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Physics Courses

These listings are sourced from Curricunet, and some courses may not be offered every semester. For additional information, contact the academic department, speak with counseling or refer to the current Class Schedule and College Catalog.

PHYS 3A - College Physics A    ( 4.00 - Units )
Introduction to the major principles of classical mechanics using calculus for students studying life sciences and architecture. Includes: the scientific method and social responsibility of the scientist, Newtonian mechanics, energy, gravitation, fluids, thermodynamics, and vibration waves.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Demonstrate mastery of basic mechanics concepts including Newton's Laws, ballistics, rotational motion, and conservation laws, as measured by either the Force Concept Inventory (FCI) test that will be administered at the start and end of the term, or the existing non-graded SLO assessment (file attached).
  2. Demonstrate success through achieving a passing mark on the comprehensive final exam.
  3. Demonstrates Mastery of lab experiments through submission of a complete lab report with all requirement elements present, including abstract; introduction; materials, methods, and procedures; data and analysis; results and discussion; references; data tables.

PHYS 3B - College Physics B    ( 4.00 - Units )
Introduction to the major principles of ELECTROMAGNETISM AND MODERN PHYSICS using calculus for students studying life sciences and architecture. Includes Electrostatics, Electro-circuits, electromagnetic waves, optics, relativity , atomic and nuclear physics and the social responsibility of the scientist and architect .

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. 70% of students will be able to operate standard laboratory equipment
  2. 70% of students will be able to analyze laboratory data
  3. 70% of students will be able to write comprehensive laboratory reports

PHYS 4A - General Physics I    ( 5.00 - Units )
Introduction to the principles of Newtonian mechanics using calculus as needed. Vectors, kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillations and gravitation.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Assess Physics 4A students improvement in learning over the term using the Force Concept Inventory with a pre- and post-class survey and normalized gain ("NG")
  2. PHYS 4A  - Students shall be able to read, translate, diagram and sucessfully solve qualitatively key word problems involving the concepts of kinematics in one, two, and three dimensions, Newton's Laws of motion, gravitation, work and energy, linear momentum, rotational motion and dynamics, static equilibrium, and oscillations.
  3. Demonstrate qualitative mastery of physics 4A concepts in mechanics, energy, rotation, statics, and/or gravity through presentations, group projects, research papers, and/or homework essays
  4. Demonstrates Mastery of Physics 4A lab experiment through submission of a complete lab report with all requirement elements present, including abstract; introduction; materials, methods, and procedures; data and analysis; results and discussion; references; data tables.
  5. FCI Test pre/post comparison of basic mechanics, using normalized gain 100% X [(post - pre)/(30-pre)]

PHYS 4C - General Physics III    ( 5.00 - Units )
Oscillations, fluids, sound waves, thermodynamics, electromagnetic spectrum, optics including reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference, polarization.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Demonstrate qualitative mastery of physics 4C concepts in waves, thermodynamics, and/or optics through presentations, group projects, research papers, and/or homework essays
  2. Demonstrates Mastery of Physics 4C lab experiment through submission of a complete lab report with all requirement elements present, including abstract; introduction; materials, methods, and procedures; data and analysis; results and discussion; references; data tables.
  3. Demonstrates mastery of quantitative aspects of Physics 4C concepts in waves, thermodynamics, and optics through homework and/or exam problems

PHYS 4B - General Physics II    ( 5.00 - Units )
Electric fields, electric currents, magnetic fields, induced currents, alternating circuits, Maxwell’s equations, Electromagnetic waves.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Demonstrate qualitative mastery of physics 4B concepts in electricity, voltage, circuits, capacitors, and/or magnetism through presentations, group projects, research papers, and/or homework essays.
  2. Demonstrate Mastery of Physics 4B lab experiment through submission of a complete lab report with all requirement elements present, including abstract; introduction; materials, methods, and procedures; data and analysis; results and discussion; references; data tables.
  3. Demonstrate Quantitative mastery of Physics 4B concepts in E&M through CSEM test pre/post.
  4. Read, translate, diagram and successfully solve quantitatively key word problems involving the concepts of Coulomb's Law, Gauss' Law, conservation of energy; definitions of capacitance, current, and resistance, laws of magnetism, Faraday's Law of Induction and concept of AC circuits.
  5. Successfully solve qualitatively key word problems involving the concepts of Coulomb's Law; Gauss' Law; conservation of energy; definitions of capacitance, current, and resistance; laws of magnetism, Faraday's Law of Induction and the concept of AC circuits.
  6. Demonstrate mastery of qualitative aspects electromagnetism through homework and/ or exam problems.
  7. Demonstrate Qualititative mastery of Physics 4B concepts in Enull through CSEM test pre/post.

