Physics
Faculty
Description
Minor Requirements
Program Policies
Course Descriptions
Faculty
Hollis Williams, Associate Professor of Physics (Program Chair)
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Description
The Physics Program offers a minor for students in the College of Arts and Sciences. Physics courses also serve as required components of majors in
biology, chemistry, environmental science, mathematics, and physical
science. A minor in physics complements these majors well.
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Minor Requirements
Minor Requirements (22 credits)
ALL of the following courses:
PHYS 111 General Physics I
PHYS 112 General Physics II
PHYS 211 General Physics III
PHYS 321 Modern Physics
EIGHT additional credits approved by the Program Chair.
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Program Policies
Advanced Placement:
A grade of 4 or 5 on one of the physics AP exams will be accepted in lieu of
one semester of PHYS 111, PHYS 112, or PHYS 211 at the discretion of the Program
Chair.
CLEP Policy:
CLEP examinations do not fulfill the requirements of the physics minor.
Grades in Minor Courses:
Students must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better in the minor.
Pass/No Pass:
Courses fulfilling the minor requirements may not be taken pass/no pass.
TELL Policy:
TELL credits are not applicable for the minor in physics.
Transfer Credits:
Transfer credits may serve in lieu of PHYS 111, PHYS 112, or PHYS 211 at the
discretion of the Program Chair. Students interested in receiving transfer credits
in physics should consult with the Program Chair as early as possible.
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Course Descriptions
PHYS 101 Physics for the Non-Scientist
Introduces the conceptual foundations of physics from a nonmathematical viewpoint. The course makes extensive use of demonstration experiments. The course consists of three hours of lecture, two of laboratory. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course.
Formerly PHY 101 Physics for the Non-Scientist.
4 credits
FLC Area IV, Laboratory Science Cluster
PHYS 103 Acoustics: The Science of Music
Introduces the physics of musical sounds and the various aspects of the science of audible sound. This includes the production, transmission, reception, and reproduction of sound. The course will include the study of waves, the production of sound from musical instruments, how humans receive and interpret sound, and sound reproduction systems.
Formerly PHY 106 Acoustics: The Science of Music.
4 credits
FLC Area IV, Exploration Cluster
PHYS 105 Astronomy
Introduces students to classical through modern astronomy. Studies the basics of astronomical systems. The course places emphasis on observational techniques, stellar evolution, planets, the sun, galaxies, cosmology, and the general theory of relativity.
Formerly PHY 220 Astronomy.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 103
FLC Area IV, Exploration Cluster
PHYS 111 General Physics I
Covers mechanics in a calculus-based course in fundamental physics. Topics include Newton's laws, work and energy, rotational dynamics, conservation of energy, and momentum. Intended primarily for students in math and science but open to all qualified students. The course consists of three hours of lecture, three of laboratory, and a one-hour problem session per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course.
Formerly PHY 115 General Physics I.
4 credits
Prerequisite: MATH 125
FLC Area IV, Laboratory Science Cluster
PHYS 112 General Physics II
Covers electricity, magnetism, and electro-magnetic propagation in a calculus-based course in fundamental physics. Topics include electric fields, Maxwell's equations, electrical circuits, magnetic fields, and light. Intended primarily for students in math and science but open to all qualified students. The course consists of three hours of lecture, three of laboratory, and a one-hour problem session per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course.
Formerly PHY 116 General Physics II.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 125 and PHYS 111
PHYS 211 General Physics III
Covers heat, sound, optics, and selected topics in modern physics in a calculus-based course in fundamental physics. Topics include ray and wave optics, sound, basic thermodynamics, and special relativity. Intended primarily for students in math and science but open to all qualified students. The course consists of four hours of lecture and laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course.
Formerly PHY 117 General Physics III.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 125 and PHYS 112
PHYS 321 Modern Physics
Explores the concepts in special relativity; introduces quantum mechanics with applications to atoms and molecules, statistical mechanics, and solid state.
Formerly PHY 420 Modern Physics.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 211 or permission of instructor
PHYS 431 Nuclear Physics
Studies the theory of the atomic nucleus, the nature and detection of nuclear radiations and nuclear reactions, applications to chemistry and medicine. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly PHY 410 Nuclear Physics.
5 credits
Prerequisites: PHYS 211 or permission of instructor
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