Physical Science

(School of Sciences)

PSC 1201 Concepts of Physics (VI)
4 cr.
A discovery course in which student groups design experiments, collect and analyze data which will help them to understand the processes of science and the basic concepts and laws of Newtonian mechanics, properties of matter, electricity and magnetism and energy, and waves. Conceptual understanding is stressed; some simple algebra is used. Mainly for elementary and middle school teacher education students.

PSC 1501 A Short Course in Physics (VI)
4 cr.
Selected topics fromintroductory physics for students who wish or need an understanding of physical concepts for their professional or personal enrichment. Some hands-on activities. Topics include force and motion, energy, waves, momentum, fluid mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity andmagnetism. Problem solving at the level of elementary algebra.

PSC 2001 Physics I
4 cr.
Algebra-based general physics including Newtonian mechanics (motion, force, energy, momentum) harmonic motion, waves and sound. Studentsmust have ease and familiarity with basic algebraic and trigonometric techniques. Includes one 2-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: MTH 1111 or higher.

PSC 2002 Physics II
4 cr.
A continuation of PSC 2001,which is a prerequisite for this course. Focus is on electricity andmagnetism, light waves, geometric optics, and modern physics including relativity, quantum theory and atomic physics. Includes one 2-hour laboratory per week.

PSC 2070 Physics I Tutorial
1 cr.
A companion course to PSC 2001. Students will learn methods for and practice solving physics problems of the types covered in PSC 2001. Intended for thosewho feel the need for additional work in this area of Physics. Competency in high school algebra and trigonometry is expected. Corequisite: Enrollment in PSC 2001. P/N grading. One 100-minute meeting per week.

PSC 2777 Topics in Physical Science
1-4 cr.
Occasional or special-purpose courses in physics, electronics, history or cultural aspects of science, on a level appropriate to the freshman or sophomore student.

PSC 4150 Science and Culture (WI)
4 cr.
An integration of concepts from the history, philosophy and sociology of the sciences. This course examines the interrelationship between science and its cultural matrix, the impact of science and technology upon society, and the complementary impact of societal factors on the development of science and the scientific community. Students are expected to do extensive reading of primary sources, reflective writing, and research papers.

PSC 4777 Advanced Topics in Physical Science
1-4 cr.
See PSC 2777. Level appropriate to junior or senior students with some physical science background. PSC 4999 Independent Study/Project in Physical Science 1-4 cr. Students desiring to improve knowledge or expertise in one of above categories may select projects for study in depth under guidance of a department member. Prerequisite: approval of a supervising faculty member.