Course Descriptions
Core 42 approved
PHY 101 Foundations of Physical Science 3-2-4 (MOTR PHYS110L)
The course provides a study of basic concepts of physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology, and meteorology and their interrelation in the physical world. This course includes a laboratory component and is intended for nonscience majors. Prerequisite: Eligible placement score for MTH140, MTH142, MTH160 or higher or concurrent enrollment in MTH095 or any math corequisite.
PHY120: Foundations of Chemistry 3-2-4 (MOTR CHEM100L)
Foundations of Chemistry introduces students to the basic principles of chemistry. Topics covered include scientific measurement, atomic and molecular structure, chemical nomenclature, stoichiometry, solutions and gases. This course is intended for non-science majors and includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: Eligible placement scores for MTH140, MTH142, MTH160 or higher or concurrent enrollment in MTH095 or any math corequisite.
PHY121: General Chemistry I 3-4-5 (MOTR CHEM150L)
General Chemistry I is the first course in the general chemistry sequence and emphasizes the fundamental principles of chemistry. Topics include measurement, physical and chemical processes, nomenclature, atomic structure, quantum theory, stoichiometry, molecular structure, bonding theory, physical properties of gases, thermochemistry, and properties of solutions. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental chemical laws and concepts and will obtain prerequisite chemical knowledge needed for advancement to General Chemistry II. This course is designed for pre-professional, science, and engineering majors but is open to all students who have met the prerequisite. Course includes a laboratory component. Pre- and corequisite: Placement scores for MTH201 or completion or concurrent enrollment in MTH 140, MTH142, or MTH150. Students continuing on to PHY122 must have “C” or higher in MTH140 or MTH150.
PHY122: General Chemistry II 3-4-5
General Chemistry II is the second course in the general chemistry sequence. The course includes study of chemical equilibria, acid-base chemistry, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, oxidationreduction reactions, nuclear chemistry, and introduction to carbon chemistry. This course is designed for pre-professional, science, and engineering majors but is open to all students who have met the prerequisite. Course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: Completion of PHY121 and MTH140 or MTH150 all with a grade of “C” or higher.
PHY 125: Foundations of Physics 3-2-4 (MOTR PHYS100L)
Foundations of Physics is an introductory course which presents the fundamental concepts and symbolism of physics with applications to everyday life. The course emphasizes mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, and some modern developments. Course includes a laboratory component and is intended for non-science majors. Pre- and corequisite: Eligible placement scores for MTH140, MTH142, MTH160 or higher, or completion or concurrent enrollment in MTH095, MTH130 or any math corequisite . (FA)
PHY 140 Soil Science 3-2-4 (MOTR PHYS110LES)
Introduction to the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soils; the origin, classification, and distribution of soils and their influence on people and food production; the management and conservation of soils; and the environmental impact of soil use.
PHY 160 Earth Science 3-0-3 (MOTR PHYS110ES)
This introductory geoscience course emphasizes basic principles of astronomy, geology, oceanography and meteorology. Topics covered include the origin of the Universe, solar system and Earth, minerals and rocks, plate tectonics geologic time, prehistoric life and evolution, ocean structure and life, weather and climate change. This course does not include a laboratory component.
PHY 162 General Astronomy 3-0-3 (MOTR ASTR100)
This is an introductory astronomy course with no laboratory component. It surveys solar system bodies, stellar evolution, galaxies, the universe, and the history of human discovery.
PHY 163 Geology 3-2-4 (MOTR GEOL100L)
Geology is a survey course focusing on the study of Earth’s materials, forms, and processes. Topics covered include rock and mineral classification, Earth’s dynamic interior and physical processes operating to shape Earth’s land forms. Designed for the non-science major, this course includes a laboratory component and may include field trips.
PHY 164 Atmospheric Science 3-0-3 (MOTR PHYS110AS)
This is an introductory course covering the fundamental principles of meteorology and provides insight into atmospheric phenomena including weather, optical effects, and physical forces influencing air circulation in the earth’s atmosphere. This course does not include a laboratory component.
PHY 181: General Physics I (3-2-4) (MOTR PHYS150L)
General Physics I is the first course in an algebra-based physics sequence. The course covers the principles of mechanics, gravity, thermodynamics, and waves with an emphasis on problem solving and application. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge needed for advancement to General Physics II. This course is designed for pre-professional and life-science majors but is open to all students who have met the prerequisite. Course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: Eligible placement score for MTH201 or completion of MTH140 and MTH145 with grade of “C” or higher or completion of MTH150 with a grade of “C” or higher or concurrent enrollment in MTH145.
PHY 182: General Physics II 4-2-5
General Physics II is the second course in an algebra-based physics sequence. The course covers the principles of electricity, magnetism, circuits, and light with an emphasis on problem solving and application. This course is designed for preprofessional and life- science majors but is open to all students who have met the prerequisite. Course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: PHY181 with a grade of “C” or better.
PHY 201: Engineering Physics I 3-4-5 (MOTR PHYS200L)
PHY201 is the first course in a calculus-based physics sequence for science and engineering students. The course covers the principles of mechanics, gravity, thermodynamics, and waves with an emphasis on problem solving and application in science and engineering. Course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: MTH201 with a grade of “C” or better. Pre-or Corequisite: MTH202.
PHY 202: Engineering Physics II 3-4-5
PHY202 is the second course in a calculus-based physics sequence for science and engineering students. The course covers the principles of electricity, magnetism, circuits, and light with an emphasis on problem solving and application in science and engineering. Course includes a laboratory component. Pre-requisite: PHY 201 with a grade of C or better. Co-requisite: MTH 203.
PHY 221: Quantitative Analysis (3-5)-0-(3-5)
This course provides individualized study with an emphasis on volumetric and gravimetric analysis and an introduction to spectro-photometric and electrochemical techniques. Prerequisite: PHY122. (IN)
PHY 222: Elementary Organic Chemistry 4-2-5
Organic Chemistry I emphasizes the fundamental principles of chemistry. Topics include: introduction to structure, nomenclature, properties, synthesis and reactions of aliphatic and aromatic carbon compounds. This course is designed for all science majors but is open to all students who have met the pre-requisite. Course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in PHY122. (IN)
PHY299: Special Studies in Physical Science (1-6)-0-(1-6)
This course will consist of specialized study in areas of the department, which are not covered in-depth in courses already offered. Students may take no more than three Special Studies courses in any one discipline. (IN)