Course Descriptions

Physics Course Descriptions

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PHYS-104 - INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY  3 credits
This course is an introductory, non-technical overview of astronomy taught as a general elective. The subject is presented from both a historical and a descriptive perspective, beginning with the earliest human astronomical observations and continuing through the most recent discoveries about the nature of the universe. Topics discussed will include the origin and age of the universe (the Big Bang); star formation, dynamics and evolution; planet and planetary system formation and a tour of our solar system; the sun; galaxy structure and evolution; and current topics such as the search for extra-solar planets; the potential for the existence of extraterrestrial life and astronomical threats to life on Earth. Some outdoor observations may be conducted. PREREQUISITE: ALGB-083 or ALGB-087 with a grade of C- or better and placement in DRDG-092 or above and DWRT-099 or above.
PHYS-125 - PHYSICAL SCIENCE  4 credits
This is a course for non-science majors, particularly future K-12 teachers, drawing from a broad base of topics in physical science about the study of matter and energy. Science and technology are the driving forces of change in our world today. This course introduces basic concepts of physics, covering forces, optics, temperature, heat, simple harmonic motion, the electromagnetic spectrum, and electricity. A qualitative / descriptive approach to natural phenomena is discussed utilizing basic math skills. The intent is to provide a student with a broad basis touching on physics, chemistry, and some life science. Computer simulations and internet research are used to probe the laws of physics. This course is primarily intended to fulfill a laboratory science requirement for General Studies students, and, although not recommended, may in some cases be used as a transferable science course by Liberal Arts transfer students. Scientific Calculator required. Web assisted. There is no honors component. Offered both semesters. Required by some programs. PREREQUISITES: ALGB-083 or ALGB-087 with a grade of C- or better and placement in DRDG-092 and DWRT-099. COREQUISITE: PHYS-125L
PHYS-130 - COLLEGE PHYSICS 1  4 credits
PHYS-130 –COLLEGE PHYSICS-1 4 credits It is a non-calculus, college-level physics course for liberal arts transfer students and students in pre-medicine or life sciences. Also called, “mechanics,” it is the first of a two semester sequence [PHYS-230]. The main topics are statics and dynamics, which include the study of motion of constant acceleration. Newton’s Laws and his universal gravitation will be discussed. Linear, projectile, circular, periodic and wave motion will be discussed. The trigonometry that is required will be part of the instruction. Web assisted. Scientific Calculator required. Honors component with permission of instructor. Use of software program using spread sheet required. Offered both semesters. Required for entry into some programs. Required by some programs. The parallel calculus based physics course equivalent in topic coverage is PHYS-132. Three-hour laboratory. PREREQUISITE: ALGB-093 or ALGB-097 with a grade of C- or better and placement at ENGL-100. COREQUISITE: PHYS-130L
PHYS-132 - UNIVERSITY PHYSICS 1  4 credits
This course is intended for engineering and science transfer majors and requires calculus. It is the first of a required two semester sequence [PHYS-232] for engineering transfer students. The main topics are classical mechanics and dynamics (including statics). These topics include the study motion in the special case of constant acceleration and also the more general case requiring the application of calculus to Newton's laws of motion and Newton's law of universal gravitation. Linear, projectile, circular, periodic and wave motion will be analyzed in the familiar environment of the earth's surface as well as in places we might never go except in our imaginations. The laws of conservation of mass, energy and momentum will be applied to the analysis of single particle motion as well as many-particle interactions (collisions and explosions, ideal and non-ideal gases). In addition to three hours of lecture, this course includes three hours of laboratory work per week, where special equipment will be used to practice measurements of physical properties and to verify the relationships expressed in the laws of physics and a one-hour recitation each week. Required by some programs. Web assisted. Offered both semesters. Honors component with permission of instructor. PREREQUISITE: MATH-155 with a grade of C- or better and placement at ENGL-100 COREQUISITE: PHYS-132L and MATH-255.
