Physics courses

(3 credits) The course includes a study of linear and non-linear motion, Newton's Laws of Motion, momentum, energy, properties of matter, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, light, and atomic and nuclear physics. These topics are studied in a conceptual manner that includes little mathematics (beginning high school algebra level). The historical perspective on these concepts and the way in which they were developed is included.

(4 credits, alternate years, consult department) A one-semester physics course for students seeking a physical science course to fulfill their natural science general education requirement and those students needing a one-semester physics course for a graduate school program. The primary goal of the course is to introduce students to the basic principles of physics that are at work in creation, as well as how they have been implemented technologically. Specific topics may vary somewhat, but will always focus on the foundational aspects of physics: mechanics, electromagnetism, wave behavior and thermodynamics. There will be some discussion of the historical development of physics and its relationship to faith. Prerequisite: MAT109QR or higher, or ACT math score of 24 or better (SAT 570 or above), or consent of department chair. Note: There is a laboratory component to this course.

(4 credits) (NWCore option under Science and the Natural World) This is the first in a two-course algebra-based sequence. Topics include kinematics, Newtonian mechanics, energy, momentum, gravity, atomic physics, thermodynamics, and simple harmonic oscillations. Prerequisite: C- or higher in MAT109QR, ACT math score of 24 or better (SAT 570 or above), or consent of the department chair. Note: There is a laboratory component to this course.

(4 credits) This is the second in a two-course algebra-based sequence. Topics include electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, electromagnetism, and optics. Prerequisite: successful completion of PHY111SN with a grade of C- or better, or consent of department chair. Note: There is a laboratory component to this course.

(3 credits; alternate years, consult department) This course covers several topics in the field of astronomy chosen from our solar system, stellar lifecycle, astronomical observations and measurements, and a basic introduction to cosmology and relativity. The basic tools, concepts, physics, and mathematical models in astronomy are discussed. Students are expected to be able to articulate a Christian perspective of our place in the universe. Prerequisites: C- or higher in MAT109QR or MAT127, ACT math score of 22 (SAT 520) or above, or permission of instructor. Note: There is no laboratory component to this course, and it does not count as an option under Science and the Natural World. However, the course does count toward the Elementary and Secondary Endorsements in Basic Science.

(4 credits) (NWCore option under Science and the Natural World) This course covers several topics in the field of astronomy chosen from our solar system, stellar lifecycle, astronomical observations and measurements, and a basic introduction to cosmology and relativity. The basic tools, concepts, physics, and mathematical models in astronomy are discussed. Students are expected to be able to articulate a Christian perspective on our place in the universe. Prerequisite: C- or higher in either MAT109QR or MAT127, or ACT math score of 22 or above (SAT 550 or above) or permission of instructor. Note: There is a laboratory/observation component to this course.

(4 credits) (NWCore option under Science and the Natural World) This is the first in a two-course calculus-based sequence. Topics include kinematics, Newtonian mechanics, energy, momentum, gravity, atomic physics, thermodynamics, and simple harmonic oscillations. Prerequisite: C- or higher in MAT112QR or consent of the department chair. Note: There is a laboratory component to this course.

(4 credits) This is the second in a two-course calculus-based sequence. Topics include electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, electromagnetism, and optics. Prerequisite: successful completion of PHY211SN with a grade of C- or better. Note: There is a laboratory component to this course.

(3 credits, alternate years, consult department) For students seeking a minor in physics. Topics will include analog and digital electronics components, basic analog and digital theory of circuit operation, and interfacing recording instruments to experimental apparatus. Prerequisite: PHY212 or permission of department chair.

(2 or 4 credits, alternate years, consult department) A study of topics in physics which are not fully covered in other courses. Prerequisites: PHY111SN, 112 or 211SN, 212. Note: May be repeated provided a different topic is studied. When Offered: Offered to accommodate student or faculty interests.

(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) This course will cover an introduction to classical and modern theories in optics and their applications. Students will learn topics in geometric optics including lens, ray tracing, reflection, and refraction and in physical optics including interference, diffraction, polarization, and lasers. Prerequisites: C- or higher in PHY212 and MAT211, or permission of instructor.

(4 credits, alternate years, consult department). An introduction to the physics of the 20th century. Topics include special relativity, introduction to quantum theory, Schrodinger equation, the hydrogen atom, and many-electron atoms. Prerequisites: successful completion of PHY212 & MAT211 with grades of C- or higher, or permission of department chair. Note: There is a laboratory component to this course.

(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) (Writing intensive) An introductory course in chemical thermodynamics, quantum chemistry and chemical kinetics. Prerequisites: MAT112QR; and CHE112 or PHY212. Note: Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. A fee is associated with this course. Cross-Referenced: Cross-referenced in chemistry.

(4 credits, alternate years, consult department) An intermediate course in chemical thermodynamics, quantum chemistry and chemical kinetics. Prerequisite: PHY433WIx. Note: Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. A fee is associated with this course. Cross-Referenced: Cross-referenced in chemistry.

(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) Biophysics utilizes analytical problem solving skills cultivated through the study of physics and mathematics to describe theoretically the mechanisms of biological processes. Students will learn to analyze biological data using MatLab. This course is intended to be taken by Biophysics majors towards the end of their program of study. Prerequisites: C- or higher in PHY370, MAT317, and BIO326 or BIO327, or permission of instructor.