PHYS 103 Fundamentals of Physics I

This algebra/trigonometry physics course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the elementary principles of classical mechanics with some heat and energy in thermal processes, discuss applications to everyday phenomena (esp. life sciences), enhance conceptual understanding of physical laws, and increase problem-solving abilities as applied to physical systems. Topics investigated include: dimensional analysis, 1- and 2-D motion, vectors, Newton’s Laws, conservation of energy/work and momentum, rotational motion, summation of forces and torques, fluids, temperature and heat, and energy transfer in thermal processes. This course is designed mainly for life science majors and pre-professional students. In the laboratory portion of the course, students learn to use common physics equipment (including microcomputer-based sensors), analyze data, develop empirical models of phenomena, and communicate their results through written and oral lab reports. 

Credits

4

Prerequisite

Pre- or corequisite: MATH 153, MATH 155, or higher

Hours Weekly

3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab weekly