PHYSICS (PHYS)

PHYS 107 - THE HIDDEN LIFE OF THE STARS

Prerequisite: High school geometry and trigonometry

Stars have a rich history in the development of our understanding of nature. Stellar life cycles will be used to illustrate concepts in modern astronomy. The history of understanding the stars will lead from Copernicus and Galileo to modern ideas in particle physics and relativity. Basic concepts from astronomy will be developed in an algebraic framework and applied to understanding the life cycle of a star, including birth, main cycle, and death. There may be evening observation field trips. Meets Core credit for natural sciences.

Credit: 3

PHYS 201-202 - GENERAL PHYSICS

Prerequisite: High school algebra and geometry; PHYS 201 for 202

This course presents to liberal arts and pre-professional students the basic concepts, unifying principles and cultural aspects of the whole field of physics. Three lectures-recitations and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Credit: 4-4

PHYS 205 - UNIVERSITY PHYSICS 1

Prerequisite: MATH 206

This is a calculus-based course/lab designed to impart a working knowledge of the fundamental principles, practical applications and techniques of classical physics: displacement and time relationships, Newtonian mechanics, energy, thermodynamics, and an introduction to waves & sound.

Credit: 4

PHYS 206 - UNIVERSITY PHYSICS 2

Prerequisite: MATH 206; PHYS 205

This is a calculus-based course/lab designed to impart a working knowledge of the fundamental principles, practical applications and techniques of classical physics: energy, waves and sound, electricity and magnetism, and an introduction to optics.

Credit: 4

PHYS 320 - ORIGINS OF THE UNIVERSE

Prerequisite: High school algebra and trigonometry

A look from the scientific view point into the origin of the universe. The course takes a conceptual approach in understanding the two great physical theories of the twentieth century, Relativity and Quantum Mechanics, followed by applications in particle physics and cosmology. No previous science knowledge is assumed or required. Meets Core credit for natural sciences.

Credit: 3

PHYS 350 - SCIENCE AS A CULTURAL FORCE

Prerequisite: See CHEM 350 for course information

Credit: 3