Physics

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Degree designations: NS: Natural Science; LS: Laboratory Science; *Asterisk indicates a course which will be assigned as associate degree designation at the time it is offered. Check the campus timetable.

PHY 107: Ideas of Modern Physics (3-4 credits)

An introductory course for non-science majors, with particular emphasis on the development of modern theoretical concepts. Central topics: classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum theory, relativity theory, and some discussion of historical and philosophical aspects. May be offered without laboratory work for 3 credits or with laboratory for 4 credits. Check the local timetable for credits listed. Not open to those who have had one or more courses in college physics; does not apply toward engineering or physics majors or toward the physics requirements for pre-professional courses. Prerequisites: minimal mathematics preparation. NS (if 4 credits also LS)

PHY 110: Physics for the Health Sciences (3-4 credits)

A descriptive introduction to those basic concepts of physics which have application to human health in general and to the medical and paramedical professions in particular. Primary attention will be paid to the physics of various functions of the human body (e.g., muscular and skeletal motions, the several senses and neural processes) and to the physics of commonly used instruments and equipment. Prerequisites: high school general science and algebra or consent of instructor. NS (if 4 credits also LS)

PHY 115: Energy and the Environment (3 cr)

Intended for non-science majors, this course will give students the necessary physics background to form opinions on energy questions. The physical laws of thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear physics will be discussed in connection with energy related topics such as thermal pollution, fossil fuels, nuclear power, solar power and other alternative energy sources. Some elementary calculations (at the level of high school algebra) are included in the material, but the emphasis will be on a conceptual understanding of the energy-related issues affecting society today. NS

PHY 120: Physical Science (3-4 credits)

Selected topics from physics, geology and astronomy. Not intended for those planning to major in a physical science; does not fulfill the prerequisites for any more advanced courses. May be offered without a laboratory for 3 credits or with a laboratory for 4 credits. Not open to those who have had PHY 141, PHY 201 or equivalent. NS (if 4 credits also LS)

PHY 141: General Physics (4-5 credits)

The study of mechanics, heat, wave motion and sound. Recommended for students majoring in business, elementary education, medical technology, pharmacy, pre-dentistry, and pre-medical studies. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory-discussion per week or equivalent. Prerequisite: competency at MAT 105 level. NS/LS

PHY 142: General Physics (4-5 credits)

A continuation of PHY 141. Electricity, magnetism, light, and atomic and nuclear physics. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory-discussion per week or equivalent. Prerequisite: PHY 141. NS/LS

PHY 201: General Physics (5 credits)

The study of mechanics, heat, wave motion and sound. Recommended for physical science and engineering majors. Three hours of lecture, one hour of discussion and three hours of laboratory per week or equivalent. Prerequisite: MAT 221 or concurrent registration with consent of instructor. NS/LS

PHY 202: General Physics (5 credits)

A continuation of PHY 201. Electricity, magnetism, light and nuclear physics. Prerequisite: PHY 201, concurrent registration in MAT 222 or consent of instructor. NS/LS

PHY 205: Modern Physics (3 credits)

Introduction to atomic, nuclear and solid state physics; kinetic theory; and quantum theory. Prerequisite: PHY 202 and consent of instructor. NS

PHY 291: Topics in Physics (1-3 credits)

An extended coverage of one or more topics in physics such as environmental physics, energy, biophysics, mechanics, electricity and magnetism, electro-magnetic radiation, statistical physics, solid state physics, relativity, quantum mechanics, and atomic and nuclear physics. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. *

PHY 299: Independent Study (1-3 credits)

Independent study under the supervision of an instructor. The work may, for example, consist of advanced laboratory investigation into a particular topic or library research and writing of a paper on some subject of interest. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. *

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