PHY 118 - Contemporary Astronomy 4cr

This course introduces students to the science of astronomy through regular observations, hands-on telescope use, location and identification of celestial objects, and photography with cameras, telescopes, and computer imaging equipment. Topics include the solar system, stars and measurements of stars, galaxies, black holes, stellar composition, and stellar evolution. Students also learn the properties of light, color, gravity, Newton's laws, and Einstein's principles. The students participate actively in the observations and measurements of astronomical phenomena. Students are expected to complete at least two 2-hour evening observation sessions throughout the term on Monday or Wednesday evenings as well as regular whole-class observing sessions on Thursday nights.

Natural Science

PHY 121 - Earth, Light, and Sky 4cr

This course gives students ample hands-on opportunity to study conceptual physics, astronomy, earth science, and meteorology. The topics include astronomy, electricity, modern physics, waves and optics, spectroscopy, and a review of forces and motion. Earth science includes the origin and composition of the earth, rocks, minerals, fossils, and meteorites, and meteorology. This course is designed to complement PHY 251 Physics I for those students seeking certification to teach any science at the secondary level. Students are required to schedule two 2-hour observing sessions on Mondays or Wednesdays during the course.

Natural Science

PHY 199 - Independent Study 1-4cr

PHY 251 - Physics I 4cr

This course offers an introduction to physics provided through the study of Newtonian physics, energy, and electrical circuits (including diodes, photo detectors, and force transducers). Special emphasis is given to contemporary physics--physics developed during the 20th century. Students will learn skills useful in other disciplines as well as physics: laboratory record-keeping, problem solving, and computer mathematical packages. This course is centered around laboratory experience and the importance of learning physics through the observations and measurements in the laboratory.

Natural Science

Prerequisite: MAT 150 Precalculus must be taken before or concurrently with this course.

PHY 252 - Physics II 4cr

This course continues PHY 251 Physics I. Topics include thermal physics, vibrations and waves, wave optics, modern optics and lasers, quantum phenomena, wave-particle duality, X-rays, and electromagnetic deflection of electrons. Experiments include measurements of the speed of sound, the speed of light, properties of the electron, and the particle nature of light. Calculus is used.

Natural Science

Prerequisites: PHY 251 Physics I or permission of the instructor; MAT 251 Calculus I must be taken before or concurrently with this course.

PHY 290-298 - Special Topics in Physics 2-4cr

This course is an in-depth consideration of a topic of particular concern within the discipline of Physics. The course may be repeated for credit under different topics.

PHY 299 - Independent Study 1-4cr

PHY 399 - Independent Study 1-4cr

PHY 490-498 - Special Topics in Physics 2-4cr

This course is an in-depth consideration of a topic of particular concern within the discipline of Physics. The course may be repeated for credit under different topics.

Natural Science

PHY 499 - Independent Study 1-4cr