modeling, errors, graphical analysis, etc.) and prepares students for upper-division research. Prerequisite: PHYS 122.
PHYS 199 Individual Studies in Physics • V1-5 CR
Covers directed readings, special projects, and independent study by an individual student. May be repeated for a maximum of 15 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
PHYS 225 Modern Physics • 5 CR
Presents the special theory of relativity, key phenomena, and experiments of modern physics that led to a break from classical views. Includes an introduction to quantum mechanics. Research based active engagement, pedagogical methods and hands on activities assist conceptual development. Prerequisite: MATH& 153 (prev MATH 126) or MATH& 254 (prev MATH 227) and PHYS 123. Recommended: MATH 238 or concurrent enrollment.
PHYS 299 Individual Studies in Physics • V1-5 CR
Covers directed readings, special projects, and independent study by an individual student. See current Quarterly Schedule for details. Course may be repeated for a maximum of fifteen (15) credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.