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SMC|Academic Programs|Physical Sciences|Physics Course Descriptions

Physics Course Descriptions


Physics 6: General Physics

Prerequisite: Math 2 or equivalent
This course is an algebra-based study of the mechanics of solids and liquids, elastic properties of matter, heat, and sound.

Physics 7: General Physics

Prerequisite: Physics 6 with a grade of “C” or better.

This course is an algebra-based study of electricity and magnetism, optics, special relativity, atomic and nuclear physics.

Physics 8: General Physics with Calculus

Prerequisite: Math 7 or equivalent

This course is a calculus-based study of the mechanics of solids and liquids, elastic properties of matter, heat, and wave motion.

Physics 9: General Physics with Calculus

Prerequisite: Physics 8

This course is a calculus-based study of electricity and magnetism, geometrical and physical optics, special relativity, and atomic and nuclear physics.

Physics 12: Introductory Physics

Prerequisite: None

Physics 12 is designed for the student who is interested in a more conceptual and less mathematical approach to physics. It is a survey course introducing the topics of mechanics, heat, sound, electricity & magnetism, light and modern physics. The emphasis will be on developing conceptual understanding of the laws of nature through lectures, demonstrations, and class discussions.

Physics 14: Introductory Physics with Lab

Prerequisite: None

This course is similar to Physics 12 in content, and difficulty level, but with a laboratory session added to enhance the learning experience. Physics 14 is designed for the student who is interested in a more conceptual and less mathematical approach to physics. It is a survey course introducing the topics of mechanics, heat, sound, electricity & magnetism, light and modern physics. The emphasis will be on developing conceptual understanding of the laws of nature through hands-on experiences, laboratory experiments, and computer interactions, in addition to lectures and demonstrations.

Physics 21: Mechanics with Lab

Prerequisite: Math 7 with a C or higher grade

This course is a calculus-based study of the mechanics of rigid bodies, emphasizing Newton's Laws and their applications.  This course includes an introduction to fluids.  It is designed for engineering, physical science, and computer science majors. 

Physics 22: Electricity and Magnetism

Prerequisites: Physics 21 and Math 8 with C or higher grade

This course is a calculus-based study of the electricity and magnetism including the electric and magnetic properties of materials, direct and alternating current circuits, electromagnetic interactions and wave theory. In addition, this course introduces special relativity. It is designed for engineering, physical science, and computer science majors. 

Physics 23: Waves, Optics, Thermodynamics

Prerequisites: Physics 21 and Math 8 with C or higher grade

This course is a calculus-based study of the wave motion, heat, kinetic theory and optics.  It is designed for engineering, physical science, and computer science majors. 

Physics 24: Modern Physics with Lab

Prerequisites: Physics 21 and Math 8 with C or higher grade

Advisory:  Physics 22 and Physics 23

This course is a calculus-based introduction to modern physics for science majors.  Topics will be selected from the areas of relativity, quantum physics, and their applications.