This course is an algebra/trigonometry-based course on the fundamental concepts of mechanics, fluids, and thermodynamics. The course begins with an introduction to the nature of measurement, scalars, vector arithmetic, and one- and two-dimensional kinematics, continuing on to discuss Newton's laws of motion, energy, and momentum, universal gravitation, with an introduction to the elastic properties of materials. Static and dynamic systems are studied, in the context of both translational and rotational motion. Further topics include fluid statics and dynamics, ideal gases, heat and temperature, the laws of thermodynamics, entropy, and heat engines.

This is the laboratory complement of the PHYS-171 lecture course. Experiments are performed to illustrate the concepts and principles discussed in the lecture course. Elementary analysis techniques are employed to parse data and interpret results. Code course fee.

This course is a continuation of Physics 171. Physics 172 (algebra/trigonometry based) covers latter topics in mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. The course begins with a study of oscillatory motion, mechanical waves, sound, and a discussion of human hearing. Topics in electromagnetism include sources and properties of electric and magnetic fields and how these interact charged particles and currents, electrical circuits, induction, and electromagnetic waves. The course covers both geometric and physical optics, including image formation, interference, and diffraction. The course ends on an introduction to special relativity and old quantum theory.

This is the laboratory complement of the PHYS-172 lecture course. Experiments are performed to illustrate the concepts and principles discussed in the lecture course. Elementary analysis techniques are employed to parse data and interpret results. Code course fee.

This is an introductory, one-semester course that studies the nature of the Universe: Solar System, stars, galaxies, and the overall Universe. This course investigates the tools and methods of astronomy and the implications of modern astronomical findings. The course examining the nature of the scientific method as applied to a number of key problems from the history of astronomy. It then proceeds to cover the most recent findings as to the nature, origin, and evolution of the planets, stars, galaxies, and the Universe itself. This course may be used in place of PHYS 181 Astronomy of the Solar System or PHYS 182 Astronomy of Stars and Galaxies. (Online Only)

This is an introductory, one-semester laboratory course that explores the nature of the Universe, including the Solar System, stars, galaxies, and the cosmos as a whole. The course emphasizes hands-on laboratory skills in astronomy. It begins by examining the nature of the scientific method as applied to key problems in the history of astronomy. It then progresses to cover current discoveries regarding the nature, origin, and evolution of planets, stars, galaxies, and the Universe itself. Laboratory activities include observations with the unaided eye and telescopes, use of astronomical tools and methods, and the analysis of more complex data. This course may be used in place of PHYS 181L: Astronomy of the Solar System or PHYS 182L: Astronomy of Stars and Galaxies. Code 2 course fee.

This calculus-based course is a rigorous introduction to the fundamentals of Newtonian mechanics. The course begins with measurements and dimensional analysis, a description of vectors, vector decomposition, and vector arithmetic. The motion of rigid bodies is treated including translational and rotational kinematics, projectile motion, circular and rolling motion; forces, torques, Newton's laws of motion, equilibrium, and dynamics; translational and rotational work and energy; and linear and angular impulse and momentum. Further topics include oscillatory motion, resonance, mechanical waves, sound, standing waves, and superposition; and Newton's law of universal gravitation and orbital motion.

This is the laboratory complement of the PHYS-281 lecture course. Experiments are performed to illustrate the concepts and principles discussed in the lecture, as well as to employ data reduction and analysis techniques. Uncertainty propagation and error analysis are introduced and applied. Code course fee.

This calculus-based course covers thermodynamics and electromagnetism. The course begins with a discussion of temperature and heat and a description of ideal gases using the kinetic theory and the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. A connection between microscopic and macroscopic states is emphasized. The zeroth, first, and second laws of thermodynamics and entropy are discussed as well as their connection to thermodynamic cycles and engines. The second portion of the course deals with electricity and magnetism, including electrostatics, Gauss's law, magnetostatics, Ampere's law, the Biot Savart law, circuit analysis and Kirchhoff's rules, electromagnetic induction and Faraday's law, Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves.

This is the laboratory complement of the PHYS-282 lecture course. Experiments are performed to illustrate the concepts and principles discussed in the lecture course, as well as to employ and further develop the data reduction and analysis and error analysis methods developed in PHYS-281L. Code course fee.