PHY - Physics Course Descriptions

PHY 105 Survey of Physical Science

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.

3

PHY 108 Survey of Physical Science with Natural Science Laboratory

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.

3

Prerequisites

Education majors or permission of instructor.

PHY 111 General Physics I

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.

3

Prerequisites

MTH 160

Corequisites

Science majors co-requisite: PHY 112 (not required but strongly encouraged for non-science majors).

PHY 112 General Physics I Lab

Includes experimental confirmation and reinforcement of some topics from PHY 111; includes computer use in data collection and analysis.

1

PHY 113 General Physics II

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.

3

Prerequisites

PHY 111

Corequisites

Science majors co-requisite: PHY 114 (not required but strongly encouraged for non-science majors).

PHY 114 General Physics II Lab

Includes experimental confirmation and reinforcement of some topics from PHY 113; includes computer use in data collection and analysis.

1

PHY 125 Everyday Physics with Laboratory

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.

4

PHY 220 University Physics I

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.

3

Prerequisites

MTH 161

Corequisites

Science majors co-requisite (not required but strongly encouraged for non-science majors): PHY 221

PHY 221 University Physics I Lab

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.

1

PHY 222 University Physics II

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.

3

Prerequisites

PHY 220, MTH 162

Corequisites

Science majors co-requisite (not required but strongly encouraged for non-science majors): PHY 223

PHY 223 University Physics II Lab

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.

1

PHY 224 University Physics III

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.

3

Prerequisites

PHY 222, MTH 162

Corequisites

Science majors co-requisite (not required but strongly encouraged for non-science majors): PHY 225

PHY 225 University Physics III Lab

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.

1