Physics Courses

PHY 106 (3-0-3)

Meteorology

This course covers the fundamental concepts of meteorology including meteorological instruments and observation, synoptic chart interpretation, air masses, fronts, fog formation and dissipation, and severe weather. Also covered are weather reporting and forecasting and the dissemination of meteorological information for pilots and flight operations personnel. Students will be required to access and utilize the Internet to review and formulate web-based weather strategies.  

PHY 120 (3-0-3)

Physical Science I

This is one of a two-course sequence for the non-science major designed to provide an overview of the basic concepts of physics, chemistry, earth science and space science. This course covers the fundamentals of physics and space science; topics include the concepts of force, motion, energy, electricity, light, formation of the solar system, lifecycle of stars and classification of galaxies. In addition, the course will focus on the development and application of the scientific method, the relationships among the various physical sciences and the role of physical sciences in interpreting the world around us. Conceptual understanding of physical principles will be stressed rather than their mathematical interpretations. The two courses need not be taken in sequence. 
PR: Eligible to enroll in 100-level math course

PHY 121 (3-0-3)

Physical Science II

This is one of a two-course sequence for the non-science major designed to provide an overview of the basic concepts of physics, chemistry, earth science and space science. This course covers the fundamentals of chemistry and earth science; topics include the atomic nature of matter, states of matter, changes of state, chemical reactions, the rock cycle, how chemical elements are cycled, the atmosphere and hydrosphere. In addition, the course will focus on the development and application of the scientific method, the relationships among the various physical sciences and the role of physical sciences in interpreting the world around us. Conceptual understanding of physical principles will be stressed rather than their mathematical interpretations. The two courses need not be taken in sequence. 
PR: Eligible to enroll in 100-level math course

PHY 153 (3-3-4)

General Physics I

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles of mechanics with an emphasis on algebra-based problem solving. Topics covered include translational and rotational kinematics; translational and rotational dynamics including Newton’s laws of motion and gravity; conservation laws for energy, linear momentum, and angular momentum; and an introduction to thermal physics including the laws of thermodynamics and the kinetic theory of gases. Mathematical tools used include algebra, trigonometry, and geometry. 
PR: MAT 154 or equivalent

PHY 154 (3-3-4)

General Physics II

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles of electromagnetism with an emphasis on algebra-based problem solving. Topics covered include Coulomb’s law; electric fields and electric potential; capacitance; magnetic fields; Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction; AC and DC circuits including RC, RL, LC, and RLC circuits; the properties of electromagnetic waves; and the fundamentals of geometric optics. Mathematical tools used include algebra, trigonometry, and geometry. 
PR: PHY 153

PHY 221 (3-3-4)

Introduction to Mechanics

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles of classical mechanics using calculus as a primary tool for analysis. Topics covered include translational and rotational kinematics; translational and rotational dynamics including Newton’s laws of motion and gravity; conservation laws for energy, linear momentum, and angular momentum; gravitation; and oscillatory motion. This course is designed for students pursuing studies in the physical sciences or engineering. 
PR/CR: MAT 180

PHY 222 (3-3-4)

Introduction to Electromagnetism

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles of electromagnetism using calculus as a primary tool for analysis. Topics covered include electric forces and fields; electric potential; magnetic forces and fields; capacitance and inductance; simple and complex AC and DC circuits; electromagnetic induction; Maxwell’s equations; and geometric and wave optics. This course is designed for students pursuing studies in the physical sciences or engineering. 
PR: PHY 221 
PR/CR: MAT 181

PHY 223 (3-3-4)

Introduction to Modern Physics

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of modern physics, including the special theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, and thermal and statistical physics. The following topics are covered: the historical development of relativity and quantum mechanics from classical physics; the special theory of relativity; the experimental basis of quantum theory and its development from atomic theory; the Schrödinger equation and its application to simple one- and three-dimensional systems; the development of statistical mechanics from classical thermodynamics; and the behavior of atomic nuclei. 
PR: PHY 222