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Thomas C. Gibbons

The following descriptions should help you decide which course best fits your own background and plans. In each case, you can follow the link to the course for a more detailed look at recent or current offerings. Note, however, that there can be some changes in the detail from one semester to the next for reasons such as time constraints and new knowledge available in the field. Some fields such as Astronomy, modern physical science and the computer area are especially subject to change.

College Physics I (PC 110)

A course in physics for students in liberal arts, pre-med, pre-vet, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, and other students not majoring in the physical sciences, math, or engineering. This is not a calculus-based course. If your major is physics, engineering, or some other area requiring a calculus-based physics course, you should take Engineering Physics. Topics include fundamentals of mechanics, Newton's laws of motion, energy, momentum, fluids, rotation, and thermal physics.

Grading is based on tests, lab reports, and quizzes. The tests include mathematical problems and short answer questions. The lab reports are based on data that you take during the lab sessions. The quizzes are based on homework.

This course satisfies a general education requirement in the Natural Sciences Area.

The prerequisite is MA 096 [Formerly MATH:095] (Intermediate Algebra) or two years of high school algebra. Also required is an assessment test score equivalent to the requirement for English Composition. Trigonometry or high school geometry is recommended.

PC 115 (College Physics II) is a continuation of this course.

College Physics II (PC 115)

This course is a continuation of PC 110 (College Physics I) and is for students in liberal arts, pre-med, pre-vet, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, and other students not majoring in the physical sciences, math, or engineering. This is not a calculus-based course. If your major is physics, engineering, or some other area requiring a calculus-based physics course, you should take Engineering Physics. Topics include waves, electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics.

PC 110 (College Physics I) is a prerequisite.

Engineering Physics I (PC 210)

This is a physics course for students planning to major in physics, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, or another physical science. Topics include fundamentals of mechanics, Newton's laws of motion, energy, momentum, fluids, rotation, and thermal physics. The application of calculus to physics is introduced.

This course satisfies a general education requirement in the Natural Sciences Area.

MA 150 [Formerly MATH:150] (Calculus and Analytical Geometry I) is a prerequisite or a co-requisite.

PC 217 (Engineering Physics II) is a continuation of this course.

Engineering Physics II (PC 217)

This course is a continuation of PC 210 (Engineering Physics I) and is for students planning to major in physics, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, or another physical science. Topics include waves, electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. The application of calculus to these topics is introduced.

PC 210 (Engineering Physics I) is a prerequisite.

Astronomy (SC 125)

This is a basic course in descriptive astronomy dealing with modern astronomy. Topics covered include motions of celestial objects, nature of the sun, members of the solar system, telescopes, birth and death of a star, and the organization of the universe. The course is primarily for non-science majors, with material being mostly non-mathematical in nature.

Grading is based on tests, lab reports, and quizzes. The tests include true-false, multiple-choice, and short-answer questions. The lab reports are based on observations that you make during the lab sessions. Some labs involve observing the sky at night. The quizzes are based on classroom work.

This course satisfies a general education requirement in the Natural Sciences Area.

There is no prerequisite.

Physical Science (SC 110)

This is an introduction to selected topics in modern physical science. Emphasis is placed on topics of current interest from the fields of astronomy, nuclear theory, chemistry, geology, electricity, and optics. The course is primarily for non-science majors, with material being mostly non-mathematical in nature.

This course satisfies a general education requirement in the Natural Sciences Area.

The prerequisite is one year of high school algebra or permission of the instructor.

Microcomputer Applications (CS 114)

This is an introduction to computers including Windows, word processing, spreadsheets, database, PowerPoint, email, the internet, and certain related computer concepts. Currently the course makes use of Office 2000 software in a Windows 2000 environment. It will include student computer projects.

Grading is based on tests and assignments that students hand in. The tests include true-false, multiple-choice, and actual lab work on a computer. The assignments handed in by students are based on student work done mostly in the computer lab.

This course satisfies the general education requirement for a computer course.

The course has no prerequisite.

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