Physics Course Descriptions

(Less frequently offered)

A survey course intended for the non-science major, this counts as a non-lab science course (the MS abbreviation). Topics studied will include most of the following: historical astronomy, electromagnetic radiation, telescopes, the Earth-Moon system, the solar system, the sun, stars, stellar evolution, galaxies, quasars, and cosmology. This is a non-lab science course. Credit not granted for both ASTR& 100 and ASTR& 101. Prerequisite: completion of a BBCC Elementary Algebra course or placement into a higher-level mathematics course.

(Our most frequently offered astronomy course, usually Fall and Spring quarters)

A survey course intended for the non-science major. Topics studied will include most of the following: historical, astronomy, electromagnetic radiation, telescopes, the Earth-Moon system, the solar system, the sun, stars, stellar evolution, galaxies, quasars and cosmology. The laboratory portion of the course may include optics, visual astronomical observing techniques, use of the telescope, spectroscopy, and distance measurement. Credit not granted for both ASTR& 100 and ASTR& 101. Prerequisite: Math 099 or higher placement.

(Infrequently offered)

A descriptive overview of astronomy with particular emphasis on observation. Lectures will cover the solar system, the Earth-Moon system, stellar systems, celestial motion, the history of visual astronomy, optical aids, and observing techniques. This course is not intended to be part of a physical science premajor.

This course is a general survey course for the non-science major. The course helps develop an awareness of the physical concepts which govern our everyday experiences. Topics will include most of the following, depending on class preparation and interest: describing motion, Newton’s laws of motion and gravitation, energy and conservation laws, states of matter and its behavior, thermodynamics, waves, electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic and nuclear physics, special relativity. Conceptual reasoning is stressed, and mathematics is kept to the level of elementary algebra. Laboratories emphasize concepts learned in lecture, and graphing and data handling techniques are learned. This course is offered primarily to meet the Associate in Arts and Science laboratory science requirement. Prerequisites: MATH 098 or placement into a higher level mathematics course. (formerly PHYS& 100 and 101)

The first course in a three-quarter algebra-based sequence for students pursuing degrees in biology, pre-dentistry, pre-medicine, pre-veterinary medicine, engineering technology, zoology, and other fields. This course is also strongly recommended for students who will be taking Engineering Physics but who have not had a prior physics class. Students should check with the requirements of their intended baccalaureate institution when considering this sequence. A balance of conceptual
understanding and problem-solving ability is emphasized; This first course will begin with an introduction to units and unit conversion, scalars and vectors, and using right-angle trigonometry for analyzing two-dimensional motion, then continue to the study of mechanics: describing motion, with speed, velocity, and acceleration; application of Newton’s laws in one and two dimensions; impulse and momentum conservation; work and energy conservation; rotational motion and torque. Prerequisites: Successful completion of MATH 099, placement in a higher-level mathematics course, or instructor permission.

The second course in an three-quarter algebra-based sequence. A balance of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability is emphasized; laboratory and lecture are integrated in the sequence. In this second quarter the topics studied will include fluids, oscillations, waves and sound, thermodynamics, geometric and physical optics. Biological applications of physics will be studied whenever possible. Prerequisites: Completion of PHYS& 114 with 2.0 or higher.

The third course in an three-quarter algebra-based sequence. A balance of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability is emphasized; laboratory and lecture are integrated in the sequence. In this third quarter the topics studied will include electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic induction and waves, quantum physics, atomic physics, and nuclear physics. Biological applications of physics will be studied whenever possible. Prerequisites: Completion of PHYS& 115 with 2.0 or higher.

The course is an introductory physics course intended for students majoring in science or engineering. This course is the first of a three-quarter sequence. Course content includes the laws of motion, energy, momentum, rotations, static equilibrium, and may include gravitation. Prerequisite: Calculus I (Math&151) or concurrent enrollment in that course. This course counts as a laboratory science course (the LS abbreviation).

The second in a three-quarter calculus-based sequence in introductory physics intended for students majoring in science or engineering. Course content includes oscillations and waves, thermodynamics, optics, and may include gravitation. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PHYS& 221. This course counts as a laboratory science course.

The third in a three-quarter calculus-based sequence in introductory physics intended for students majoring in science or engineering. Course content includes static electricity, current electricity, magnetism, and special relativity. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PHYS&
221 and PHYS& 222. This course counts as a laboratory science course.

A descriptive overview of astronomy with particular emphasis on observation, this counts as a Specified Elective (the SE abbreviation). Lectures will cover the solar system, the Earth-Moon system, stellar systems, celestial motion, the history of visual astronomy, optical aids, and observing techniques. This course is not intended to be part of a physical science pre-major.

A survey course intended for the non-science major, this counts as a laboratory science course (the LS abbreviation). Topics studied will include most of the following: historical astronomy, electromagnetic radiation, telescopes, the Earth-Moon system, the solar system, the sun, stars, stellar evolution, galaxies, quasars, and cosmology. The laboratory portion of the course may include optics, visual astronomical observing techniques, use of the telescope, spectroscopy, and astronomical distance measurement. Credit not granted for both ASTR& 100 and ASTR& 101. Prerequisite: completion of a BBCC Elementary Algebra course or placement into a higher-level mathematics course.