Physics (PHYS)

College of Arts and Sciences

(GE) = Approved General Education Course

100 Introductory Physics, 4 credit hours (GE)
Three lectures. One two-hour laboratory. Basic laws and principles of mechanics, heat, sound, light, and electricity and magnetism and their practical applications. Emphasis on the phenomenological development of the science, with a minimum of mathematical analysis.

201 College Physics I, 4 credit hours (GE)
Three lectures. One two-hour laboratory. Algebra-based general physics covering mechanics, fluids, vibrations, waves, and sound. Intended for the general university student and for those science majors who are not required to take calculus-based physics. Prerequisite: MATH 149 or equivalent.

202 College Physics II, 4 credit hours
Three lectures. One two-hour laboratory. Algebra-based general physics covering heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and optics. Intended for the general university student and for those science majors who are not required to take calculus-based physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 201 or equivalent.

241 University Physics I, 4 credit hours (GE)
Three lectures. One three-hour lecture/laboratory. Calculus-based general physics covering mechanics and fluids. Intended for those students majoring in science, mathematics, or engineering. Prerequisite: MATH 170 or equivalent.

242 University Physics II, 4 credit hours
Three lectures. One three-hour lecture/laboratory. Calculus-based general physics covering waves, heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and light. Intended for those students majoring in science, mathematics, or engineering. Prerequisite: PHYS 241 or equivalent.

299 Independent Study, 1–3 credit hours
Study of a selected area of physics. Material to be studied will be determined in consultation with the supervising faculty member, the student’s adviser, and the department chair.

350 Modern Physics, 4 credit hours
Three lectures. One two-hour laboratory. Introduction to special theory of relativity, quantum theory of atomic structure, and elementary nuclear physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 202 or 242 or equivalent.

399 Independent Study, 1–3 credit hours
Study of a selected area of physics. Material studied will be determined in consultation with the supervising faculty member, the student’s adviser, and the department chair.