INTRODUCTORY COURSES
INTRODUCTORY COURSES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
The Department of Physics offers introductory courses at three different levels of mathematical sophistication. PHYS1000, Foundations of Physics is a one semester survey course dealing with the basic concepts of physics discussed using only simple algebra. PHYS1150, Astronomy is a one semester course that allows students to explore the heavens with simple algebra. PHYS1500 & PHYS1510, General Physics I & II is a two semester sequence that covers the basic concepts of physics using algebra and trigonometry. It is the sequence taken by many of the pre-professional students to prepare for the tests like the MCAT and LSAT. PHYS1600 & PHYS1610, Engineering Physics I & II is a two semester sequence that gives a thorough treatment of classical physics using calculus. PHYS1607 & 1617, Honors Physics I & II covers the same material as Engineering Physics but with smaller class sizes, special laboratory sections and at a somewhat more advanced level. This sequence is reserved for physics majors and members of the Honors College.
All of the above courses yield four semester hours of credit each, have laboratories associated with them, and are accepted as core curriculum science courses.
For approximately the past 30 years, there has been extensive education research performed nationally in the physics community. The overwhelming conclusion is that students learn more when the process is interactive. We are enthusiastically implementing as much of the recommendations coming from this extensive body of research as possible. Students will use personal response systems in class. They will find laboratory activities to be exciting and informative. And, of course, they are encouraged to interact with their professors inside and outside of class.
You will find below the course descriptions that appear in the official catalog. Typical syllabi and when the courses are scheduled can be found by clicking on the links shown.