Physics Courses

PHY101 Introduction to Physical Science

[3–3, 4 cr.]

This freshman-level course is an introduction to essential concepts of astronomy, physics, chemistry, and geology for non-science majors.

PHY111 Mechanics

[3–3, 4 cr.]

This course  deals with the mechanics and properties of matter, vectors and scalars, linear and circular  motion, dynamics of particles, work and power, energy and the conservation theorems, simple harmonic motion, gravitational forces and the properties of solids and fluids, and heat and thermodynamics.

Pre- or Co-requisite: MTH102 Calculus II

PHY201 Electricity and Magnetism

[3–3, 4 cr.]

This course  deals with electricity and magnetism, Coulomb’s Law, Gauss Theorem, electrical field and potentials, Ampere’s  Law and magnetic field, electrical current and Ohm’s Law, electromagnetic induction, alternating current and electromagnetic wave, as well as optics  including refraction, interference and diffraction.

Prerequisite: MTH201 Calculus III

PHY301 Classical Physics for Life Sciences

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is divided into three main parts: Newtonian Mechanics of a particle, Thermodynamics, and the study of fluids and solids. It begins with the study of Kinematics (geometrical analysis of the motion of a particle), continues with Newton’s Laws of Motion (kinetics), and then proceeds to the study of energy and momentum (work/energy theorem). The second part deals with temperature and heat, leading to the definition of entropy and to the laws of thermodynamics. The last part defines fluids and their density and pressure, leading to the Bernoulli equation, then defines solids and their stress and strain relationships with regards to Young’s modulus.

Co-requisite: PHY302

PHY302 Classical Physics for Life Sciences Lab

[0–3, 1 cr.]

This course includes experiments covering linear momentum, such as: rotational motion, Newton’s Law of Motion, equilibrium and elasticity, work and energy, temperature, heat and thermal properties of matter, laws of thermodynamics, collision, pendulum, Boyle’s Law, fluid mechanics, coefficient of viscosity, and waves and optics.

Pre- or Co-requisite: PHY301 Classical Physics for Life Sciences

PHY305 Modern Physics for Life Sciences

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course  covers  Coulomb’s Law of Electrostatics, the study of moving charges (electric current, DC or AC), electromagnetism, wave phenomena, light and optics, introduction to relativity, atomic energy levels, nuclear mass/energy relationship, and energy decay phenomena (radiation and nuclear physics). This course is designed in a way to show the application of some of the above fields in biological systems, and medicine, when possible.

PHY306 Modern Physics for Life Sciences Lab

[0–3, 1 cr.]

This course  includes experiments covering Coulomb’s Law, electric field for parallel plate, electric field for concentric cylinders, parallel plate capacitors, resistance, resistors in series and parallel, Wheatstone Bridge, basic oscilloscope operation, measurement of magnetic induction fields, solenoids and Faraday’s Law, charge to mass ratio of the electron, Ohm’s Law, and Plank’s Constant and Atomic Spectroscopy.

Pre- or Co-requisite: PHY305 Modern Physics for Life Sciences

PHY321 Introduction to Modern Physics

[3–0, 3 cr.]

An introduction to modern physics including relativity, photoelectric effect, wave nature of particles, atomic and molecular spectra, models of the nucleus, nuclear reactions and elementa­ry particles.