Main Content:
Physics, the science of matter and energy, is the study of the deepest mysteries of the universe, ranging from subatomic particles to cosmology. Physics has tremendous practical applications in many fields including medical/health-related fields, engineering, and architecture. The Physics Department offers a variety of courses including Introductory Physics, Classical Physics, Modern Physics and Elements of Physics (for non-majors). There is also a Technical Physics sequence that allows students in the Technology programs to satisfy their requirements. All Physics courses include both lecture and lab experience for the best hands-on training.
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| Photo used with permission from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. |
Physics Course Offerings
PHYS 1101
Elements of Physics
This course is a non-mathematical introduction to physics for the non-science major. The course covers topics that include units and measurement, linear motion, Newton's laws of motion, work and energy, temperature and heat, heat transfer, specific heat and latent heat, waves, sound, reflection and refraction, mirrors and lenses, color theory, electrostatics, electricity, magnetism and magnetic induction.
In the laboratory, we will cover topics in experimentation that include data taking, graphing, use of scientific instruments and simple error analysis. (Prerequisites: MATH 0098 or equivalent). (3 C/2 lect, 2 lab). MNTC: CT, NS.
PHYS 1103
Principles of Physics
A one-quarter course that provides a broad scope of physics
with detailed applications directed toward the needs of students
in allied health programs. Pertinent applications to biological
and physiological problems will make these principles more useful
as professional tools. In the laboratory, we will cover topics
in experimentation that include data taking, graphing, use of
scientific instruments and simple error analysis. (Prerequisites:
MATH 0099 and enrollment in an Allied Health Program at RCTC/Mayo
Clinic or permission of the instructor). (3 C/2 lect, 2
lab). MNTC: CT, NS.
PHYS 1117
Introductory Physics I
This course is the first semester of a two-semester algebra-based
introduction to physics for students majoring in pre-architecture,
pre-agriculture, forestry, pre-physical therapy, pre-home economics,
pre-medical technology, liberal arts, pre-dentistry, pre-pharmacy
and pre-veterinary medicine. The course covers topics from mechanics
that include linear and parabolic motion, Newton's Laws of motion,
energy, momentum, angular motion and torque, fluid mechanics,
periodic motion, waves and sound. Emphasis will be on both concepts
and problem solving.
The laboratory will emphasize topics in experimentation that include data analysis and elementary statistics, experimental graphing, curve fitting, accuracy, precision, significant figures, estimation, error analysis, equipment use, the scientific method and technical writing. (Prerequisites: MATH 1117). (5 C/4 lect, 2 lab). MNTC: CT, NS.
PHYS 1118
Introductory Physics II
This course is an algebra-based introduction to physics for
students majoring in pre-architecture, pre-agriculture, forestry,
pre-physical therapy, pre-home economics, pre-medical technology,
liberal arts, pre-dentistry, pre-pharmacy and pre-veterinary medicine.
The course covers the following topics: temperature and heat,
heat transfer, calorimetry, the first and second laws of thermodynamics,
periodic motion, sound and waves, electrostatics, simple DC circuits,
electric safety, AC circuit, optics, nuclear physics. Emphasis
will be on both concepts and problem solving.
The laboratory deals with topics in experimentation that include data analysis and elementary statistics, experimental graphing, curve fitting, accuracy, precision, significant figures, estimation, the difference between random and systematic errors, equipment use, the scientific method and technical writing. (Prerequisites: PHYS 1117 or permission of instructor). (5 C/4 lect, 2 lab). MNTC: CT, NS.
PHYS 1127
Classical Physics I (Mechanics, Fluids & Waves)
This course is the study of the general principles of classical
physics using the technique of vector calculus. The course uses
the principles of vectors extensively. The fundamental definitions
of physics are derived and physical phenomena that relate these
principles to applications that are part of our human experience
are studied. Fundamental units of measure are studied and the
laws of physics are derived. The techniques of problem solving
are studied and the student will learn the use of the free body
diagram in problem solutions. The student is expected to gain
an expertise in solving multi-conceptual problems using the techniques
studied here with the application of vectors and calculus. The
laboratory experience will provide the student with opportunities
of discovery, measurement, report writing and data analysis. The
course is intended to be a lower division course for those majoring
in physics, engineering, medicine, computer science and other
sciences. The topics emphasized are vectors, motion in one and
multi-dimensional frames, particle dynamics, work and energy,
conservation of momentum, rotational motion, rigid bodies, extended
bodies, simple harmonic motion, waves, sound, fluid mechanics
and ideal gases. (Prerequisites: MATH 1127 or concurrent
enrollment in MATH 1127). (5 C/5 lect/problem session, 2
lab). MNTC: CT, NS.
PHYS 1128
Classical Physics II (Electricity, Magnetism & Optics)
This course is the study of the general principles of classical
physics using the technique of vector calculus. The course uses
the principles of vectors extensively. The fundamental definitions
of physics are derived and physical phenomena that relate these
principles to applications that are part of our human experience
are studied. Fundamental units of measure are studied and the
laws of physics are derived. The techniques of problem solving
are studied and the student will learn the use of the free body
diagram in problem solutions. The student is expected to gain
an expertise in solving multi-conceptual problems using the techniques
studied here with the application of vector calculus. The laboratory
experience will provide the student with opportunities of discovery,
measurement, report writing and data analysis. The course is intended
to be a lower division course for those majoring in physics, engineering
and computer science. The topics emphasized are temperature, heat,
the first and second laws of thermodynamics, magnetic fields,
electric charge, electric field, electric potential, Kirchoff's
Laws, emf and simple electrical circuits and techniques for their
analysis, Ampere's Law, Faraday's Law, inductance, AC circuits,
magnetic properties of matter, electromagnetic waves, Maxwell's
equations, Poynting Vector, physical optics, interference, diffraction
gratings, electromagnetic spectrum, waves and the wave equation.
(Prerequisites: PHYS 1127, MATH 1128). (5 C/5
lect/problem session, 2 lab). MNTC: CT, NS.
PHYS 2227
Modern Physics
The topics of physics which are studied in Modern Physics
are: relativity, kinetic theory of matter, statistical thermodynamics-Boltzman's
distribution, introduction to wave mechanics, the Schrodinger
Equation, the Schrodinger equation applied to the hydrogen atom
and the development of the atomic structure, molecular structure,
solid state and nuclear structure. (Prerequisites:
PHYS 1128, MATH 1128 and concurrent enrollment in MATH 2237).
(3 C/3 lect, 0 lab).
Physics Instructors
The instructors in the Physics Department are enthusiastic and ready to teach the students principles and procedures using state-of-the-art equipment and technology. They are able to share how the students' education will be necessary in the workforce.