Physics

PHYS1110 Introduction to Physical Sciences (Cross listed with CHEM1110)

Scientific Inquiry with Laboratory (SI-L)

This course is an introduction to physical science. Students will learn how to apply scientific concepts to create and understand scientific explanations of physical phenomena. Topics covered will include: motion, energy, heat, light, basic electricity, physical and chemical changes. This course is required for those planning on teaching at the elementary school level. This course is taught in a workshop format which integrates lecture and laboratory so that students will develop their understanding through hands-on experiments. Equivalent of three hours lecture, two hours laboratory. (Note: Elementary Education students require this course for their major and will be given registration priority in this course during fall and spring semesters). Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits $100 lab fee

PHYS1116 Astronomy

Scientific Inquiry (SI) Natural Science (NS)

This course is the same as PHYS1117, but without the laboratory component. This course gives the student a tour of the universe, from our Sun and Solar System to the very edge of space and time itself. Topics may include, but are not limited to the eight planets; our Sun and the structure of the stars; nuclear fusion as a stellar energy source; stellar evolution; the Milky Way; galaxies and galaxy evolution; large scale structure; the fate of the universe; extrasolar planets and the possibility of life in the universe. Three hours lecture. Fall semester, odd years. 4 credits PHYS1117 Astronomy

Scientific Inquiry with Laboratory (SI-L) Natural Science Lab (NSL)

This course gives the student a tour of the universe, from our Sun and Solar System to the very edge of space and time itself. Topics may include, but are not limited to the eight planets; our Sun and the structure of the stars; nuclear fusion as a stellar energy source; stellar evolution; the Milky Way; galaxies and galaxy evolution; large scale structure; the fate of the universe; extrasolar planets and the possibility of life in the universe. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory. Fall semester, odd years. 4 credits $100 lab fee

PHYS1121 Energy and the Environment

Scientific Inquiry with Laboratory (SI-L)

In this course, students study energy use, production, and environmental effects. Topics may include, but are not limited to energy basics, fossil fuels, alternative energy (solar, wind, biomass, etc.), nuclear energy, acid rain, ozone depletion, climate and global climate change. The class will focus on scientific and quantitative issues, however, political and social aspects will also be touched upon. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory. Fall semester, even years. 4 credits $100 lab fee

PHYS1122 Energy and the Environment

Scientific Inquiry (SI)

This course is the same as PHYS1121, but without the laboratory component. Students study energy use, production, and environmental effects. Topics include: energy basics, fossil fuels, alternative energy (solar, wind, biomass, etc.), nuclear energy, acid rain, ozone depletion, climate and global warming. The class will focus on scientific and quantitative issues, however, political and social aspects will also be touched upon. Three hours lecture. Fall semester, even years. 4 credits 2021-2022 Academic Catalog

PHYS2201 General Physics I (Calculus based)

Scientific Inquiry with Laboratory (SI-L)

This course is a mathematical treatment of introductory physics using calculus. This course provides an introduction to the classical mechanics of particles and rigid bodies. Topics include: vectors, momentum, energy, angular momentum, conservation laws, basic thermodynamics, Newton’s laws of motion, statics, projectile motion, oscillations, and orbits. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Fall semester. 4 credits Prerequisites: MATH1111, MATH1112 $100 lab fee

PHYS2202 General Physics II (Calculus based)

Scientific Inquiry with Laboratory (SI-L) Natural Science Lab (NSL)

This course is a mathematical treatment of introductory physics using calculus. This course provides an introduction to the classical theories of electromagnetism and optics. Topics include: electrostatistics, electric and magnetic fields, electric circuits, magnets, Maxwell’s equations, waves, optics, interference, and diffraction. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Spring semester. 4 credits Prerequisites: PHYS2201, MATH1111, MATH1112 $100 lab fee

PHYS 2410 Sustainability Science (cross listed with IDS2410)

Scientific Inquiry with Laboratory (SI-L)

This course provides an introduction to the science of sustainability and to selected issues in sustainable development. We fill focus on topics that are of major importance to Indonesia: (1) deforestation, (2) urbanization, and (3) depletion of marine resources. We will study three geographical regions of Indonesia as case studies: Borneo (deforestation), Java (urbanization), and Bali (the oceans). We will examine the causes of these processes and their effects on people and the environment. Proposals for sustainable solutions to the problems posed will also be evaluated. In the travel component of this course we will visit these regions to see the facts on the ground and how Indonesians are trying to find their own solutions. Spring semester, odd years. 4 credits

PHYS4178-4179 Directed Study This is an independent study of material not included in existing courses. Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits Prerequisite: Permission of department