This course is a combined lecture and laboratory course designed for people who want to learn about the fundamental laws and principles that form the basis of the working of the physical universe. This course helps the student understand and appreciate how and why a wide range of common and everyday physical phenomena occur. Topics include: laws of motion, work, energy, momentum, fluids, heat, vibration, wave motion, electricity, magnetism, and light. Some algebra is used in the presentation, so a mathematical preparation equivalent to Math 900 is recommended. (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)
In this course, students will explore the basics of chemistry and physics by examining such concepts as understanding and measuring matter; atoms, elements, compounds and mixtures; physical and chemical properties of matter; states of matter; chemistry fundamentals, the periodic table; bonding and types of compounds; mixtures and solutions; chemical reactions; properties and sources of energy; heat; electricity, circuits, and power; properties of sound & light; the behavior of sound & light; forces and motion; work and simple machines. This course is intended for students who wish to complete a science course with a lab. It is not a prerequisite for any science or health programs. This course may not be used as a substitute for a chemistry course or a physics course. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)Math 0901 (Intro to Algebra) or basic math skills are highly recommended.
This course takes a big picture look at the universe as a whole. Topics include history of astronomy, origin and features of the planets and other members of the Solar System, the lives and deaths of stars, cosmology and the fate of the universe. It also covers recent discoveries and current topics in astronomy. The laboratory component provides a variety of methods to more fully investigate the process of astronomy. The course meets requirements as a natural sciences lab course under Goal Area 3 of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. (3 hours lecture/week, 2 hours lab/week)
This course is an introduction to astronomy with emphasis on our Solar System. Topics include the origin, structure, and history of the Solar System; the properties of light and spectra; telescopes; understanding the processes that have shaped the planets, their moons and ring systems; comets, asteroids and dwarf planets. Recent discoveries and current topics from the exploration of the Solar System are also discussed. (3 hours lecture; satisfies MnTC Goal Area 3)
This course is an introduction to astronomy with an emphasis on stars and galaxies. Topics include understanding the Sun as a star; revealing the messages hidden in starlight; stellar birth, maturation, and death; black holes, white dwarfs, pulsars, quasars, and supernova explosions; the Milky Way and other galaxies; the origin and the fate of the universe. Current topics and discoveries from stellar astronomy, galactic astronomy, and cosmology are also discussed. (3 hours lecture; meets MnTC Goal Area 3 requirements)
This course is designed for people who desire to learn about the weather. This course helps the student learn to observe and interpret the sky, to read weather maps, and to understand the sequence of meteorological phenomena. The topics to be covered include: air temperature, humidity, condensation, clouds, air pressure, wind, atmospheric circulation, weather forecasting, computer modeling, thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes. (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)
An algebra-based course for students needing a fuller introduction to physics than would be found in a general education/survey course. Topics include: straight-line and circular motion, Newtons Laws, torque & static equilibrium, conservation of energy, thermal physics & thermodynamics, periodic motion. Optional topics are fluids and free energy. Applications will be drawn from several areas, including (but not limited to) those appropriate to the biological/medical/health career fields. Concepts of right-triangle trigonometry will be introduced as needed. (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab). This course may be taken before or after PHYS 1232.
An algebra-based course for students needing a fuller introduction to physics than would be found in a general education/survey course. Topics include wave motion, sound, optics, electricity, DC circuits, magnetism. Optional topics are interactions between radiation & matter and AC circuits. Applications will be drawn from several areas, including (but not limited to) those appropriate to the biological/medical/health career fields. This course may be taken before or after PHYS 1231. Concepts of motion, energy, and right-triangle trigonometry will be introduced as needed. (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab).
This is the first course of a two-semester sequence for any student needing a physics course that includes applications of calculus. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, conservation of energy and momentum, rotational motion, static equilibrium, gravitation, periodic motion. Optional topics are fluids and thermodynamics. The course meets requirements for students majoring in engineering, mathematics, computer science or any of the physical sciences. (4 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory)
This course is a continuation of PHYS 1601. Topics include electricity, magnetism, DC and AC circuits, wave motion, electromagnetic waves, and optics. Optional topics are modern physics. The course meets requirements for students majoring in engineering, mathematics, computer science or any of the physical sciences. (4 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory). This course is intended for students in any program/degree which requires a calculus-based physics course.
In this class, we will introduce topics in astronomy and apply physical laws to them. Topics include orbits, planets, light, relativity, stars, black holes, galaxies, and cosmology. For example, once black holes are introduced, you will be able to relate their mass to their Schwarzschild radii and how the of time changes near them. Once fusion is introduced, you'll be able to determine the energy given off by different fusion reactions and relate them to the luminosities of stars. For orbits, we will use computer simulations to study the effect of different arrangements and conditions.A previous class in physics or astronomy is strongly recommended. This course will provide flexibility in offering an in-depth review of topics of immediate importance and topical interest. These topics will go beyond the introductory courses in examining specific aspects of the subject matter.