Physics course descriptions

Lecture 2, Lab. 2 - An introduction to the concepts of physics used to understand and explain the sensibleness of nature, particle and wave ideas, theories that explain everyday phenomena. Not open to students who have had a year of high school physics.

Phys-110 Principles of Physics (4)

Lecture 3, Lab. 2 - A study of general physics through experiments, lectures and discussion. Science as a way of knowing — Scientific methodology and practice; mechanics of particles and of waves; momentum, energy and conservation laws; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; light; relativity and quantum mechanics.

Phys-111 General Physics I (4)

Lecture 3, Lab. 2 - Experiments, lectures and discussions to reveal the sensibleness of nature via mechanics of particles and waves as models, relativity and conservation laws, momentum and energy, and the nature of scientific inquiry. Prerequisite: a year of high physics or Phys-109, one year of high school algebra or equivalent and trigonometry (concurrent registration acceptable).

Phys-112 General Physics II (4)

Lecture 3, Lab. 2 - Continuation of Physics 111 with special emphasis on electricity and magnetism, light, and relativity and their relation to conservation principles and current scientific explanation. Prerequisite: Phys-111 or equivalent.

Phys-211 General Physics I Calculus Topics (1)

Lecture 1. A calculus-based treatment of topics covered in Phys-111. Enrollment in Phys-211 and Phys-111 is equivalent to taking a calculus-based general physics course. Prerequisites: Phys-111 or concurrent registration. Math-184 or concurrent registration with instructor’s permission.

Phys-212 General Physics II Calculus Topics (1)

Lecture 1. A calculus-based treatment of topics covered in Phys-112. Enrollment in Phys-212 and Phys-112 is equivalent to taking a calculus-based general physics course. Prerequisites: Phys-112 or concurrent registration. Math-186 or concurrent registration with instructor’s permission.

Phys-221 Statics (3)

The study of forces on bodies in equilibrium. Force systems, equilibrium, structures, trusses, frames and machines, distributed forces, beams, friction, centers of mass and moments of inertia. Prerequisites: Math-186, Phys-111 or equivalent.

Phys-321 Introductory Mechanics (3)

Lecture 3 - Calculus treatment of the motion of particles and rigid bodies using Newtonian force methods: non-inertial reference frames, classical mechanics, relativistic laws of motion of a particle. Prerequisites: calculus and Phys-111 or permission of instructor, Phys-381 is recommended.

Phys-331 Descriptive Astronomy (3)

Lecture 3 - See Science-331.

Phys-351 Classroom Activities with Physical Science (3)

Lecture 1, Lab. 4 - See Sci-351.

Phys-371 Electronics (3)

Laboratory approach to the study of integrated circuits and transistors. Classroom component for supporting theory. Prerequisites: calculus and General Physics II.

Phys-381 Modern Physics (3)

Lecture 3 - Physics of the 20th century. Relativity, the wave-particle duality, atomic models, the quantum theory. Prerequisites: general physics and calculus.

Phys-382 Advanced Physics Lab. I, II, III (1)

Lab. 3 - Selected experiments in modern physics requiring library research. Prerequisite: Phys-381 or concurrent registration. May be taken more than once.

Phys-383 Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics (3)

Study of nuclear radiations, nuclear structure and models, and the energetics of sub-atomic particle interactions. Prerequisite: Phys- 112 and 381, Calculus or concurrent registration, or permission of instructor.

Phys-390 Electricity and Magnetism (3)

Study of electrical and magnetic phenomena and their understanding through models and formulation. Prerequisite: Phys-112 and Math-186 or equivalent, Phys-381 is recommended.

Phys-395 Advanced Topics in Physics Seminar (3)

Advanced study of the concepts and techniques of an area of physics important to the field and outside the content of other physics courses. Specific topics will be determined by the instructor and the students, and may include Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Astrophysics, or Atomic Physics. Prerequisites: Upper-level standing in physics or physical sciences, or approval of the instructor.