Physics Courses

101 – Physics for Nonscientists (3)
This course discusses the scientific method, Newton’s laws of dynamics, thermal physics, laws of electromagnetism and optics, nuclear and modern physics.

201 – General Physics I (4)
Lecture /3/ Laboratory /3/
Prerequisites: MATH 112 and 113 or MATH 201 and competency in basic trigonometry.
Topics include kinematics, Newton’s laws of dynamics, periodic motion, fluid and solid mechanics, heat and thermodynamics. Application of physical principles to related scientific disciplines including life sciences.

202 – General Physics II (4)
Lecture /3/ Laboratory /3/
Prerequisite: PHYS 201.
Topics include electricity and magnetism, Gauss’s, Ampere’s and Faraday’s laws, wave motion, laws of geometrical and physical optics, introduction to concepts of relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics.

211 – University Physics I [Calculus Based] (5)
Lecture /4/ Laboratory /3/
Prerequisite: Competency in basic trigonometry, MATH 201 or concurrent registration in MATH 201 with consent of teacher.
Topics include kinematics, Newton’s laws of dynamics, periodic motion, fluid and solid mechanics, heat and thermodynamics with a more mathematical treatment than PHYS 201.

212 - University Physics II [Calculus based] (5)
Lecture /4/ Laboratory /3/
Prerequisites: PHYS 211, MATH 202 or concurrent registration in MATH 202.
Topics include electricity and magnetism, Maxwell’s laws, wave motion, laws of geometrical and physical optics, introduction to concepts of relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics.

250 - The Physics of Sound (3)
Integrated Lecture and Laboratory /4/   
Cross Ref:  MUS 250 
This course will provide a basic introduction to the physics of sound.  Topics will include the fundamentals of oscillations and wave propagation, sound production, Fourier synthesis, the perception of sound and the human ear, musical acoustics of various instruments, and the physics of microphones, loudspeakers, and recording media.  The course will include hands-on experimentation.

350 – Special Topics in Physics (1-3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and either PHYS 202 or 212. 
Includes formal courses covering individual topics or groups of topics not regularly scheduled and not covered in other courses.

353 – Independent Study (1-3)
Prerequisite: Science majors with junior or senior status and consent of the department supervisor.
An informal study of advanced topics in physics on a tutorial basis. Offered at the request of students.