Physics (PHYC)

(For non-science majors) The basic laws of mechanics and thermodynamics are covered. The emphasis will be on understanding the major laws of physics and the way they manifest themselves in practical applications and in laboratory experiments.

An algebra-based course covering the basic laws of mechanics and thermodynamics. The emphasis will be on understanding the major laws of physics and the way they manifest themselves in practical applications and in laboratory experiments. Topics include Newton's laws, conservation laws, statics, torque, and viscous fluid dynamics.

An algebra-based course covering the concepts of electricity, magnetism, and optics. This course uses real world examples to enhance comprehension of physical principles. Additional topics will include radiation, imaging, and basic atomic theory.

(required for science and Engineering majors) A calculus-based course emphasizing Newton's three laws of motion and the conservation laws of energy,linear momentum and angular momentum as first integrals of the dynamics. Additional topics in mechanics include stress and strain, simple harmonic motion and hydrostatics. Absolute temperature scales, thermal expansion, specific heats, methods of transfer of heat energy, ideal gases and real gases are considered before studying the first and second laws of thermodynamics, with the concept of entropy emphasized in the latter.

In this one-credit laboratory course students perform, analyze and submit lab reports based on experiments which test the theories developed in mechanics and heat and they take quizzes based both on the lab instructions and material from the lectures.

The mathematical representation of traveling sinusoidal waves and standing-wave patterns is emphasized. Applications are made to sound waves. Electrostatics include Gauss's law, electric potentials and the potential gradient equation. The field concepts are used to interpret elementary D.C. circuits including Kirchhoff's Rules. Capacitors as circuit elements and dielectrics are also studied. The effects of the magnetic field, its sources, induced EMFs and magnetic materials are considered. Series AC circuits conclude electromagnetism. Geometric optics includes lenses, mirrors and optical instruments. Physical optics includes interference and polarization of light waves.

In this one-credit laboratory course students perform, analyze and submit lab reports based on experiments which test the theories developed in waves, electricity and magnetism, and light. They take quizzes based both on the lab instructions and material from the lectures.