PHYS 5 - Modern Physics    ( 3.00 - Units )
Special relativity and modern physics, including photons, quantum mechanics, atoms, solids, nuclear physics, particle physics and cosmology.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Demonstrates mastery of quantitative and qualitative aspects of Physic 5: concepts and methods of relativity, quantum mechanics and nuclear physics.
  2. Demonstrates mastery of quantitative and qualitative aspects of Physic 5: concepts and methods of relativity, quantum mechanics and nuclear physics through presentations, group projects, research papers, and/or homework essays.
  3. Read, translate, diagram and successfully solve quantitatively key word problems involving the concepts of relativity, nuclear physics, and quantum mechanics.
  4. Solve qualitatively key word problems involving the concepts of electric currents and resistance, laws of magnetism, laws of induction, geometrical and wave optics, and modern Physics.

PHYS 11 - Descriptive Physics    ( 4.00 - Units )
Motion, gravitation, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, atoms, and nuclei. Present day scientific problems and developments such as alternative energy sources, solar energy, nuclear power, lasers, relativity and black holes. Designed for non-majors in physical science. Includes an introduction to laboratory, principles and techniques with emphasis on the basic concepts discussed in the class. May not receive credit if Physics 10 or Physics 10L has been completed.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Demonstrate mastery of lab report for an activity in Physics 11 curriculum
  2. Quantitative mastery of Physics 11 Problems
  3. Read, analyze and critique a magazine or newspaper article about a current discovery in the physical sciences (including physics, chemistry, earth science, geology, meteorology, and astronomy), specifically identifying parts of the process of science, including evidence of observation, past research, testable hypotheses, experimental results, data analysis, support for or against prior theory, peer review and publishing.

PHYS 18 - Preparatory Physics    ( 3.00 - Units )
Basic problem solving techniques in mechanics as foundation for Physics 2A and Physics 4A. Methods and strategies used to solve quantitative Physics problems. Intended for mathematics, engineering, and physics, science students. Emphasis on group problem-solving activities, diversity in problem-solving approaches, and detailed oral and written presentation of solutions.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Demonstrate mastery of math and reasoning ability needed for solving introductory physics analytical and conceptual problems

PHYS 25 - Computational Methods for Engineers and Scientists    ( 3.00 - Units )
Methodology and techniques for solving engineering/science problems using numerical-analysis computer-application programs MATLAB, SimuLink, MuPad, and EXCEL. Technical computing and visualization using MATLAB software. Examples and applications from applied-mathematics, physical-mechanics, electrical circuits, biology, thermal systems, fluid systems, and other branches of science and engineering.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Given a data set that can be modeled by either a Power-function or an Exponential-function linearize the data, and then perform a Linear Regression using MATLAB or EXCEL software
  2. Using differential calculus, MATLab commands, and script files to solve for an independent variable that will optimize/minimize/maximize some dependent variable quantity that results from the analysis of a real-world situation-scenario.
  3. Use MATLABs SimuLink InterConnected-Icon based programming environment to create a SimuLink FeedBack Diagram that produces a graph of the numerical solution to a NONlinear, NonHomogeneous, Second order Differential Equation.

PHYS 27 - Introduction to Unmanned Flight & Rocket Science    ( 3.00 - Units )
This course introduces students to the physics behind, as well as the creation and operation of, unmanned flight vehicles such as rockets, balloons and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), which collect inflight atmospheric data that are later analysed and presented.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Build a working circuit board that accurately collects atmospheric data during flight of the unmanned vehicle.
  2. Construct a working unmanned vehicle that will ascend and land with the circuit board undamaged.
  3. Analyze the acquired in flight data.

PHYS 122 - Physics Supplemental Instruction    ( 0.50 - Units )
An individualized course with tutorial assistance from an instructor, student tutor, in basic Physics computations designed to develop self-confidence and prepare the student for problem solving in the normal navigation of physics courses.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Apply concepts of and solve problems in physics
  2. Solve problems collaboratively
  3. Demonstrate increased awareness of learning styles in order to enhance success in Physics