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Math & Natural Sciences

Physics Course Descriptions

PHYS& 110: Physics for Non-Science Majors w/Lab

Credits: 5.00

One quarter course in physics designed for non-science majors. Students learn how physics explains their world. Class activities include learning about experimentation, measurement, and simple mathematical modeling. Prerequisite(s): Prerequisite: Placement in ENGL& 101 and MATH 93 or 97; or completion of BSTEC 110 and CONST 145.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of general scientific principles, with an emphasis on the fundamental principles that govern the physical universe, including the principles underlying physical theories and processes of scientific discovery, and the nature of scientific evidence upon which contemporary physics theories are based.
  2. Apply physical principles and concepts in physics to problems that affect their lives, in particular, and our society, in general.
  3. Analyze physical systems, solve problems, and answer questions using mathematics appropriate to physics and performing calculations appropriate to the task.
  4. Clearly communicate fundamental knowledge particular to physics with their peers using appropriate vocabulary.

PHYS& 114: General Physics I w/Lab

Credits: 5.00

Topics covered will include basic concepts in mechanics, such as dynamics, kinematics, energy, and momentum. Prerequisite(s): Prerequisite: Placement in ENGL& 101 and MATH&142.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding, at the nonmajors' level, of the basic principles of Newtonian dynamics, kinematics, energy, and momentum.
  2. Develop a clear understanding of the scientific method and its application to these principles.
  3. Apply quantitative measures to situations involving these principles and develop a strong facility for working problems based on these principles.
  4. Analyze physical systems to decide what information and principles are relevant to understanding the behavior of the systems.
  5. Clearly communicate fundamental knowledge particular to physics with their peers using appropriate vocabulary.

PHYS& 115: General Physics II w/Lab

Credits: 5.00

Topics covered will include basic concepts in heat, fluids, and electromagnetism. Prerequisite(s): Prerequisite: PHYS& 114 with a minimum grade of 2.0 and placement in ENGL& 101.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding, at the nonmajors' level, of the basic principles of heat, fluids, electricity and magnetism.
  2. Develop a clear understanding of the scientific method and its application to these principles.
  3. Apply quantitative measures to situations involving these principles and develop a strong facility for working problems based on these principles.
  4. Analyze physical systems to decide what information and principles are relevant to understanding the behavior of the systems.
  5. Clearly communicate fundamental knowledge particular to physics with their peers using appropriate vocabulary.

PHYS& 116: General Physics III w/Lab

Credits: 5.00

Topics covered will include basic concepts in waves, optics, and modern physics. Prerequisite(s): Prerequisite: PHYS& 115 with a minimum grade of 2.0 and placement in ENGL& 101.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding, at the nonmajors' level, of the basic principles of waves, optics, and modern physics.
  2. Develop a clear understanding of the scientific method and its application to these principles.
  3. Apply quantitative measures to situations involving these principles and develop a strong facility for working problems based on these principles.
  4. Analyze physical systems to decide what information and principles are relevant to understanding the behavior of the systems.
  5. Clearly communicate fundamental knowledge particular to physics with their peers using appropriate vocabulary.

PHYS 155: Special Topics in Physics

Credits: 1.0 to 5.0

Seminars of current interest in physics. Prerequisite(s): PHYS& 114 or PHYS& 221 and instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Explore current topics in physics.
  2. Read, evaluate, and interpret physical concepts and findings in general, technical, and research literature.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to construct, articulate, and defend a valid scientific argument and to critique others' arguments and techniques.

PHYS 198: Individual Project in Physics

Credits: 1.0 to 5.0

Study of student selected project or approved experiences in the field of physics. S/U grade option. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 10 credits. Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Complete an independent project (research or expression) on a focused area of interest or need, either individually or as a member of a research team.
  2. Develop specific concepts or materials relevant to the project topic.
  3. Develop, with guidance, a comprehensive approach or activity that supplements the learning in a particular course or program of study.
  4. Develop, implement, and complete a total project adhering to established or innovative procedures and due dates.
  5. Read, evaluate, and interpret physical concepts and findings in general, technical, and research literature.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to construct, articulate, and defend a valid scientific argument and to critique others' arguments and techniques.

