Basic Physics Syllabus

[Juvencio Parise]

Astudy of planets and other sub-stellar objects, both in our Solar System and in other planetary systems, taught at an advanced undergraduate level. Topics include planet formation, planet structure, the relationship between planets and their host stars, and a scientific discussion about the possibility of life in other planets. Note: This course is only offered in the spring semester of odd years (2019, 2021, etc.).

An introduction to the use of astronomical instruments and techniques to process and analyze data. Topics covered include theoretical foundations of observational astronomy, designs of telescopes, instrumentation for telescopes, data acquisition and management, as well as practical problems in observational astronomy. Notes: This course is only offered in the fall semester of even years (2018, 2020, etc.). It may be taken with PHYS 1661 to meet the Writing Intensive general education requirement.

This is a one-term course for non-science majors which explores the physical basis for the production, propagation and perception of musical sounds. The course begins with a discussion of some of the basic physical quantities, such as frequency, wavelength, intensity, etc., used in the physical understanding of music. Examples of topics to be covered are the perception of sound (the ear, tone quality, pitch and loudness, scales, temperament). What makes a pleasant sound and what makes a dissonant one. How does this affect the arrangement of music? How are musical sounds produced by the various orchestral instruments including strings, winds, keyboard and other instruments, and how are they characterized?

Words like "force," "field," "radiation," "black hole" and "antimatter" are part of our culture; science fiction movies and popular science magazines use them all the time. What do these words really mean? How much of what we see in science fiction is based on real science and how much is pure fantasy? This course will emphasize the meanings of science terms and the way scientists really work, without getting bogged down in mathematics. Our goal will be to understand science terms and claims when we encounter them in fiction and the popular press. We will read several short stories and novels from the leading science fiction writers; we will also have in-class demonstrations of things like lasers, cryogenics, and electric fields. Students will be encouraged to bring in their own examples of science fiction literature that highlight some physics concept (or misconception) to share with the rest of the class. Starting with Newtonian physics, this course surveys modern physics including Quantum Mechanics and Einstein's Theory of Relativity. Along the way, we will discuss whether travel to other stars is possible, conditions for the existence of life, and whether other "dimensions" exist. This course fulfills the Physical Science course requirement for School of Arts and Sciences students.

This course presents the conceptual basis of introductory classical physics. As such, this course covers the same general topics as PHYS 0110. The emphasis of this course, however, is on a clear understanding of the underlying principles of physics, with a reduced emphasis on mathematics than would be used in PHYS 0110. This course is intended for non-science majors and for students from the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. The mathematical level of this course will not be adequate for those students who plan to apply to Medical School. It could be used for those students as a preparatory course prior to tackling the more mathematically rigorous PHYS 0110 or PHYS 0174. In that case credit would not be given for both this course and either PHYS 0110 of 0174. Topics covered include: kinematics, Newton's Laws of Motion; conservation of total mechanical energy, total linear momentum, and total angular momentum; rotational kinematics and dynamics; simple harmonic motion; behavior of fluids; heat and heat transfer; mechanical waves and sounds.

This is the first term in a two-term lecture-demonstration sequence that presents the elements of both classical and modern physics. The emphasis of the course is on a clear understanding of the underlying principles rather than on mathematical formalism and problem-solving (although some attention is given to these aspects of physics). This course is appropriate for non-science majors, and for those majoring in the social, psychological and life sciences that do not need the more mathematically oriented course required of engineering and physical science students (Physics 0174,0175). The introductory laboratory course to be associated with this sequence is Physics 0212 (see below) which should be taken after Physics 0110. Credit will not be given for both this sequence and the Physics 0174, 0175 sequence. Subjects covered in the course include: kinematics; Newtonian mechanics; heat and heat transfers; mechanical waves and sound.

