Physics
Degrees and Certificates
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Physics, Associate in Science
Courses
PHYS100: Conceptual Physics
Credits 4This is a one semester, non-mathematical physics course designed for non-science majors. Topics include scientific method, Newton’s laws, motion, energy, momentum, rotational motion, gravitation, fluids, heat, electrostatics, DC circuits, sound, light and properties of waves. Laboratory utilizes computers for data acquisition and analysis. Meets General Education requirement for Science.
PHYS102: Fundamentals of Astronomy
Credits 4PHYS105: Basic Physics
Credits 4PHYS125: College Physics I
Credits 4Algebra/trigonometry-based. Topics include measurement, kinematics in one and two dimensions, Newton’s laws, energy, momentum, rotational kinematics and dynamics, and temperature and heat. Laboratory utilizes computers for data acquisition and analysis. Meets General Education requirement for Science.
PHYS126: College Physics II
Credits 4Algebra/trigonometry-based. Topics include simple harmonic motion, wave phenomena, interference phenomena, electricity, magnetism, simple AC and DC circuits, light and optics. Laboratory utilizes computers for data acquisition and analysis. Meets General Education requirement for Science.
PHYS225: General Physics I
Credits 4PHYS226: General Physics II
Credits 4Calculus-based. Topics include simple harmonic motion, wave motion, sound, interference phenomena, electricity and magnetism, AC and DC circuits and electromagnetic waves. Modern Physics is a running theme. Laboratory utilizes computers for data acquisition and analysis. Meets General Education requirement for Science.
PHYS228: General Physics III
Credits 4This is a one-semester course which introduces the student to thermodynamics, fluids and optics. The course covers fluid mechanics, conduction of heat, kinetic theory of gasses, the laws of thermodynamics, the nature of light, geometric optics, interference and diffraction. This subject matter will be covered in an introductory manner so as to prepare the student to revisit these topics in more depth in future undergraduate and graduate physics courses. Includes laboratory.
PHYS230: Introduction to Modern Physics
Credits 4This is a one-semester course which introduces the student to modern physics. The course covers Maxwell’s equations, relativistic mechanics, wave and quantum properties of photons and electrons, the Schrodinger equation, atomic structure, nuclear physics, and elementary particle physics. This subject matter will be covered in an introductory manner so as to prepare the student to revisit these topics in more depth in future undergraduate and graduate physics courses. Includes laboratory.