Physics

This course is a general physics course for the non-science major. The course helps develop an awareness of the physical concepts which govern our everyday experiences and emphasizes problem-solving.  Topics will include most of the following, depending on class preparation and interest: describing motion, Newton’s laws of motion and gravitation, energy and conservation laws, states of matter and its behavior, thermodynamics, waves, electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic and nuclear physics, special relativity. Conceptual reasoning is stressed, and mathematics is kept to the level of intermediate algebra. Laboratories emphasize concepts learned in lectures, and graphing and data handling techniques are learned. (formerly PHYS& 100 and 101)

The first course in a three-quarter algebra-based sequence for students pursuing degrees in biology, pre-dentistry, pre-medicine, pre-veterinary medicine, engineering technology, zoology, and other fields. This course is also strongly recommended for students who will be taking Engineering Physics but who have not had a prior physics class. Students should check with the requirements of their intended baccalaureate institution when considering this sequence. A balance of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability is emphasized; This first course will begin with an introduction to units and unit conversion, scalars and vectors, and using right-angle trigonometry for analyzing two-dimensional motion, then continue to the study of mechanics: describing motion, with speed, velocity, and acceleration; application of Newtons laws in one and two dimensions; impulse and momentum conservation; work and energy conservation; rotational motion and torque.

The second course in an three-quarter algebra-based sequence. A balance of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability is emphasized; laboratory and lecture are integrated in the sequence. In this second quarter the topics studied will include fluids, oscillations, waves and sound, thermodynamics, geometric and physical optics. Biological applications of physics will be studied whenever possible.

The third course in an three-quarter algebra-based sequence. A balance of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability is emphasized; laboratory and lecture are integrated in the sequence. In this third quarter the topics studied will include electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic induction and waves, quantum physics, atomic physics, and nuclear physics. Biological applications of physics will be studied whenever possible.

The course is an introductory physics course intended for students majoring in science or engineering. This course is the first of a three-quarter sequence. Course content includes the laws of motion, energy, momentum, and static equilibrium.

The second in a three-quarter calculus-based sequence in introductory physics intended for students majoring in science or engineering. Course content includes waves, optics, thermodynamics, and may include a unit on gravitation.

The third in a three-quarter calculus-based sequence in introductory physics intended for students majoring in science or engineering. Course content includes static electricity, current electricity, magnetism, and special relativity.

This course introduces physics in the context of sports and daily exercise. Topics include most of the following, depending on class preparation and interest: motion, force, energy, collisions, momentum, pressure, and fluids to explain what we see on the court, field, pool, and road. The course is intended to connect a student’s genuine interest in athletics to concrete materials. The course is also aimed to show athletes & trainers how to perform in sports games with optimal results. Conceptual reasoning is stressed, and mathematics is kept to the level of elementary algebra.