PHYS-144 - SURVEY OF ASTRONOMY  4 credits
This course is a survey of the science of astronomy. The course is designed to satisfy laboratory science transfer credit requirements. Topics covered include how we learn about the universe through an understanding of atomic and subatomic structure, electromagnetic radiation and gravity, and what we currently know of the universe. Cosmological topics such as the Big Bang, dark matter and the accelerating expansion of the universe and the implications on its ultimate fate will be discussed. Also covered will be star formation, dynamics and evolution and the structure, dynamics and evolution of galaxies. Additional topics will include the formation and structure of the earth, the planets, the sun and the remainder of the solar system (moons, comets and asteroids). Recent discoveries such as the results of the latest interplanetary probes and the search for extrasolar planets will be discussed, as will astronomical issues impacting our society such as the potential threat of collisions between the earth and other solar system objects (comets and asteroids) and the potential existence of extraterrestrial life. Honors component with permission of instructor. Scientific Calculator required. Web assistance may be used with instruction. Some outdoor observations may be conducted. Three hour laboratory. Offered intermittently. PREREQUISITE: ALGB-093 or ALGB-097 with a grade of C- or better and placement at ENGL-100 COREQUISITE: MATH-132 and PHYS-144L
PHYS-160 - PHYSICS OF GREEN ENERGY  4 credits
This is a physical science laboratory course for non-science majors in the study of alternative and renewable energy sources. Conservation of energy and energy efficiency are contemporary global topics. The student will gain broad practical knowledge of alternative energy production currently in use and alternative and renewable energy sources for use in tomorrow's zero-emissions world. Students will be able to make better professional and personal decisions regarding the issues of energy and conservation. Areas of study will emphasize an overview about the technology of alternative energy devices such as: solar, wind, fuel cells, ocean wave power, and other forms of renewable "green" and sustainable electrical energy production. Also addressed are traditional conventional electrical energy sources such as: batteries, traditional electric generators, steam and gas turbines and nuclear power stations. PREREQUISITES: ALGB-083 or ALGB-087 with a grade of C- or better and placement in DRDG-092 and DWRT-099. COREQUISITE: PHYS-160L
PHYS-180 - INTRODUCTION TO LIGHT AND LASERS  4 credits
This course will introduce students to the principles and applications of light and lasers in today’s modern society. Students will explore the electromagnetic spectrum, how lenses and mirrors form images, how a laser functions, how the different colors of the spectrum can be separated by prisms and diffraction gratings and how they are used in spectroscopy, lasers and precision measurement, how polarizers work in sunglasses, LCDs and other applications, how hair-thin strands of glass fiber guide laser light in telecommunications systems, how to make a hologram, how basic optical instruments such as microscopes and telescopes work, and how to build a simple laser light show. Examples will be drawn from precision manufacturing, biotechnology, consumer electronics, environmental science, homeland security, telecommunications, and entertainment. Laboratory activities and demonstrations will be used extensively to supplement classroom discussions and bridge the gap between theory and practical applications. The course consists of three lecture hours and a three hour lab per week. All laboratory experiments will be conducted in the state-of-the-art Laser-Electro-Optics Technology department labs.PREREQUISITE: ALGB-097 completion with a C- or better or placement in college level mathematics and placement in ENGL-l00. CO-REQUISITE: PHYS-l80L
PHYS-230 - COLLEGE PHYSICS 2  4 credits
This course is a continuation of PHYS-130. It is a non-calculus, college-level physics course for liberal arts transfer students and students in pre-medicine or life sciences. It is also called, “electricity and magnetism.” The topics include expanding topics in electrostatics from PHYS-130, electronics, circuit analysis, alternating current, magnetism. Heat and temperature will be discussed. Includes a three-hour laboratory. Web assisted. Use of a scientific calculator required. Use of software program using spread sheet required. Honors component with permission of instructor. The calculus based physics course equivalent in topic coverage is PHYS-232. Required by some programs. Web assisted. Offered intermittently in Day Division. PREREQUISITE: ALGB-093 or ALGB-097 with a grade of C- or better and placement at ENGL-100; RECOMMENDED: PHYS-130. COREQUISITE: PHYS-230L
PHYS-232 - UNIVERSITY PHYSICS 2  4 credits
This course, also called, “electricity and magnetism,” is intended for engineering and science transfer majors and is a continuation of PHYS-132. Topics include electricity and magnetism, electromagnetic waves, and an introduction to quantum physics. The concept of field strength is applied to a study of the interactions between electric charges and magnets and to a study of the forces among stationary charges (electrostatics) and among stationary magnets, as well as charges in motion (which are magnets). Voltage and current and the material properties that govern the relationship between them (Ohm's law) are explored and practiced. Maxwell's equations (Gauss's two laws, Faraday's law, Ampere's law) are shown to lead to a wave equation that leads to the conclusion that the speed of light is a constant. The limits of classical electromagnetic theory are addressed and probability as a physical variable is introduced. In addition to three hours of lecture, this course includes three hours of laboratory work per week, where special equipment will be used to practice measurements of physical properties to verify the relationships expressed in the laws of physics and an additional one hour recitation each week. Web assisted. Honors component with permission of instructor. Scientific Calculator required. Use of software program using spread sheet required. The non-calculus based physics course equivalent in topic coverage is PHYS-230. Required by some programs. Web Offered both semesters. PREREQUISITE: PHYS-132 and MATH-255 with a grade of C- or better and placement at ENGL-100 COREQUISITE: PHYS-232L and MATH-355. Required of ENGR 01 and ENGR 02; open to all students.
