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. Spring only
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 153 (3-3-4)
Physics I
This course uses algebra, trigonometry and geometry to describe forces, kinematics,
dynamics, and conservation laws. The following topics are covered: translation motion,
torque, friction, projectile motion, momentum, rotational motion, simple harmonic
motion, sound and thermodynamics. Vector algebra will be used extensively.
PR: MAT 118, MAT 148 or eligible to enroll in MAT 167
PHY 154 (3-3-4)
Physics II
This course uses algebra, trigonometry and geometry to describe fluids, electricity,
magnetism and optics. The following topics are covered: electric force and field,
potential, capacitance, current, resistance, DC circuits, magnetic force and fields,
AC circuits, reflection, refraction, mirror lenses and gratings.
PR: MAT 118, MAT 154 or higher, or eligible to enroll in MAT 167
Spring only
PHY 221 (3-3-4)
College Physics I
This course is the first part of a one-year sequence. This course uses a calculus-based
problem solving approach to describe kinematics, dynamics, and conservation laws.
The following topics are covered: force, friction, translational and rotational motion,
torque, and periodic motion. PR/CR: MAT 180
Fall only
PHY 222 (3-3-4)
College Physics II
The course is the second part of a one-year sequence. This course uses a calculus-based
problem solving approach to describe electricity, magnetism, induction, and optics.
The following topics are covered: electric force and field, Gauss’s Law, electric
potential, capacitance and dielectrics, current, resistance and EMF, DC circuits,
magnetic force and field, electromagnetic induction, AC circuits, geometric optics
and wave optics. PR/CR: MAT 181
PR: PHY 221
Spring only
PHY 223 (3-3-4)
College Physics III
This course uses a calculus-based problem solving approach to describe vibratory phenomena
(waves, oscillators, complex response functions) and scattering (including diffraction)
as applied to nanoscale materials and systems. The following topics are covered: electromagnetic
waves, geometric optics, interference & diffraction phenomena, relativity and the
Lorentz transformation, photons and matter waves, quantum mechanics, Schrodinger’s
equation, spin angular momentum, density of energy states and conduction in solids
materials, subatomic particles, nuclear fission and fusion, and radioactive dating.
PR: PHY 222