PHYS Physics

PHYS-151 Astronomy (3 cr.)
NSCI PHYSC LAB Fall and Spring
The solar system, stars, galaxies and the universe. Physical processes and observational methods.

PHYS-211 Introduction to Physics (3 cr.)
NSCI PHYSC Fall
Introduction to principles of physics, including mechanics, fluids, heat and thermodynamics, light and sound, electricity and magnetism; their applications to specific technologies.

PHYS-212 Introduction to Physics: Lab (1 cr.)
NSCI PHYSC LAB Fall, Spring and Summer
Measurement, analysis and presentation of laboratory data on basic physics concepts, including mechanics, fluids, heat, electricity, light and sound. Corequisite courses: PHYS-211.

PHYS-231 General Physics I (4 cr.)
NSCI PHYSC LAB Fall, Spring and Summer
Algebra- and trigonometry-based general physics course: mechanics and sound with laboratory. Math proficiency greater than or equal to Math-121.

PHYS-232 General Physics II (4 cr.)
NSCI PHYSC LAB Fall, Spring and Summer
Algebra- and trigonometry-based general physics course: electricity and light with laboratory.
Prerequisites: take PHYS-231.

PHYS-241 College Physics I (5 cr.)
NSCI PHYSC LAB Fall, Spring and Summer
Calculus-based general physics course: mechanics and thermodynamics with laboratory.
Prerequisites: take MATH-153 or MATH-156.

PHYS-242 College Physics II (5 cr.)
NSCI PHYSC LAB Fall, Spring and Summer
Calculus-based general physics course: electricity, sound,
light and selected topics in modern physics with laboratory.
Prerequisites: take PHYS-241.

PHYS-250 The Physics of Light and Color (3 cr.)
NSCI PHYSC LAB Fall and Spring
Properties, sources and perception of light are examined through lectures and laboratory activity. Topics considered are: color systems and vision, optical devices and phenomena; and image formation and appearance.
Prerequisites: take MATH-118, MATH-120 or MATH-123.

PHYS-251 Topics in Astronomy (1 cr.)
NSCI PHYSC Fall
Qualitative analysis emphasizing physical principles of selected topics in astronomy. Significance of modern methods of obtaining astronomical information.

PHYS-255 Meteorology (2 cr.)
NSCI PHYSC Fall and Spring
Physical processes that determine properties of the earth's atmosphere: precipitation, atmospheric circulation, weather, climate and human influence on the atmosphere in the framework of physics.

PHYS-257 Introduction to Geology and Soil Mechanics (3 cr.)
Fall, Spring and Summer
Physical processes involved in rock formation, mountain building, erosional landscapes, plate tectonics, earthquakes and geologic dating. Elementary soil mechanics.

PHYS-258 Introduction to Geology (2 cr.)
NSCI PHYSC Fall and Spring
Composition of the earth and its physical processes, including geologic time, rocks and minerals, raw resources and energy, volcanism, earthquakes, streams and groundwater, weathering, glaciation, shorelines, deserts, wind, and planetary geology.

PHYS-281 University Physics I (5 cr.)
NSCI PHYSC LAB Spring
Calculus-based general physics course: mechanics and thermodynamics with laboratory.
Prerequisites: take MATH-154 or MATH-157.

PHYS-282 University Physics II (5 cr.)
NSCI PHYSC LAB Fall
Calculus-based general physics course: electricity, sound, light, and selected topics in modern physics with laboratory.
Prerequisites: take PHYS-281.

PHYS-321 Statics and Strength of Materials (4 cr.)
Fall, Spring and Summer
Force and moment equilibrium including friction, trusses, frames and machines. Simple and compound stress and strain including beams and joints. No credit for students taking PHYS-325 or PHYS-331.
Prerequisites: take PHYS-241 or PHYS-281.

PHYS-325 Strength of Materials (3 cr.)
Fall, Spring and Summer
Fundamental theory of strength of materials. Analysis of tension, compression, shear, biaxial tension and compression, torsion, stresses and deflection of beams.
Prerequisites: take PHYS-231, MATH-153 or MATH-156; or take PHYS-241; or take PHYS-281.

PHYS-327 Solid State Physics (3 cr.)
Spring
Crystalline structure, lattice vibration and energy states, Brillouin zones, electrons in metals, semi-conductors, and dielectric and magnetic properties of solids.
Prerequisites: take PHYS-282 or PHYS-242; and MATH-157 or MATH-154.

PHYS-329 Atomic and Nuclear Physics (3 cr.)
Fall
Elements of atomic and nuclear physics.
Prerequisites: take PHYS-282; or take PHYS-242 and MATH-154 or MATH-157.

PHYS-330 Science and the Fallible Mind for Educators (2 cr.)
Summer
Cross-disciplinary, physical science course primarily intended for educators. Defines and examines science with a perspective on societal issues related to the human mind, consumer marketing, psychology, religion, risk and fear, global concerns, and the use and abuse of numbers. High school algebra.

PHYS-331 Statics (3 cr.)
Fall
Essential elements of statics: simple force system, theory and application of non-concurrent forces, couples, friction, non-coplanar forces, trusses and other structures.
Prerequisites: take PHYS-241 or PHYS-281.

PHYS-333 Dynamics (3 cr.)
Spring
Essential elements of dynamics: rectilinear, angular and harmonic motions; forces producing motion, work, energy, acceleration, impulse and momentum.
Prerequisites: take PHYS-331.

PHYS-335 Optics (3 cr.)
Spring
Optics with emphasis on the wave nature of light: interference diffraction, polarization and coherence; their applications in holography.
Prerequisites: take PHYS-282; or take PHYS-242 and MATH-154 or MATH-157.

PHYS-351 Astrophysics (3 cr.)
Fall, Spring and Summer
Quantitative and qualitative study of the solar system, stars, galaxies and the universe. Physical processes and observational methods and analysis.
Prerequisites: take PHYS-282 or PHYS-242.

PHYS-380 Electromagnetic Fields (3 cr.)
Fall
Development and application of the theory of electromagnetic fields; analysis of the electromagnetic properties of materials and Maxwell's equations.
Prerequisites: take PHYS-282 or PHYS-242, and MATH-255 or concurrent enrollment.
Corequisite course: MATH-255.

PHYS-489 Advanced Physics Experience (1-3 cr.)
Fall, Spring and Summer
Experience leading to a deeper understanding of principles and applications of physics.

Junior or higher standing and consent of instructor required.