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Programs and Courses
Physics
General Information
For Information: Cheryl Dellai
Phone: 623.845.3678
Student Goals: General Education, Transfer, Career-related
The science of physics seeks to understand the behavior of matter and energy at the most general and fundamental level. Other sciences, e.g., chemistry and biology, build on the laws of physics and rely on many instruments originally devised by physicists.
Employment of physicists is greatest in areas that have heavy industrial concentrations and large college and university enrollments. Related careers are medical electronics, solid-state physics, production supervision, industrial sales, patent law, thermodynamics, acoustics, optics, and nuclear physics.
Transfer Recommendations: This program is designed as the first two years of course work for students intending to pursue the baccalaureate degree at a four-year institution.
Note: Students planning a major in physics should consult with a department advisor to outline and plan their academic schedule in order to transfer to a senior institution and to complete degree requirements in an expedient manner. Required courses may not be available every semester or year. Due to limited course offerings, degree seeking students may find it necessary to extend completion time lines and attend both day and evening classes.
Departmental Recommendations:
+ PHY115 University Physics I
+ PHY116 University Physics II
+ MAT220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
+ MAT230 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
+ MAT241 Calculus with Analytic Geometry III
+ MAT262 Differential Equations5 credits
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5
5
4
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Other Recommendations:
+ CHM151 General Chemistry I (3) and
+ CHM151LL General Chemistry I Laboratory (1)
+ CHM152 General Chemistry II (3) and
+ CHM152LL General Chemistry II Laboratory (1)
4 credits
4
Course Descriptions
Course Availability: (F) Fall, (S) Spring, (D) Day, (E) Evening, (Su1) Summer 1, (Su2) Summer 2, (O) Occasionally
Physics (PHY)
PHY090 Preparation for
Introduction to Physics / 1 credit 1 period
A developmental course designed to review basic math and physics principles for students deficient or insecure in these areas. Stresses individualized instruction and “hands-on” experience. Serves to prepare the student for PHY101 or PHS110. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,Su1)
PHY101
Introduction to Physics / 4 credits 6 periods
A survey of physics emphasizing applications of physics to modern life. Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT090, or MAT091, or MAT092, or MAT093, or equivalent, or satisfactory score on Math Placement exam. (F,S,D,E,Su1,Su2)
Course Note: Students may receive credit for only one of the following: PHY101 or PHY101AA.
PHY101AA
Introduction to Physics / 5 credits 7 periods
A survey of physics emphasizing applications of physics to modern life. Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT090, or MAT091, or MAT092, or MAT093, or equivalent, or satisfactory score on Math Placement exam.
Course Note: Students may receive credit for only one of the following: PHY101 or PHY101AA.
PHY111
General Physics I / 4 credits 6 periods
Includes motion, energy, and properties of matter. Prerequisites: Trigonometry or department consent. (F,S,D,E,Su1)
Course Note: Recommended for preprofessional and suggested for certain other majors. Students may receive credit for only one of the following: PHY111 or PHY111AA.
PHY111AA
General Physics I/ 5 credits 7 periods
Includes motion, energy, and properties of matter. Prerequisites: MAT182, or MAT 187, or one year high school Trigonometry with a grade of C or better, or permission of Department or Division.
Course Note: Recommended for preprofessional and suggested for certain other majors. Students may receive credit for only one of the following: PHY111 or PHY111AA.
PHY112
General Physics II / 4 credits 6 periods
Includes electricity, electromagnetism, and modern physics. Prerequisites: PHY105 or PHY111. (F,S,Su2,D,E)
PHY115
University Physics I / 5 credits 7 periods
General physics course using calculus to develop the principles of mechanics and thermodynamics. Recommended for majors in the sciences and mathematics. Required for Engineering majors. Prerequisites: MAT220 or MAT221, or department consent. Corequisites: MAT230 or MAT231. One year high school physics or PHY111 and PHY112 is strongly recommended. (F,D,E,S,D)
PHY116
University Physics II / 5 credits 7 periods
Principles of electricity, magnetism, waves, and optics. Required for Engineering majors. Prerequisites: PHY115 and (MAT230 or MAT231). Corequisites: MAT241. (F,D,S,D,E)
PHY298
Special Projects / 1-3 credits
Organized and tailored around the interests and needs of the individual student. Structured to provide an atmosphere of individualized research and study paralleled by professional expertise and guidance. Professional-type facilities and equipment available for student use. Allows the best aspects of independent study and individualized learning to be combined to maximize student development. Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or instructor. (O)
