PHYS 1101
General Physics I0.5 unit
Prerequisites: MATH 1103, or Nova Scotia high school precalculus mathematics and placement into MATH 1113. MATH 1113 is recommended and may be taken concurrently.
A study of the concepts of classical physics emphasizing Newtonian Mechanics, oscillations and waves. Solving mathematical problems is an essential part of the course in order to fully develop these physical principles. Note: Students who have received credit for PHYS 1100 may not take this course for credit.
Laboratory required (3 hours/week)
PHYS 1102
General Physics II0.5 unit
Prerequisites: PHYS 1101. Preferably students will be taking MATH 1114 concurrently.
A study of electricity and magnetism and optics. Topics may include Coulomb’s law, electric fields, Ohm’s law, magnetic fields, interference, diffraction and some aspects of modern physics. Note: Students who have received credit for PHYS 1100 may not take this course for credit.
Laboratory required (3 hours/week)
PHYS 1120
Introduction to Astronomy I: The Sky and Planets0.5 unit
An introduction to general astronomy for students who may have little background in science or mathematics. Topics may include: introduction to the night sky, historical development of astronomy, planetary motions, eclipses, telescopes and the study of the various objects that make up our solar system. Note: Students who have received credit for PHYS 2220 may not take this course for credit. This course may not be included as part of a physics minor.
Laboratory required (3 hours/week)
PHYS 1130
Introduction to Astronomy II: Stars and Galaxies0.5 unit
An introduction to general astronomy for students who may have little background in science or mathematics. Topics may include: the Sun as a star, properties and evolution of stars, star clusters, nebulae, properties of our Galaxy and other galaxies, quasars and cosmology. Note: Students who have received credit for PHYS 2220 may not take this course for credit. This course may not be included as part of a physics minor.
Laboratory required (3 hours/week)
PHYS 2200
Electricity and Magnetism0.5 unit
Prerequisites: PHYS 1102 and MATH 1114
A study of electric and magnetic fields, forces and potentials with reference to Gauss’ law, Ampère’s law, Faraday’s law, conductors and insulators, resistance, inductance and capacitances in AC circuits. Electromagnetic induction and Maxwell’s Equations will also be discussed.
PHYS 2210
Waves and Optics0.5 unit
Prerequisites: PHYS 1102 and MATH 1114
An introduction to the concepts behind the production, propagation and manipulation of waves including light. Topics include: the simple harmonic oscillator, the wave equation, wave velocity and propagation, wave packets and the techniques of geometrical and physical optics. Interference, diffraction, polarization, and holography may also be included.
PHYS 2230
Modern Physics0.5 unit
Prerequisites: PHYS 1102 and MATH 1114
An introduction to quantum theory, including its historical development (blackbody radiation, the photoelectric effect, and the Compton effect.) The concept of wave-particle duality is introduced, and the Schrödinger equation is applied to one-dimensional examples. Topics may also include nuclear physics, atomic structure and atomic spectra and the special theory of relativity. Note: Students who have received credit for CHEM 3301 may not take this course for credit.
PHYS 2240
Newtonian Mechanics0.5 unit
Prerequisites: PHYS 1102 and MATH 1114
An introduction to the fundamental concepts behind our understanding of dynamical systems. Topics will include applications of Newton’s Laws, momentum, kinematics, vectors, work and potential energy, angular momentum, stability, central force motion and orbits, and rigid bodies in two dimensions.
PHYS 2260
Experimental Methods0.5 unit
Prerequisites: PHYS 1102, MATH 1114 and 0.5 unit of physics at the 2000 level
An introduction to experimental methods designed to give students laboratory experience in various topics of physics, which will include waves, optics and electromagnetism. Students will be responsible for assembling, performing and documenting the experiments. The class also introduces students to modern data acquisition methods skills, which will be applied in the execution of some experiments.
Format: Laboratory 6 hours
PHYS 2250
Topics in Physics0.5 unit
Prerequisite: permission of the department
An in-depth study of a particular topic in physics. Areas which might be included are nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, special relativity, general relativity, statistical physics, and various topics in astronomy and astrophysics.
PHYS 2301/CHEM 2301
Chemical Thermodynamics0.5 unit
Prerequisites: CHEM 1012 and MATH 1113. MATH 1113 may be taken concurrently, though preferably students will have completed MATH 1113 and 1114 prior to taking the course.
An introduction to the laws and theories of physical chemistry. Topics include states of matter, properties of phases and solutions, the laws of thermodynamics and equilibrium.
Laboratory required (3 hours/week)
PHYS 3310
Directed Study0.5 unit
Prerequisite: permission of the department
A directed study of a particular topic in physics. Emphasis will be placed on the learning of new material through reading and discussion. Hours and outline to be arranged between the professor and student.