2010-2011 Catalog (all pages) - Ohlone College

228 9 ANNOUNCEMENT OF COURSES
PHYS-142
Optics, Heat, and Modern Physics
54.00 hrs lecture, 54.00 hrs lab
Units: 4.00
Prerequisite: PHYS-140 and MATH-101B
Advisory: PHYS-141 and MATH-101C
Accepted For Credit: CSU & UC
A review of wave physics is offered to introduce physical optics
(interference, diffraction, polarization) and to prepare for
quantum physics. The basic principles of quantum physics
(wave-particle duality, uncertainty principle, wave functions and
probability interpretation, Schrodinger’s wave equation and
quantification) are covered. Wave mechanical calculations are
performed on a few simple systems (free and trapped electron,
harmonic oscillator) in order to illustrate energy quantification
and tunneling. In special relativity, the historical significance of
speed of light measurements is discussed in order to
understand Einstein’s postulates of special relativity and contrast
them with Newtonian relativity. Then appropriate thought
experiments are used to establish time dilation, length
contraction, and relativistic expressions for Newton’s second
law, momentum, acceleration, total kinetic energy. In
geometrical optics, the laws of reflection and refraction and their
application to optical instruments containing lenses and mirrors
are covered. In thermal physics, the concept of temperature and
its meaning in kinetic gas theory is highlighted. A
phenomenological study of thermal energy transfer and of the
laws of thermodynamics is offered. If time permits, a descriptive
overview of the big bang theory is presented, incorporating
results from elementary particle physics, nuclear and general
relativity. Labs in wave physics and optics as well as in atomic
physics are available. (GR)
PS-104
PS-105
PS-106
Introduction to Political Theory
54.00 hrs lecture
Units: 3.00
Advisory: ENGL-101A
Accepted For Credit: CSU & UC
This course will explore competing traditions in European and
American political theory. It traces the impact of political thought
on the development of classical and contemporary political
institutions. This course will examine primary works in political
thought while considering the nature and scope of politics. (GC)
Comparative Government
54.00 hrs lecture
Units: 3.00
Advisory: Eligible for ENGL-101A
Accepted For Credit: CSU & UC
This course offers a comparative study of contemporary forms of
governments, institutions, and political problems of selected
national governments. (GC)
Constitutional Law and the United States
54.00 hrs lecture
Units: 3.00
Cross-referenced Course: AJ-121
Advisory: Eligible for ENGL-101A
Accepted For Credit: CSU
This course examines the development of judicial review and
the evolving role of the U.S. Supreme Court through analysis of
landmark decisions of the Court. In particular, this course will
focus on a theoretical discussion exploring the plurality of
methods of constitutional interpretation used by justices in the
past and present. (GC)
n n n
POLITICAL SCIENCE
Division: Humanities, Social Sciences, and Mathematics
n n n
PSYCHOLOGY
Division: Humanities, Social Sciences, and Mathematics
PS-102
PS-103
American Government
54.00 hrs lecture
Units: 3.00
Advisory: Eligible for ENGL-101A
Accepted For Credit: CSU & UC
This course presents the nature of the constitutional government
in America and the theory and practices of democracy. It
emphasizes problems of individual rights, popular
representation, and responsible leadership at the federal, state,
and local levels. (GC)
International Relations
54.00 hrs lecture
Units: 3.00
Advisory: Eligible for ENGL-101A
Accepted For Credit: CSU & UC
This course is an analytical study of the relations between
nations. The nation-state system, international ethics, national
capability components, the international struggle for power, the
international struggle for order, and the future world order will
be discussed. (GC)
PSY-101
PSY-102
PSY-104
General Psychology
54.00 hrs lecture
Units: 3.00
Advisory: ENGL-101A
Accepted For Credit: CSU & UC
This course is an introduction to the study of behavior and
mental processes, including psychology as a science, perception,
motivation, intelligence, learning, memory, development,
personality, mental health, and the biological and social bases of
behavior. (GR)
Introduction to Experimental Psychology
54.00 hrs lecture
Units: 3.00
Advisory: ENGL-101A
Accepted For Credit: CSU & UC
This course is an introduction to the theory and application of
the scientific method in the study of animal and human
behavior. The emphasis is on experimental procedures and data
collection, research design, data analysis, presentation, and
research report writing. (GC)
Murder in America
54.00 hrs lecture
Units: 3.00
Cross-referenced Course: AJ-119
Advisory: Eligible for ENGL-101A
Accepted For Credit: CSU
This course surveys the psychological and criminological aspects
of murder in America, including serial killers, mass murders, and
terrorism. (GR)
2010-2011 OHLONE COLLEGE CATALOG