COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Note: For those courses which do not indicate term offered,
contact the department chairperson.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
The Physical Science courses, PHY 110 through PHY 122 are descriptive in nature.
Most have no prerequisites and may be taken in any sequence to satisfy requirements
for science electives. Adding a PHY 125 or PHY 126 Physical Science laboratory
to any of these courses will satisfy requirements for a one or two semester
laboratory science elective.
PHY 110 Physical Science - Physical Geology
A survey course in physical geology, examining the various min earls and rock types and the physical processes occurring on and below the surface of the earth.
(3, 0) 3 credits
PHY 111 Physical Science -Historical Geology
A study in the origin and evolution of the earth through geo-logical time and the methods used by geologist in determin-ing the geological history of the earth.
(3,O) 3 credits
PHY 112 Physical Science Survey
A broad descriptive course in Physical Science. Topics to be covered will be from the areas of Philosophy of Science, Astronomy, Physics, Meteorology, Chemistry, Technology, and the Environment.
(3, 0) 3 credits
PHY 113 Physical Science - Physics
A descriptive course that presents the ideas of Classical and Modern Physics qualitatively and conceptually. The emphasis will be on the relevance of Physics to the students' own expe-rience. Topics covered will be Mechanics, Properties of Matter, Heat, Sound, Electricity and Magnetism, Light, Quantum Theory and Nuclear Physics. This course requires some knowledge of high school level mathematics.
(3, 0) 3 credits
PHY 114 Physical Science -The Environment
A descriptive course dealing with environmental problems caused by population, pollution, transportation, energy requirements, radioactivity, radioactive wastes, thermal emis-sion, noise and heat.
(3, 0) 3 credits
PHY 115 Physical Science - Energy
An introductory course in the scientific, technological and social aspects of Energy. The course is intended to develop an understanding of the physical basis of Energy and an appreciation of the role of Energy in the contemporary world. Basic concepts and principles are studied. Conservation Laws, Fuels, and Energy Conversion Systems are discussed. Resources, Consumption Patterns, and Alternative Economies are analyzed.
(3, 0) 3 credits
PHY 116 Physical Science - Meteorology
A descriptive course in elementary meteorology that will intro-duce the student to weather analysis and forecasting. Topics covered will be Temperature, Pressure, Wind Radiation, Clouds, Precipitation, Synoptic weather charts, Air Masses, Low and High Pressure Areas, Frontal Systems, Thunderstorms, Weather Forecasting, and Local Weather. Weather charts will be analyzed and students will make their own weather forecasts.
(3,O) 3 credits
PHY 117 Physical Science - Solar System Astronomy
An elementary astronomy course in which the student is intro-duced to the historical development of astronomy and to our present view of the solar system and its origins. Recent NASA missions to the planets are discussed, and periodic observa-tions of the skies may be conducted.
(3, 0) 3 credits
PHY 118 Physical Science - Stellar Astronomy
An elementary astronomy course in which the stars and galaxies are treated in detail. Recently discovered phenome-na, such as pulsars, quasars and black holes will be studied. Discussion will also center on cosmology, the NASA mis-sions, colonization of space, and other topical subjects in astronomy. Periodic evening observations of the skies may be conducted.
(3, 0) 3 credits
PHY 119 Physical Science -Technology
A descriptive course emphasizing the major events in Technological History, the Rise of Scientific Technology, Delivery Systems, Systems Science, and the impact of Technology of Man and Society. The course is intended to assist the student in the formulation of a personal set of crite-ria in order to understand and respond to technological changes in modern society
(3, 0) 3 credits
PHY 120 Physical Science - Extraterrestrial Phenomena
The possible existence of extraterrestrial life is examined by investigating those areas of the physical sciences and related disciplines which may shed more light on this elusive prob-lem. Arguments are drawn from astronomy, astrophysics, electromagnetic theory, probability theory, relativity atomic physics, nuclear physics and particle physics. Historical and archaeological views are also discussed. The discussion of extraterrestrial life is utilized as a framework from which many mysteries of the universe are unraveled for the student.
(3, 0) 3 credits
PHY 121 Descriptive Classical Physics
This is a course covering the fundamental concepts of classical physics. This course is intended for non-science students, including students in the Arts Option of the Liberal Arts and Sciences program, as well as students in the School of Business. Topics will include mechanics, heat, electricity and magnetism. A knowledge of elementary algebra is required.
(3,0) 3 credits
PHY 122 Descriptive Modern Physics
This is a course covering the fundamental concepts of modern physics. This course is intended for non-science students, including students in the Arts Option of the Liberal Arts and Sciences program, as well as students in the School of Business. Topics will include waves, light, relativity, quantum physics, the nucleus and elementary particles. A knowledge of elementary algebra is required.
(3,0) 3 credits
PHY 125 Physical Science Laboratory I
A Physical Science Laboratory to accompany any of the Physical Science Theory courses listed above. Experiments will be in the area of Physics, Astronomy, Meteorology, the Environment and Technology.
(0, 2) 1 credit
PHY 126 Physical Science Laboratory II
A continuation of PHY 125.
Prerequisite: PHY 125
(0, 2) 1 credit
PHY 128 The Physics of Computers and Computation
The physical principles which govern the design and use of computing equipment are discussed. Discussion will include the historical development of computation equipment from The Babbage calculator through integrated semiconductor logic and l aser-optical memories. Other topics will demon-strate the use of computation in scientific applications and will include Boolean logic, binary arithmetic, programming lan-guages and an introduction to programming.
Prerequisite: PHY 1 13 or consent of the instructor
(3, 0) 3 credits
PHY 129L Computers in the Physical Sciences
A course designed to familiarize the student wi th computer operation in the physical science laboratory.
(0, 2) 1 credits
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