Physics (PHYS)
PHYS 1010 — Elementary Physics PS
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Credits: 3
Lecture hours: 3
General Ed Requirement: Physical Science
This course is designed for non-science majors. The fundamental principles of physics with emphasis on how a problem is approached and solved are central to the course. Topics include the scientific method, Newton's Laws, gravity, momentum, energy thermodynamics, waves, electricity, optics, nuclear physics and relativity. Students learn principles of physics, measurement and data analysis using observation, mathematical principles and the scientific method.
PHYS 1015 — Elementary Physics Lab LB
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Credits: 1
Lab hours: 2
General Ed Requirement: Natural Science Lab
Students will learn techniques of measurement and data analysis using observation, mathematical principles and the scientific method. Laboratory experiments will provide hands-on opportunities to deepen knowledge and understanding of the principles of physics that are taught in the companion course PHYS 1010. (Lab fee required)
PHYS 1020 — Physics of Energy PS
Typically Offered: Spring
Credits: 3
Lecture hours: 3
General Ed Requirement: Physical Science
This course examines the production and use of energy throughout the world. Energy production methods will be studied using current environmental data and basic physics principles, providing a scientific foundation for understanding the world’s current energy demands and needs, as well as its impact on the environment and climate change. Discussions on the future of energy production and of environmental and societal impacts of these energy sources will be an active part of the course.
PHYS 1060 — Astronomy: Stars and Galaxies PS
Typically Offered: Fall
Credits: 3
Lecture hours: 3
General Ed Requirement: Physical Science
This is an introductory course designed to acquaint students with the night sky and the laws of science that govern heavenly bodies. The question "How do we know?" will lead students to learn more about stars, galaxies, and the universe itself. Application of physical laws and mathematical solutions to a variety of problems will lead to an understanding of how we know. Regularly scheduled night observations or planetarium presentations will be held each week. Naked-eye observations and binocular observations will be emphasized with some use of telescopes. (Lab fee required)
PHYS 1080 — Life in the Universe PS
Typically Offered: Spring
Credits: 3
Lecture hours: 3
Lab hours: 0
Lab hours: 0
General Ed Requirement: Physical Science
This is an introductory course designed to acquaint students with profound questions about the existence of life. How and why did our existence become possible? Are these conditions necessary for life in general? Could we find life elsewhere in the universe? Where and how should we look? This class includes elements of geology, chemistry, astronomy, and physics.
PHYS 1130 — Introduction to Meteorology PS
Typically Offered: Fall
Credits: 3
Lecture hours: 3
General Ed Requirement: Physical Science
This course introduces students to the physical, chemical, and dynamic processes of the atmosphere. Scientific principles that govern the atmosphere are analyzed, including the formation of the atmosphere, heat imbalance, cloud formation, weather forecasting, and common atmospheric features such as weather fronts, and severe weather. The course also examines weather hazards and patterns common to Utah and the local region. Historical weather events are also evaluated in their respective spatial and temporal context.
PHYS 1135 — Introduction to Meteorology Lab LB
Typically Offered: Fall
Credits: 1
Lab hours: 2
General Ed Requirement: Natural Science Lab
PHYS 1750 — Science of Sound and Music PS
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Credits: 3
Lecture hours: 3
General Ed Requirement: Physical Science
This course intended for music majors but open to all. Topics will include the science of acoustics including properties of waves and wave phenomena, aural sound perception through hearing, and the production of sound with musical instruments. Major instrument classes and the physical properties of each will be examined along with musical scales and harmony.
PHYS 1755 — Science of Sound and Music Lab LB
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Credits: 1
Lab hours: 2
General Ed Requirement: Natural Science Lab
This is a laboratory course to accompany PHYS 1750. Students will learn techniques of measurement and data analysis. Music principles from the lecture course will be demonstrated and students will perform experiments to analyze properties of waves, sound perception, and the tonal qualities of musical instruments. (Lab fee required.)
PHYS 2010 — College Physics I
Typically Offered: Fall
Credits: 4
Lecture hours: 4
This is the first course of a two-semester sequence in algebra/trigonometry-based general physics. The course is designed for students majoring in pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, and other biological sciences. The topics covered include the study of kinetics, statics, dynamics, momentum, energy, rotational motion, gravitation, solids and fluids, and thermodynamics.
PHYS 2015 — College Physics I Lab
Typically Offered: Fall
Credits: 1
Lab hours: 2
This course is the laboratory experience to accompany PHYS 2010. Students will learn techniques of measurement and data analysis. They will learn to communicate scientific results effectively in writing. Principles from the lecture course will be illustrated and experiments confirming class results will be performed. Lab fee required.
PHYS 2020 — College Physics II
Typically Offered: Spring
Credits: 4
Lecture hours: 4
This is the second course of a two-semester sequence in algebra/trigonometry-based general physics. The course is designed for students majoring in pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, and other biological sciences. The topics covered include vibrations and waves, sound, an introduction to electricity, magnetism, circuits, optics, and relativity.
PHYS 2025 — College Physics II Lab
Typically Offered: Spring
Credits: 1
Lab hours: 2
This course is the laboratory experience to accompany PHYS 2020. Students will learn techniques of measurement and data analysis and to communicate scientific results effectively in writing. Principles from the lecture course will be illustrated and experiments confirming class results will be performed. Lab fee required.
PHYS 2210 — Physics for Scientists and Engineers I
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Credits: 4
Lecture hours: 4
This is the first course of a two-semester sequence in calculus-based physics for scientists and engineers. It is a necessary preparation for continuing studies in upper division STEM courses. It includes an introduction to Newton's laws of motion, momentum and energy conservation, rotations, oscillations, waves, and gravitation. The methods of calculus are applied to develop theories and to solve problems.
PHYS 2215 — Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Lab
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Credits: 1
Lab hours: 3
This course is the laboratory experience to accompany PHYS 2210. Students will learn techniques of measurement and data analysis and how to communicate scientific results effectively in writing. Principles from the lecture section will be illustrated. (Lab fee required.)
PHYS 2220 — Physics for Scientists and Engineers II
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Credits: 4
Lecture hours: 4
This is the second course of a two-semester sequence in calculus-based physics for scientists and engineers. It is a necessary preparation for continuing studies in upper division STEM courses. It includes an introduction to electricity, magnetism, circuits, optics, and relativity. The methods of calculus are applied to develop theories and to solve problems.
PHYS 2225 — Physics for Scientists and Engineers II Lab
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Credits: 1
Lab hours: 3
This course is the laboratory experience to accompany PHYS 2220. Students will learn techniques of measurement and data analysis and to communicate scientific results effectively in writing. Principles from the lecture section will be illustrated. (Lab fee required.)
PHYS 2710 — Introductory Modern Physics
Typically Offered: Spring
Credits: 3
Lecture hours: 3
This course is an introduction to modern, or 20th century physics. It is required for Physics majors, recommended for Chemistry majors and some engineering majors. Topics covered include relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, solid state physics, and cosmology.
PHYS 2915 — Undergraduate Research
Credits: 1-3
Lab hours: 1 to 3
This course provides an opportunity for students to apply knowledge and techniques learned in classroom settings to actual research experience. For each credit earned, students will receive faculty direction for at least one hour and participate in two to four additional hours of lab research weekly. A public presentation or publication of results will be required. Repeatable for credit.