Courses: Physics

PHY 119-E - Physics for Environmental Studies
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: MAT 123; CHE 131

The principles of physics as they apply to environmental issues. A review of mathematics is followed by a discussion of Newton’s laws, conservation principles, topics in fluids and wave motion, optical instruments, and radioactivity. Three lectures and one laboratory session per week. This course is offered as both ENS 119 and PHY 119.

PHY 121-E - Physics for the Life Sciences I
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Prerequisites: MAT 125 or 131 or 141 or AMS 151; CHE 132 or 142
Corequisite: PHY 123

First part of a calculus-based introduction to physics with applications to biology, primarily for students majoring in biological sciences or pre-clinical programs. Topics include mechanics, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. Three lecture hours and one recitation hour per week. Laboratory component, PHY 123, must be taken concurrently; a common grade for both courses will be assigned. PHY 121 may not be taken for credit in addition to PHY 125, 131, or 141.

PHY 123 - Physics for the Life Sciences Laboratory I
Credits: 1
Corequisite: PHY 121

Must be taken concurrently with Lecture component, PHY 121; a common grade for both courses will be assigned. Two hours of laboratory per week.

PHY 125-E - Classical Physics A
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: Level 4 on the mathematics placement examination. Corequisite: MAT 125 or 131 or 141 or AMS 151

First of a three-part sequence intended for physical sciences or engineering majors. It focuses on the mechanics of point particles and simple oscillators, and emphasizes motion in one and two dimensions and the concepts of momentum and energy. Calculus is used concurrently with its development in MAT 125. Three lecture hours, one recitation hour, and two laboratory hours per week. Not for credit in addition to PHY 121/123, 131/133, or 141.

PHY 131-E - Classical Physics I
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: MAT 125 or level 5 on the mathematics placement examination
Corequisite: PHY 133; MAT 126 or 131 or 141 or AMS 151

First part of a two-semester physics sequence for physical-sciences or engineering majors who have a strong mathematics background and are ready for a fast learning pace. It covers mechanics, wave motion, kinetic theory, and thermodynamics. Calculus is used concurrently with its development in MAT 131. Three lecture hours and one recitation hour per week. Laboratory component, PHY 133, must be taken concurrently; a common grade for both courses will be assigned. Not for credit in addition to PHY 121/123, 125, or 141.

PHY 133 - Classical Physics Laboratory I
Credits: 1
Corequisite: PHY 131

Must be taken concurrently with Lecture component, PHY 131; a common grade for both courses will be assigned. Two hours of laboratory per week

 

PHY 141-E - Classical Physics I: Honors
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: Level 6 on the Math Placement Exam, or B or higher in MAT 131 or 141 or AMS 151, or B+ or higher in MAT 125, or permission of instructor (priority given to students in Honors or WISE programs). Corequisite: MAT 126 or 131 or 141 or AMS 151

First part of a demanding two-semester sequence for students with the strongest background, interests and abilities in science and mathematics. The topics covered in PHY 141 are similar to those in PHY 131 but are treated in more depth in a small-class setting. Students may transfer to PHY 131 at any time during the first half of each semester without penalty. Three lecture hours, one recitation hour, and one two-hour laboratory per week. PHY 141 may not be taken for credit in addition to PHY 121/123, 125, or 131.

PHY 142-E - Classical Physics II: Honors
Credits: 4
Prerequisites:C or higher in PHY 141 or permission of department. Corequisite: MAT 132 or 142 or 127 or 171 or AMS 161

Second part of a demanding two-semester sequence for students with the strongest background, interests and abilities in science and mathematics. The topics covered in PHY 142 are similar to those in PHY 132, but are treated in more depth in a small-class setting. Students may transfer to PHY 132 at any time during the first half of each semester without penalty. Three lecture hours, one recitation hour, and one two-hour laboratory per week. PHY 142 may not be taken for credit in addition to PHY 122/124, 126, 127, or 132.