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 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)

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