Course Descriptions

PHYSICS (PHY)

PHY 130 Physics of Human Motion (3)

Introduction to physical principles of mechanics, thermodynamics and electricity using the motion and physiology of the human body as a model. Application of physical principles to real-world examples found in exercise physiology, kinesiology and healthcare. Recommended General Education course for pre-health professions students in non-science majors interested in Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy career paths. Concurrent registration in PHY 130L required. Satisfies natural science requirement for non-science majors when taking in combination with PHY 130L.

PHY 130L Physics of Human Motion Laboratory (1)

Hands-on experimentation to explore principles of physics using the human body as a model. Concurrent registration in PHY 130 is required. Satisfies natural science requirement for non-science majors when taken in combination with PHY 130.

PHY 150 Earth and Space Science (3)

Principles of earth and space science including volcanic geology, oceanography and astronomy with an emphasis on the Hawaiian Island chain. Fulfills natural science general education lecture requirement for non-science majors. Concurrent registration in PHY 150L is required. Offered online.

PHY 150L Earth and Space Science Laboratory (1)

Field trips and laboratory exercises in support of PHY 150. Fulfills natural science general education laboratory requirement for non-science majors. Concurrent registration in PHY 150 is required. Offered online.

PHY 251 University Physics I (4)

A broad calculus-based introduction to mechanics and fluids. Prerequisites: MA 210. Concurrent registration in PHY 251L is required. Offered in the fall semester.

PHY 251L University Physics I Laboratory (1)

One three-hour laboratory period per week to accompany PHY 251. Concurrent registration in PHY 251 is required. Offered in the fall semester.

PHY 252 University Physics II (4)

A broad, calculus-based introduction to electricity and magnetism, oscillations and waves, and optics. Prerequisites: MA 211, PHY 251. Concurrent registration in PHY 252L is required. Offered in the spring semester.

PHY 252L University Physics II Laboratory (1)

One three-hour laboratory period per week to accompany PHY 252. Concurrent registration in PHY 252 is required. Offered in the spring semester.

English 102 and Communication 101 are prerequisites for all upper division courses.

PHY 310 Classical Mechanics (3)

An extended mathematical treatment of Newtonian and Lagrangian mechanics, small oscillations and fluid mechanics. Offered according to demand. Prerequisites: PHY 251 and MA 311.

PHY 311 Electricity and Magnetism (3)

An extended mathematical treatment of electricity and magnetism, including Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, and the effects of media. Offered according to demand. Prerequisites: PHY 252, MA 311, and MA 313.

PHY 312 Modern Physics (3)

Atomic and nuclear physics, special relativity, quantum mechanics, wave mechanics and elementary particles. Offered according to demand. Prerequisites: PHY 252 or consent of instructor.

PHY 313 Thermodynamics (3)

An extended mathematical treatment of thermodynamics and an introduction to statistical mechanics. Topics include thermodynamic laws, thermodynamic potentials, quasistatic processes, kinetic theory, and statistical methods. Offered according to demand. Prerequisites: PHY 252/L and MA 311.

PHY 480 Special Topics (1 to 3)

Selected topics in physics, such as relativity, holography, chemical physics, and mathematical methods, May be repeated for credit. No prerequisites.