Department: Physics

Code Name Description
PHY130 Physics of Human Motion 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 hea...
PHY130L Physics of Human Motion Laboratory 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.
PHY150 Earth and Space Science 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 registr...
PHY150L Earth and Space Science Lab 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.
PHY251 University Physics I A broad calculus-based introduction to mechanics and fluids. Prerequisites: MA 210. Concurrent registration in PHY 251L is required. Offered in the fall semester.
PHY251L University Physics I Lab One three-hour laboratory period per week to accompany PHY 251. Concurrent registration in PHY 251 is required. Offered in the fall semester.
PHY252 University Physics II 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.
PHY252L University Physics II Lab One three-hour laboratory period per week to accompany PHY 252. Concurrent registration in PHY 252 is required. Offered in the spring semester.
PHY310 Classical Mechanics An extended mathematical treatment of Newtonian and Lagrangian mechanics, small oscillations and fluid mechanics. Offered according to demand. Prerequisites: PHY 251 and MA 311.
PHY311 Electricity & Magnetism 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.
PHY312 Modern Physics Atomic and nuclear physics, special relativity, quantum mechanics, wave mechanics and elementary particles. Offered according to demand. Prerequisites: PHY 252 or consent of instructor.
PHY313 Thermodynamics 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 deman...
PHY480 Special Topic: Selected topics in physics, such as relativity, holography, chemical physics, and mathematical methods, May be repeated for credit. No prerequisites.