Physics (PHYS)

PHYS 1410.  General Physics I

Prerequisite:  Math 1310 or higher
The two semester Physics sequence is intended to provide the student with a clear and logical presentation of the basic concepts and principles of physics and to strengthen an understanding of these concepts and principles through a broad range of applications to the real world.  Physics I focuses on kinematics, dynamics, statics, gravitation, fluid mechanics and the balance equations for mass, linear momentum, angular momentum and energy.  The associated laboratory (PHYS 1411) enhances the student’s ability to develop experimental procedures, conduct laboratory experiments, record observations, conduct mathematical analyses of results and reach conclusions.  Three class hours, two laboratory hours a week.  Four semester hours credit.  Lab fee required.

PHYS 1420.  General Physics II

Prerequisite:  PHYS 1410
Physics II focuses on oscillations, wave motion, sound waves, standing waves, temperature, the laws of thermodynamics, electric fields, Gauss’s Law, electric potential, alternating circuits and electromagnetic waves.  The associated laboratory (PHYS 1421) continues to enhance the development of independent and creative reasoning.  Lab fee required.  Three class hours, two laboratory hours per week.  Four semester hours credit.

PHYS 1425.  Concepts of Physics

This course is designed for non-biology majors and will count as General Education requirement for all other majors.  Must select one BIOL course and one CHEM, PHSC, or PHYS course for general education requirement.  The application of physics to the natural and technological world is utilized to build a strong conceptual understanding of principles of physics without having to do the complicated calculations associated with traditional general physics courses.  Conventional topics such as mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism are covered.  The associated laboratory (PHYS 1426) reinforces the understanding of the principles studied in class and enhances the student’s ability to conduct laboratory experiments, record observations and reach conclusions.  This course also meets the General Education requirement for a Physical Science in all degree programs.  Lab fee required.  Three class hours, two laboratory hours a week.  Four semester hours credit.

PHYS 1450.  General Astronomy

This course is designed for non-biology majors and will count as General Education requirement for all other majors.  Must select one BIOL course and one CHEM, PHSC, or PHYS course for general education requirement.  An “earth out” method is utilized to study the solar system, milky-way galaxy, stars, and deep sky galaxies and objects.  Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion are studied and applied in a history-based approach to learning physical and astronomical properties of inner and outer planets.  Star life cycles are studied and applied to galaxies, clusters, quasars, and planets within the framework of the dynamic nature of cosmology.  The associated laboratory (PHYS 1451) includes experiments and observations of the night skies to supplement and augment the lecture portion of the course.  This course also meets the General Education requirement for a Physical Science in all degree programs.  Lab fee required.  Three class hours, two laboratory hours a week.  Four semester hours credit.

PHYS 1455.  General Astronomy (for Secondary Education Majors)

This course is designed for Secondary Education Broad Field Science with Biology majors.  The course focuses on traditional astronomy and the history of astronomy, spending significant time on how students can observe what is in the day and night sky.  Three class hours per week.  Two laboratory hours per week.  Four semester hours credit.  Lab fee required.