PHYS 199: Special Project: Physics

Credits: 1.0 to 5.0

Individual projects in physics. Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Complete an independent project (research or expression) on a focused area of interest or need, either individually or as a member of a research team.
  2. Develop specific concepts or materials relevant to the project topic.
  3. Develop, with guidance, a comprehensive approach or activity that supplements the learning in a particular course or program of study.
  4. Develop, implement, and complete a total project adhering to established or innovative procedures and due dates.
  5. Read, evaluate, and interpret physical concepts and findings in general, technical, and research literature.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to construct, articulate, and defend a valid scientific argument and to critique others' arguments and techniques.

PHYS& 221: Engineering Physics I w/Lab

Credits: 5.0

Physics for people with an interest in becoming scientists or engineers. Topics covered will be kinematics, dynamics, momentum, and energy. S/U grade option. Prerequisite(s): ENGL& 101 and MATH& 151, each with a minimum grade of 2.0.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding, at the majors' level, of the basic principles of Newtonian dynamics, kinematics, energy, and momentum.
  2. Develop a clear understanding of the scientific method and its application to these principles.
  3. Apply quantitative measures to situations involving these principles and develop a strong facility for working problems based on these principles.
  4. Analyze a physical system to decide what information and principles are relevant to understanding the behavior of the systems.
  5. Clearly communicate fundamental knowledge particular to physics with their peers using appropriate vocabulary.

PHYS& 222: Engineering Physics II w/Lab

Credits: 5.0

Topics covered will include electromagnetism, oscillations, and gravitation.S/U grade option. Prerequisite(s): PHYS& 221, MATH& 152, and ENGL& 101, each with a minimum grade of 2.0.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding, at the majors' level, of the basic principles of electromagnetism, oscillations, and gravity.
  2. Develop a clear understanding of the scientific method and its application to these principles.
  3. Apply quantitative measures to situations involving these principles and develop a strong facility for working problems based on these principles.
  4. Analyze a physical system to decide what information and principles are relevant to understanding the behavior of the systems.
  5. Clearly communicate fundamental knowledge particular to physics with their peers using appropriate vocabulary.

PHYS& 223: Engineering Physics III w/Lab

Credits: 5.0

Topics covered will include waves, fluids, optics, and modern physics. S/U grade option. Prerequisite(s): PHYS& 222, MATH& 152, and ENGL& 101, each with a minimum grade of 2.0.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding, at the majors' level, of the basic principles of waves, fluids, optics, and modern physics.
  2. Develop a clear understanding of the scientific method and its application to these principles.
  3. Apply quantitative measures to situations involving these principles and develop a strong facility for working problems based on these principles.
  4. Analyze a physical system to decide what information and principles are relevant to understanding the behavior of the systems.
  5. Clearly communicate fundamental knowledge particular to physics with their peers using appropriate vocabulary.

PHYS 298: Individual Project in Physics

Credits: 1.0 to 5.0

Study of student selected project or approved experiences in the field of physics. S/U grade option. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 10 credits. Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Complete an independent project (research or expression) on a focused area of interest or need, either individually or as a member of a research team.
  2. Develop specific concepts or materials relevant to the project topic.
  3. Develop, with guidance, a comprehensive approach or activity that supplements the learning in a particular course or program of study.
  4. Develop, implement, and complete a total project adhering to established or innovative procedures and due dates.
  5. Read, evaluate, and interpret physical concepts and findings in general, technical, and research literature.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to construct, articulate, and defend a valid scientific argument and to critique others' arguments and techniques.

PHYS 299: Special Project: Physics

Credits: 5.0

Individual projects in physics. Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Complete an independent project (research or expression) on a focused area of interest or need, either individually or as a member of a research team.
  2. Develop specific concepts or materials relevant to the project topic.
  3. Develop, with guidance, a comprehensive approach or activity that supplements the learning in a particular course or program of study.
  4. Develop, implement, and complete a total project adhering to established or innovative procedures and due dates.
  5. Read, evaluate, and interpret physical concepts and findings in general, technical, and research literature.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to construct, articulate, and defend a valid scientific argument and to critique others' arguments and techniques.
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