In the PHYSICS area, there are a number of levels represented. PHY 101 is a basic one semester course covering most of the major areas of physics with a math prerequisite of beginning algebra. It appeals to technology and some allied health students PHY 111 and 112 constitute a pair of courses which, like PHY 101, cover most of the areas of physics, but in greater detail. Usually, students in the health professions, such as pre-med and pre-dental, will take these courses. Additionally, students that are headed for science or engineering may wish to take these courses for getting used to the ideas and manipulations of physics for easier transition to more advanced levels of physics. Right triangle trig is used extensively in the course. PHY 121 and PHY 131 are the typical university/calculus based courses covering most of the fields of physics. The courses are aimed at the science/engineering level students and presume the student is taking calculus concurrently. Some previous physics class is reccommended as a way of smoothing the introduction of more rigorous physics material.
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 05/23/95
Introduction to Physics - PHY 101
LEC 4 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) LAB 0 Credit(s) 3 Period(s)
A survey of physics emphasizing applications of physics to modern life. Designed
for students who need a course in physics in order to understand the physical
basis of modern technology.
Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT092, or satisfactory score on Math
placement exam.
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 11/22/94
General Physics I - PHY 111
LEC 4 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) LAB 0 Credit(s) 3 Period(s)
A noncalculus approach to the principles of general physics. Includes mechanics,
fluids, sound and heat. Recommended for preprofessional and suggested for certain
other majors.
Prerequisites: Trigonometry or department consent.
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 11/22/94
General Physics II - PHY 112
LEC 4 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) LAB 0 Credit(s) 3 Period(s)
Includes electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics.
Prerequisites: PHY105 or PHY111.
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 05/24/94
University Physics I: Mechanics - PHY 121
LEC 4 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) LAB 0 Credit(s) 3 Period(s)
Kinematics, Newton's laws, work, energy, momentum, conservation laws, dynamics
of particles, solids, fluids, mechanical waves, and sound.
Prerequisites: MAT220 or MAT221 or department consent. One year of High School
physics or PHY111 and PHY112 is strongly recommended.
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 05/24/94
University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism - PHY 131
LEC 4 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) LAB 0 Credit(s) 3 Period(s)
Electric charge and current, electric and magnetic fields in vacuum and in materials,
and induction. AC circuits, displacement current, and electromagnetic waves.
Prerequisites: MAT230 or MAT231 or department consent and PHY121. Corequisites:
MAT241 or department consent.
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