Academic Catalog

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.
Prerequisites: MATH 0850 or MATH 1010 or MATH 1030 or MATH 1040 or MATH 1050 or MATH 1100 or MATH 1120 or MATH 1140 or MATH 1210 or ACT Math Score with a score of 23 or ALEKS PPL Math Placement with a score of 46  
Corequisites: PHYS 1015  
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)
Corequisites: PHYS 1010  
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.
Prerequisites: MATH 0850 or MATH 1010 or MATH 1030 or MATH 1040 or MATH 1050 or MATH 1080 or MATH 1100 or MATH 1210 or ACT Math Score with a score of 18 or SAT Mathematics with a score of 500 or ALEKS PPL Math Placement with a score of 18 or Accuplacer QR Alg & Stats with a score of 245  
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)
Prerequisites: MATH 0850 (may be taken concurrently) or MATH 1010 (may be taken concurrently) or MATH 1030 (may be taken concurrently) or MATH 1040 (may be taken concurrently) or MATH 1050 or MATH 1100 or MATH 1210 or ACT Math Score with a score of 23 or SAT Mathematics with a score of 400 or ALEKS PPL Math Placement with a score of 46  
PHYS 1080    Life in the Universe PS  
Typically Offered: Spring  
Credits: 3  
Lecture hours: 3
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.
Prerequisites: MATH 0850 or MATH 1010 or MATH 1030 or MATH 1040 or MATH 1050 or MATH 1060 or MATH 1080 or MATH 1100 or MATH 1210 or ACT Math Score with a score of 21 or ALEKS PPL Math Placement with a score of 30  
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.
Prerequisites: MATH 0850 or MATH 1010 or MATH 1030 or MATH 1040 or MATH 1050 or MATH 1080 or MATH 1210 or ACT Math Score with a score of 21 or ALEKS PPL Math Placement with a score of 30  
Corequisites: PHYS 1135  
PHYS 1135    Introduction to Meteorology Lab LB  
Typically Offered: Fall  
Credits: 1  
Lab hours: 2  
General Ed Requirement: Natural Science Lab  
This is a laboratory course to accompany PHYS 1130. Students will learn techniques of measurement and data analysis in context of the principles taught in PHYS 1130. (Lab fee required)
Corequisites: PHYS 1130  
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.
Prerequisites: MATH 0850 or MATH 1010 or MATH 1030 or MATH 1040 or MATH 1050 (may be taken concurrently) or MATH 1060 (may be taken concurrently) or MATH 1080 (may be taken concurrently) or MATH 1210 (may be taken concurrently) or ACT Math Score with a score of 21 or ALEKS PPL Math Placement with a score of 30  
Corequisites: PHYS 1755  
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.)
Corequisites: PHYS 1750  
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.
Prerequisites: (MATH 1050 and MATH 1060) or MATH 1080 or MATH 1100 or MATH 1210 or ACT Math Score with a score of 26 or SAT Mathematics with a score of 610  
Corequisites: PHYS 2015  
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.
Prerequisites: (MATH 1050 (may be taken concurrently) and MATH 1060 (may be taken concurrently)) or MATH 1080 or MATH 1100 or MATH 1210 or SAT Mathematics with a score of 610 or ACT Math Score with a score of 26  
Corequisites: PHYS 2010  
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.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2010  
Corequisites: PHYS 2025  
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.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2010 and PHYS 2015 or PHSX 2010 and PHSX 2015  
Corequisites: PHYS 2020  
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.
Prerequisites: MATH 1220  
Corequisites: PHYS 2215  
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.)
Corequisites: PHYS 2210  
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.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2210  
Corequisites: PHYS 2225  
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.)
Corequisites: PHYS 2220  
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.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2220 (may be taken concurrently)  
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.