Bulletin 2007-2008 - Austin College

PHYSICS490 Independent Study491 Philosophy Honors Thesis492 Independent StudyOff-Campus/NSOC495 Senior SeminarA capstone course for all majors. This seminarprovides an opportunity to employ the skillsand knowledge gained from previous philosophycourses to engage a particular problem,philosopher, or text in a sustained way. Topicsvary. Prerequisite: Senior major or instructorpermission. (Each spring, beginning 2010)PHYSICSDavid Baker, chair; Larry Robinson,Donald Salisbury, Andra TroncalliThe courses in physics are designedto meet the needs and interests of thegeneral student, to prepare students forcareers and graduate study in physics,and to provide important backgroundand support for the study of the othersciences, mathematics, engineering,and medicine.Students planning to major in physicsor pursue the pre-engineering programshould enroll in Physics 111 and Mathematics151 in the fall term of theirfreshman year. Ordinarily, credit maynot be received for both Physics 105and 111, or both Physics 106 and 112.A major in physics consists of Physics111, 112, 211, 212, 311, and 312, threeadditional one-credit courses at the200-level or higher including at leastone course at the 300-level, and theone-quarter credit courses Physics 261,262, 361, and 362. Courses used asprerequisites for physics courses mustbe passed with grades of at least C.A minor in physics consists of Physics111, 112, 211, 212, and 311 andthe quarter-credit courses Physics 261and 262.101 Explorations in PhysicsIntroductory courses intended for the generalaudience; these courses do not count as prerequisitefor other courses in physics or satisfyrequirements for the major in physics. Thesecourses introduce students to the process andproduct of scientific inquiry, and to ways thatknowledge of physics affects our lives. Title andemphasis announced in term schedule of courses.Past topics have included astronomy, weather,cosmology, and light. These courses includea laboratory component. May be repeated whentopic varies. (Usually each fall and spring)105 Physics I (Algebra-Based)First semester of an algebra-based two-semesterintroductory sequence in physics. Topics treatedinclude mechanics, vibratory motion, and soundwith emphasis on both conceptual foundationsand problem- solving techniques. Prerequisite:high school algebra or equivalent. (Each fall)106 Physics II (Algebra-Based)Continues the study of physics begun in Physics105. This algebra-based course continues withconceptual foundations in electricity and magnetism,optics, and modern physics. Studentswill learn problem-solving techniques in theseareas. Physics 106 is the appropriate secondcourse for students who plan no further study inphysics. Prerequisite: Physics 105. (Each spring)111 Physics I (Calculus-Based)First semester of a calculus-based two-semesterintroductory sequence in physics using theWorkshop Physics method. This approach combinesinquiry-based cooperative learning withcomprehensive use of computer tools. Topicsinclude kinematics, Newton’s Laws of motion,rotational motion, and oscillations. Corequisite:Mathematics 151. (Each fall)112 Physics II (Calculus-Based)Continues the study of physics begun in Physics111 using the Workshop Physics method.This approach combines inquiry-based cooperativelearning with comprehensive useof computer tools. Topics include electricity,electronics, magnetism, and thermodynamics.Physics 112 is required for further study inphysics. Corequisite: Mathematics 152, Prerequisite:Physics 111. (Each spring)211 Vibrations, Waves, and OpticsThe course begins with a study of simpleharmonic motion, and proceeds throughdamped, driven oscillations and resonance.The course introduces mechanical waves andCOURSES OF INSTRUCTION| 133