Radford University Undergraduate Catalog, 2011-2012

credit hours may be applied toward the requirements
for the major.
PHIL 498. Independent Study. (1-6)
See “Independent Study” on p. 53.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
PHSC 121:122.
Physical Science Processes. (4:4)
Five hours class time per week.
Class used as laboratory, lecture, recitation, individual
study. Opportunities to develop concepts
and competencies in physical science.
PHSC/PHYS 301. Meteorology. (4)
Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory.
Prerequisite: PHYS 111 or PHYS 221.
Basic principles of meteorology, including
earth’s atmosphere, insulation, humidity, adiabatic
processes, large-scale circulation of the atmosphere,
mid-altitude weather, violent weather
phenomena, and climatology.
PHSC 350. Physical Science. (4)
Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory.
Prerequisite: University Core B mathematics
and science requirements.
An analysis and synthesis of physical systems.
PHSC 402. Methods of Science Teaching. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Teacher Education
Program and a major in one or more of the
sciences.
Designed to facilitate the preparation of secondary
science teachers. Students will examine and
utilize various instructional strategies for teaching
science in grades 9-12.
PHSC 431. Energy and the Environment. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: PHYS 112 or PHYS 222 or
PHSC 122 or CHEM 102.
A study of energy, its many forms and uses, how
it is converted from one form to another, and
the environmental consequences of those conversions.
364
PHSC/PHYS. 488. Final Honors
Thesis. (2-3)
Prerequisites: Completion of physical science
general education requirements, enrollment in
the Honors Academy, completion of all other
Honors Academy requirements, a minimum 3.5
GPA in all courses and in physical science, senior
standing.
To earn a bachelor’s degree with honors in physical
science a student must conduct research and
write a thesis. In order to receive honors credit,
a student must earn a grade of “A” or “B” for the
final thesis. Course may not be repeated.
PHSC 490. Internship. (1)
Prerequisites: PHYS 111:112 or PHYS 221:222
or ASTR 111:112 or CHEM 101:102, six hours
of required courses in the Physical Science major
at the 300-level or above, and departmental
approval.
Application of skills and techniques learned in
the classroom to real life situations. Participating
students submit a program proposal to the
sponsoring agency and supervising instructor.
Agency may pay student for work performed.
This course will be graded P/F. Students may
repeat this course for a maximum of 3 credits.
PHSC 498. Independent Study. (1-6)
Hours and credit to be arranged in consultation
with faculty member with whom the student
will work on the Independent Study. For important
additional information, see “Independent
Study” on p. 53.
PHYSICS
PHYS 111:112. General Physics.* (4:4)
Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory.
Prerequisite: High school mathematics.
Vectors, mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism,
sound, light and selected topics in modern
physics. These courses have been approved for
Core Curriculum credit in Natural Sciences.