This is the second term in a two-term lecture-demonstration sequence that presents the elements of both classical and modern physics. The emphasis of the course is on a clear understanding of the underlying principles rather than on mathematical formalism and problem-solving (although some attention is given to these aspects of physics). This course is appropriate for non-science majors, and for those majoring in the social, psychological and life sciences that do not need the more mathematically oriented course required of engineering and physical science students (Physics 0174,0175). The introductory laboratory course to be associated with this sequence is Physics 0212 (see below). Credit will not be given for both this sequence and the Physics 0174, 0175 sequence. Subjects covered in the course include: thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism (electrostatics to electromagnetic waves); geometrical and physical optics; relativity; and quantum physics.

This is the first part of a two-term sequence that introduces students to the basic principles of physics. An effort has been made to achieve a better integration of physics with the first term of calculus, engineering, and chemistry. The course covers mechanics and waves. Students planning to major in physics are urged to take the equivalent honors course (Physics 0475).

This is the second part of a two-term sequence that introduces students to the basic principles of physics. An effort has been made to achieve a better integration of physics with the first term of calculus, engineering, and chemistry. This course covers electricity, magnetism, circuits, electromagnetic theory and optics. Students planning to major in physics are urged to take the equivalent honors course (Physics 0476).

This is the introductory course in physics laboratory associated with Physics 0110 and 0111. The course involves carrying out experiments in mechanics, electricity, optics, atomic physics and radioactivity. The student then gets insight into the collection and interpretation of experimental data. A lab manual should be purchased from the University Book Center. Credit for Physics 0212 cannot be granted to students who are taking or have completed Physics 0175 or 0476.

Introduce first-year students to the field, practice, research, and opportunities in Physics and Astronomy. Students will be able to describe the variety of pursuits that physicists pursue; explain both the basic and recent topics in Physics and Astronomy to the lay-person; understand their own career interests and potential pursuit of Physics, Astronomy, and related disciplines. This is intended to be taken for a satisfactory/non-satisfactory grade.

Introduce first-year students to the field, practice, research, and opportunities in Physics and and Quantum Computing. Students will be able to describe the variety of pursuits that physicists and computer scientists pursue; explain both basic and recent topics in QC/QI; and understand and articulate their own career interests. This is intended to be taken for a satisfactory/non-satisfactory grade.

This Honors supplement to the firrst half of algebra-based introductory Physics sequence for life sciences applies physics concepts to the human body and its interactions with the physical environment. The topics explored in this course include: human proportions, scaling laws, locomotion, strength and balance, elasticity, basics of blood circulation. This course is especially tailored around the interests of students who plan a career in the medical and health professions.

At the end of this course, the successful student will be able to apply mechanics principles to the human body, as well as show a moderate competence in analyzing complex situations. It is strongly recommended that students have already completed PHYS 0110 before enrolling in this course; however students with some background in Newtonian mechanics taking PHYS 0110 concurrently will also be permitted to enroll in this course.

This Honors supplement to the first half of algebra-based introductory Physics sequence for life sciences applies physics concepts to the human body and its interactions with the physical environment. The topics explored in this course include: human proportions and scaling laws, locomotion, internal forces, strength and balance, elasticity, blood circulation. This course is recommended for those students who plan a career in the medical and health professions.

At the end of this course, the successful student will be able to apply physics principles to thenhuman body, as well as show a moderate competence in modeling complex situations. It is generally recommended that students have already completed PHYS 0111 before enrolling in this course; however students with some background in waves, electricity, and optics, taking PHYS 0111 concurrently will also be permitted to enroll.

This is the second term of a two term Honors College introductory demonstration-lecture course in physics. The calculus is used in this course and the syllabus is essentially the same as Physics 0175. However, the scope of Physics 0476 is broader than that of Physics 0175 and subjects are covered in greater depth. Approximately half the term is spent on classical electricity and magnetism. Other topics include Einstein's special theory of relativity and introduction to modern physics and quantum phenomena. Three hours each week are devoted to lecture-demonstration and two hours to discussion and application to problem solving. This course is especially suitable for physical science majors, engineers, or any student who seeks an in-depth treatment of introductory physics in a calculus-based course.

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