Physics Minor

This course covers topics such as units, vectors, motion (in one, two and three dimensions), Newton's laws of motion, work, kinetic and potential energy, momentum, impulse, collisions, conservation laws, dynamics of rotational motion, equilibrium, gravitation, and periodic motion. Six (6) hours per week of inquiry-based instruction. Additional course fee. Prerequisite: MAT 145 or a B or better in EGR 182. Pre- or Co- Requisite: MAT 245. (4 units; Fall/Spring)

This course covers topics such as fluids, temperature and ideal gas, electric charge and field, Gauss' Law, electric potential, capacitance and dielectrics, current, resistance and electromotive force, direct-current circuits, magnetic field and force, Ampere's and Faraday's laws, electromagnetic induction, inductance, alternating current circuits, and electromagnetic waves. Six (6) hours per week of inquiry-based instruction. Additional course fee. Prerequisites: PHY 201 and MAT 245. (4 units; Fall/Spring)

The first course in a 2-semester calculus-based physics sequence for science and mathematics majors. A study of mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, waves, sound, and the mathematical methods of physics. Should be taken with PHY 214L - Physics for Scientists I Lab and PHY 214D - Physics for Scientists I Discussion. Prerequisite: MAT 145 or 245. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

This laboratory course, designed to be taken concurrently with PHY 214 - Physics for Scientists I, emphasizes scientific measuring and reporting techniques. Observational laboratories will reinforce topics in mechanics, including kinematics, Newton's Laws, momentum, energy, waves, sound, and thermodynamics. Additional course fee. Pre- or Co- Requisite: PHY 214. (1 unit; Fall/Spring)

The second course in a 2-semester calculus-based physics sequence for science and mathematics majors. Includes a study of electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, optics, and modern physics topics. Should be taken with PHY 224L - Physics for Scientists II Lab and PHY 224D - Physics for Scientists II Discussion. Prerequisite: PHY 214. (3 units; Spring)

This laboratory course, designed to be taken concurrently with Physics for Scientists II, emphasizes scientific measuring and reporting techniques. Observational laboratories will reinforce topics in electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Additional lab fee. Pre- or Co- Requisite: PHY 224. (1 unit; Spring)

An advanced study of waves and optics, with explicit investigation into mechanical and electromagnetic waves. Topics include (but are not limited to): simple harmonic motion, superposition, dampening, forced oscillations, beats, elasticity, coupling, normal modes, polarization, constructive and destructive interference, single and double slit interference, diffraction gratings, lenses, ray optics, geometric optics, physical optics, beams, and Doppler effect. The course is a very lab intensive class taught in a semi inquiry-based manner. The class and lab are heavily integrated; 3-hours lecture, 3-hours lab. Additional lab fee. Prerequisite: PHY 203 or 224. (4 units; Fall, odd years)

An advanced study of modern physics theories. Topics include (but not limited to): relativity, photons, photoelectric effect, the Bohr-model, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, Compton scattering, de Broglie waves, wave particle duality, wave packets, Schroedinger’s equation, nuclear models, decay and reactions, Rutherford scattering. 4-hours lecture. Prerequisite: PHY 203 or 224; PHY 310 recommended. (4 units; Fall, even years)