Faculty
Hollis Williams, Associate Professor of Physics (Program Chair)
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Description
The Physics Program offers a minor for students in the Weekday
Program. 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 and serves as
excellent preparation for a career in secondary-school science education
through the B.A./M.A.T. Program.
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Minor Requirements
Minor Requirements (22 credits)
ALL of the following courses:
PHY 115 General Physics I
PHY 116 General Physics II
PHY 117 General Physics III
PHY 420 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 PHY 115, PHY 116, or PHY 117 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 PHY 115, PHY 116, or PHY 117 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
PHY 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.
4 credits
FLC Area IV, Laboratory Science Cluster
Core III
PHY 106 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.
4 credits
FLC Area IV, Exploration Cluster
PHY 115 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.
4 credits
Prerequisite: MAT 125
FLC Area IV, Laboratory Science Cluster
Core III
PHY 116 General Physics II
Covers electricity, magnetism, and e-m 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.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MAT 125 and PHY 115
Core III
PHY 117 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.
3 credits
Prerequisites: MAT 125 and PHY 116
Core III
PHY 220 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.
4 credits
FLC Area IV, Exploration Cluster
Prerequisite: MAT 103
PHY 410 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.
5 credits
PHY 420 Modern Physics
Explores the concepts in special relativity; introduces quantum
mechanics with applications to atoms and molecules, statistical
mechanics, and solid state.
3 credits
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