College Catalog
One College Avenue, Williamsport PA 17701-5799 · (570) 326-3761 or (800) 367-9222
Course Descriptions
Physics Survey
PHS103
General selection of physics topics, including matter and measurement; behavior of solids, liquids, and gases; mechanics, including forces, motion, energy, power, and machines; heat; sound; light; optics; magnetism; electricity; and atomic phenomena. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH180 or MTH124 or Placement by Examination.
Introductory Physics
PHS112
Health science applications of the principles of mechanics, heat, light, sounds, and the macroscopic properties of matter. Includes an introduction to electricity and magnetism. Appropriate for non-science majors intending to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program. 4 Credits (3 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH180 or Placement by Examination.
Physics with Technological Applications
PHS114
Fundamental principles of physics as they apply to technology. Topics may include Newton's laws of motion; forces; torques; work; energy; power; physical and thermal properties of solids, liquids, and gases; energy transformations by mechanical, thermal or electromagnetic means; theory of simple and compound machines; the various means of acquiring and validating measurements; and the modern theory of the atom and its impact on computers, technology, and the acquisition and storage of information. Topics are modified to include those that are most appropriate for the students enrolled. 4 Credits (3 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH180.
College Physics I
PHS115
Lecture, demonstration, and laboratory course involving some theoretical work but with emphasis on problem solving in elementary mechanics and thermal physics. Topics include metric system, vectors, motion, Newton's Laws, energy, momentum, properties of matter, heat, the Laws of Thermodynamics, and waves. Calculus will not be used. 4 Credits (3 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH180.
College Physics II
PHS125
Lecture, demonstration, and laboratory course involving some theoretical work but with emphasis on problem solving in electricity, magnetism, and light. Topics include electric and magnetic fields, induction, direct and alternating current, electrical instruments, electromagnetic waves, optics, and (time permitting) the basics of modern physics. Calculus will not be used. 4 Credits (3 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH182 and PHS115.
General Physics I
PHS201
Principles of mechanics, including kinematics, dynamics, work and energy, impulse and momentum, gravitation, rotational kinematics and dynamics, oscillations, and an introduction to the statics and dynamics of fluids. Intended for science and engineering majors. Calculus is used. 4 Credits (3 Lecture - 3 Lab) Corequisite(s): MTH240.
General Physics II
PHS202
Principles of physics, including electric charge, electric field and potential theory, capacitance, current and resistance, electromotive force and D.C. circuits, magnetic field theory, electromagnetic induction and oscillations, A.C. circuits, and Maxwell's equations. Intended for science and engineering majors. Calculus will be used. 4 Credits (3 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHS201. Corequisite(s): MTH242.
Physics III
PHS203
Study of advanced theory to including heat, thermal physics, and thermodynamics; mechanical and electromagnetic waves and their propagation, wave energy; modern physics consisting of quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics; and Relativity. Intended for science and engineering majors. Non-laboratory alternative to PHS204. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHS201. Corequisite(s): MTH242.
General Physics III
PHS204
Waves, geometrical and physical optics, kinetic theory, thermodynamics, and an introduction to relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics. For science and engineering majors. 4 Credits (3 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHS201. Corequisite(s): MTH242. As needed.
Energy: Production, Alternatives, and Environment
PHS207
Principles of physics as they relate to the generation of energy. Emphasis on alternative methods of energy production that could be utilized to address challenges being encountered by industrial societies. Environmental impacts of alternative methods are reviewed. Required prerequisites must be satisfied prior to enrolling in the course or obtain consent of the instructor. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHS114 or PHS115 and PHS125 or PHS201 and PHS202. (Science, Technology and Society)
Imaging Physics
PHS222
Health science application of the principles of nuclear physics and radiation. Topics include atomic and nuclear structure, biophysical effects of radiation, radiation metrology, X-ray generators and associated circuitry, and principles of ultrasound and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. 4 Credits (3 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHS112.
Mechanics
PHS251
Intermediate study of kinematics and dynamics. Differential and integral calculus are used extensively for derivations and problem solving. Intended for science and engineering majors. 4 Credits (3 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH242 and PHS201.