Physics

College Physics 1

Credit: 1 unit 

Length: 1 semester 

Pre-requisite: College Algebra and Trigonometry (MATH 11003 & 12003) or higher. Students who test out of College Algebra or Trig are eligible

Fulfills: Concurrent Credit Core - Science 

Concurrent Credit: UAFS PHYS 20103/20101 - College Physics 1 + College Physics 1 Lab - 4 hours total

College Physics is a full-year introduction to the basic principles of physics taught at a faster pace and with more emphasis on problem solving than Physical Concepts   This course also covers a few additional topics. The topics in College Physics 1 are motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, and vibrations. College Physics 2 covers waves, fluids, thermodynamics, and electricity and magnetism. Lab exercises are an important part of the course. This course should be taken by the majority of ASMSA students and it counts towards the physics graduation requirement.

College Physics 2

Credit: 1 unit 

Length: 1 semester 

Pre-requisite: College Algebra and Trigonometry, College Physics 1 (PHYS 20103/20101)

Fulfills: Concurrent Credit Core - Science  

Concurrent Credit: UAFS PHYS 20203/20201 - College Physics 2 + College Physics 2 Lab - 4 hours total

College Physics is a full-year introduction to the basic principles of physics taught at a faster pace and with more emphasis on problem solving than Physical Concepts. This course also covers a few additional topics. The topics in College Physics 1 are motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, and vibrations. College Physics 2 covers waves, fluids, thermodynamics, and electricity and magnetism. Lab exercises are an important part of the course. This course should be taken by the majority of ASMSA students and it counts towards the physics graduation requirement.

Physics for Scientists & Engineers 1

Credit: 1 unit

Length: 1 semester 

Prerequisites: Trigonometry (MATH 12003)

Co-requisites: Calculus 1 (MATH 24004) or higher 

Fulfills: Concurrent Credit Core - Science

Concurrent Credit:  UAFS PHYS 20303/20331 - University Physics 1 + University Physics 1 Lab - 4 Hours total

This is a math-intensive physics course equivalent to the college course taken by engineers and physical science majors. It covers mechanics. It makes an excellent follow-up class to College Physics or a first-year class for students with strong math skills. This course satisfies the physics graduation requirement. Students enrolled in Calculus 2 or higher are strongly encouraged to take this physics course.

Physics for Scientists & Engineers 2

Credit: 1 unit

Length: 1 semester 

Prerequisites: Calculus 1 (MATH 24004), PS&E1 (PHYS 20303/20331)

Co-requisites: Calculus 2 (MATH 25004) or higher 

Fulfills: Concurrent Credit Core - Science

Concurrent Credit: UAFS PHYS 20403/20431 - University Physics 2 + University Physics 2 Lab - 4 Hours total

This is a math-intensive physics course equivalent to the college course taken by engineers and physical science majors. It covers gravitation and electromagnetism. It makes an excellent follow-up class to College Physics or a first-year class for students with strong math skills. This course satisfies the physics graduation requirement. Students enrolled in Calculus 2 or higher are strongly encouraged to take this physics course.

Modern Physics 

Credit: ½

Length: 1 Semester

Prerequisites: Completion of one or more of the following: College Physics 1,  PS&E 1, or permission of department chair, Calculus I

Fulfills: STEM elective

The students and teacher will work together to select topics for in-depth study, including laboratory investigation where applicable. Topics will be chosen from these areas: fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, solid state physics, advanced optics, lasers, non-linear systems (chaos), relativity & quantum mechanics, atomic physics, nuclear physics, elementary particle physics, geophysics, and astrophysics and cosmology.

Optics

Credit: ½

Length: 1 Semester 

Prerequisites: College Physics 1 or PS&E 1

Co-requisites: Calculus 2

Fulfills: STEM elective

Optics is a one-semester elective course covering topics ranging from geometric optics to thin lenses and imaging. Other areas of study will include the basics of linear algebra, matrix methods of lens design, study of polarized light phenomena, and physiological optics and vision. Laser physics will be introduced if time permits.

Physical Concepts

Credit: 1 

Length: 1 Semester 

Prerequisites: College Algebra (MATH 11003) or math placement in a higher-level course

Fulfills: Concurrent Credit Core

Concurrent Credit: UAFS PHSC 10043/10031 - Physical Science + Physical Science Lab - 4 hours total

A one-semester course for students interested in an arts or humanities major. It is also the best choice for students with weaker math preparations. It is an  introduction to the concepts of mechanics, properties of matter, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, light, and atomic and nuclear physics. Laboratory activities will enhance the content of the class.