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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2015-2016
PH 103 Energy and the Environment (1)
An introduction to the physical principles underlying energy production,
use, and environmental impact. Topics include electrical power generation
and transmission; the design and efficiency of heat engines; and
environmental effects such as pollution and resource depletion. One lecture
and one laboratory period per week.
PH 121 General Physics I (1)
Mechanics of linear and rotational motion, oscillations, and waves, using
vectors and calculus. The sequence PH 121-122 fulfills the requirements
of students who are majoring in physics, chemistry, or mathematics. This
sequence is a prerequisite for all physics courses of higher number. Two
lectures and one laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: completion of or
current enrollment in MA 231. Fall, Spring.
PH 122 General Physics II (1)
Thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, electrical circuits, and geometrical
optics of lenses and mirrors. Two lectures and one laboratory period per
week. Prerequisite: PH 121. Spring, Summer.
PH 201 Mathematical Tools for Physics (1)
A mathematically focused examination of a broad range of physics subjects.
Serving to bridge introductory and advanced physics courses, we apply
advanced mathematical techniques to familiar physical problems from
mechanics and electromagnetism. Prerequisites: PH 122 and MA 232.
PH 293, 393, 493 Independent Study in Physics (½ or 1)
Directed study for advanced students in the major. Specific guidelines
concerning independent study projects appear in the “Exploration Term
and Contract Learning” section of this catalog.
PH 298, 398, 498 Teaching Experience in Physics (½ or 1)
A teaching experience course. Specific guidelines concerning teaching
experiences appear in the “Teaching Experiences” section of this catalog.
PH 301 Modern Physics (1)
Special relativity, quantum theory of light, and wave mechanics of matter.
Applications of wave mechanics to atomic and molecular physics. Three
lectures and one laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: completion of or
current enrollment in PH 201. Fall.