Introductory and Prepatory Physics Courses
WSUA 102a Energy Science and the Environment (3). This course will discuss the Science of Energy, its impact on the Environment and long term climate change on our planet. We will study some basic science using simple calculations that are not more difficult than balancing a checking account, but simple ways to track energy usage, potential change in saving money and reducing the impact on the environment. We will study long term change from across the ages on the environment, what results we can expect from using these past experiences to predict future outcomes in 10, 50 or 100 years. Critical questions such as if changing energy usage can alter the course of our present impact on the environment, and what other options we could pursue to reduce past adverse impacts on the environment.
PHYS 111. Introductory Physics (4). General education introductory course. A general physics course for liberal arts students and those who have not had physics in high school. Includes mechanics, heat, electricity and magnetism, wave phenomena and modern physics. Not open to students who can meet prerequisites for PHYS 313. Prerequisite: two years of high school algebra or one each of algebra and geometry or equivalent.
PHYS 131. Physics for the Health Sciences (3). General education introductory course. A background in basic physics for students in health-related professions. The choice of topics, the emphasis on problems, and the detailed applications are directed toward the special uses of physics in the health sciences. Prerequisites: two years of high school algebra or one year each of algebra and geometry or equivalent.
PHYS 151. Preparatory Physics (2). A general physics course for those who have not had adequate preparation for PHYS 313. Emphasizes problem solving using selected areas of physics, including vectors, one- dimensional motion, rotational motion, equilibrium, elasticity, hydrostatics, thermal effects, lenses and mirrors. Prerequisite: MATH 112.
PHYS 195. Introduction to Modern Astronomy (3). General education introductory course. A survey of astronomy for the student with little or no background in science or math. The nature and evolution of the universe and objects in it are considered from the perspective of the question: Why do things happen the way they do? May include comparison of the planets, stars and black holes, galaxies and quasars, and the expansion of the universe.
PHYS 196. Laboratory in Modern Astronomy (1). The application of the techniques and analysis of the data of modern astronomy. For the student with some background in the physical sciences. When PHYS 196 is completed, 195 and 196 count as a laboratory science. Requires field trips. Prerequisites: two semesters of high school algebra or the equivalent, or instructor’s consent, and PHYS 195, which may be taken concurrently.
PHYS 210. Physics of Sound (3). General education advanced issues and perspectives course. Studies the physical nature of sound generation by the human vocal system and musical instruments, including sound propagation and wave properties. Covers sound reception in the human ear, electronic sound generation, recording and measurements. Basic principles of physics are introduced to build a working knowledge of the subject for students in speech-language pathology, audiology, music and related fields.
PHYS 213. General College Physics I (5). General education introductory course. Mechanics, heat and wave motion. For students with a working knowledge of algebra and trigonometry but who have had no calculus. Credit is given for only one of PHYS 213, 303 or 313. Prerequisite: high school trigonometry or MATH 112.
PHYS 214. General College Physics II (5). 4R; 3L. General education advanced further study course. A continuation of PHYS 213. Electricity, light and modern physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 213 or 313.
The courses are also listed in the official catalog.