Physics

Physics provides the scientific basis for most of the exploding technological achievements which profoundly affect our modern world in ways ranging from transportation and communication to space exploration and nuclear energy. Other professions and disciplines are greatly affected by developments in physics. No major or minor is offered in physics.

Courses

PH100: BASICS OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Credits 4

Students investigate properties of matter, motion and force, temperature and heat, electricity, and magnetism, and light and optics using guided inquiry. The course work stresses cooperative learning and is designed to model inquiry teaching for Early Childhood and Middle School education majors.

PH101G: BASICS OF EARTH SCIENCE

Credits 4

Students investigate the basic concepts and principles of geology, meteorology, and astronomy using guided inquiry. The work stresses cooperative learning and is designed to model teaching for Early Childhood and Middle School education majors.

PH230: FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICS I

Credits 4

An algebra-based course in which students learn to mathematically describe mechanics, waves, and fluids through lectures, laboratory investigations and problem assignments. Topics include motion, forces, energy, momentum, traveling waves, oscillations, sound waves, and fluid mechanics.

PH231: FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICS II

Credits 4

An algebra-based course in which students learn to mathematically describe geometrical optics, thermodynamics, and electricity & magnetism through lectures, laboratory assignments, and problem assignments. Topics include sound waves, calorimetry, ideal gases, mirrors, lenses, resistors, capacitors, voltage, current, magnetic fields, and spectroscopy.