PHYS-256 - OPTICS AND IMAGE RECORDING  4 credits
This course explores capturing images with the action of light. It is a transferable laboratory-science course for non-science majors, which provides students with a theoretical foundation and laboratory experience with the properties of light and the techniques of image recording. This course explores capturing images with the action of light. It is a transferable laboratory-science course for non-science majors, which provides students with a theoretical foundation and laboratory experience with the properties of light and the techniques of image recording. Topics include the theories and processes involved in recording images on photosensitive surfaces, followed by examining the materials, and measuring the image quality. Among the sub-topics covered are light, color, lenses, photographic history, densitometry, and digital imaging. Includes a three hour laboratory. Scientific Calculator required. Web assisted. There is no honors component. Offered Fall semester. Required by some programs.PREREQUISITE: ALGB-083 or ALGB-087 with a grade of C- or better and placement at ENGL-100. COREQUISITE: PHYS-256L
PHYS-300 - RADIOLOGIC PHYSICS 1  4 credits
Topics covered are: basic mechanics, mass, force, work, momentum, electrostatics leading to fundamentals of electronics to produce photons. Special topics covered are: the nature of the photon, EM spectrum, ionizing radiation, photoelectric effect, Compton Effect, pair production. All radiation attenuation processes are presented in detail. Use of software program using spread sheet required. Honors component with permission of instructor. Scientific Calculator required. Web assisted. Required by some programs. Offered Fall semester.PREREQUISITE: Placement in college-level English; ALGB-093 (Algebra 2) or ALGB-097 with a minimum grade of C-. Required of departments DMIR, DMIN; open to all students.
PHYS-332 - UNIVERSITY PHYSICS 3  4 credits
This course is intended for engineering and science transfer majors and is a continuation of PHYS-232. Topics include electromagnetic radiation, physical and geometrical optics, quantum mechanics and special relativity. In addition to the three hours of lecture, this course includes three hours of laboratory work per week and a one-hour recitation session per week. Web assisted. Honors component with permission of instructor. Offered intermittently or as an independent study.PREREQUISITE: PHYS-232 and MATH-355 with a grade of C- or better and placement at ENGL-100. COREQUISITE: PHYS-332L
PHYS-400 - NUCLEAR PHYSICS  4 credits
This course is a basic nuclear physics course emphasizing the medical and environmental applications of radiation. The nuclear properties of the atom are covered, describing energy levels of stable and unstable nuclei, which are then related to radioactive decay (gamma, beta, alpha, fission, fusion). Production of photons and particles from reactors, cyclotrons, linacs, and x-ray machines is covered. Radiation detection instrumentation and radiation dosimetry as prescribed by the NRC are covered. Topics and problem sets include: RBE, LET, HVL, half-life, NRC regulations. Fundamentals of radiobiology are introduced. Use of a scientific calculator is required and will include problems relating to the natural logarithm. Use of software program using spread sheet required. This is a transferable science course for non-science majors. Honors component with permission of instructor. Required of some departments. Offered Spring Semester.PREREQUISITE: ALGB-093 or ALGB-097 with a grade of C- or better and placement at ENGL-100. COREQUISITE: PHYS-400L. Successful completion of PHYS-300 is recommended.