St. Clair County Community College 2004-2005 Catalog

PHYSICS

Math and Science Department 810-989-5663

Two sequences in physics are available as well as an introductory course. Students needing only a general introductory survey of physics for such areas as medicine, dentistry, or the life sciences should complete Physics 121 and 122. Students following a curriculum which requires a strong physics background such as chemistry, geology, physics, or engineering should complete Physics 221 and 222 by the end of their sophomore year.

Students intending a major in some phase of engineering may be required to take Physics 231 and should consult the college or university to which they intend to transfer.

Students wishing just a brief introduction to physics or needing a preparatory course for the general sequences should take Physics 110.

PHY 110 Introduction to Physics. This is an introduction to the concepts, theories, and principles of physics emphasizing the logical structure and general applicability of the science. Topics will be selected from the general areas of mechanics, heat, electricity, and wave phenomena. Diverse laboratory experiences will be provided for students relative to their immediate and long-term goals.

Prerequisite: None

4 credits, plus 1 contact hour* = (3 lecture, 2 laboratory)

PHY 115 Introduction to Engineering. This course will familiarize students with the various branches of the engineering profession, the ethics and responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the skills and techniques necessary for the successful completion of an undergraduate engineering curriculum. The course includes the use of computer graphics and computer-based mathematics.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, MTH 113, and successful completion of EG 180.

3 credits, plus 1 contact hour = (2 lecture, 2 laboratory)

PHY 121 College Physics I. This is a non-calculus introductory course for students needing a general background in physics. The course includes the study of motion, forces, momentum, energy, fluid statics and dynamics, wave motion, acoustics, temperature, heat and thermodynamics. Fall Semester only

Prerequisite: MTH 112, or appropriate placement of our college assessment or ACT score

5 credits, plus 1 contact hours* = (4 lecture, 2 laboratory)

PHY 122 College Physics II. This course includes the study of electricity, circuit theory, magnetism, radiation, geometric optics, interference, spectra, atomic structure, and radioactivity. Winter Semester only

Prerequisite: Successful completion of PHY 121 or departmental consent

5 credits, plus 1 contact hours* = (4 lecture, 2 laboratory)

PHY 221 Mechanics, Heat and Sound. This is an introductory course for students intending to major in a physical science or engineering. The course includes the study of motion, forces, momentum, energy, fluid statics and dynamics, wave motion, acoustics, temperature, heat, and thermodynamics. Fall Semester only

Prerequisite: Successful completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, MTH 215 (or equivalent), or departmental consent

5 credits, plus 1 contact hour* = (4 lecture, 2 laboratory)

PHY 222 Electricity, Light, and Modern Physics. This course includes the study of static electricity, circuit theory, magnetism, radiation, geometric optics, interference, spectra, atomic structure, radioactivity, and nuclear structure. Winter Semester only

Prerequisite: Successful completion of PHY 221 or departmental consent

5 credits, plus 1 contact hour* = (4 lecture, 2 laboratory)

PHY 231 Statics. This course is for students intending to major in civil or mechanical engineering, and includes the study of systems of forces, equilibrium, centroids, and an analysis of structures, friction, and moments of inertia. This course may transfer as engineering credit. Winter Semester only

Prerequisite: Successful completion of PHY 221 and MTH 215

3 credits = 3 lecture

PHY 232 Introduction to Electric Circuits. This is a basic course to develop in students the skills, background and understanding necessary for using and designing electrical circuits in the fields of electrical, mechanical, industrial, and computer engineering. Topics covered include electrical quantities and waveforms, Kirchhoff's laws, Electrical Networks, Nodal and Mesh analysis, Thevenin and Norton equivalent circuits, Sinusoidal Steady State responses, Filters, the Laplace Transform, Three Phase AS Power.

Prerequisite: MTH 215 and PHY 122 or PHY 222

3 credits, plus 1 contact hour = (2 lecture, 2 laboratory)