PH - Physics (PH) < University of North Alabama

PH 1XX. Physics Elective. (1-3 Credits)

PH 101. Interactive Physics. (4 Credits)

A survey of basic physics principles presented in workshop format: students discover the fundamental principles of physics through hands-on activities, cooperative group learning, and guided explorations of phenomena in Motion, Conservation Laws, Gravity, Oscillations, and Heat and Temperature. Computers and electronic sensors are used in some of the activities, but no previous experience with computers is necessary. Not applicable for credit toward a physics major or minor. Three class periods; one 2-hour laboratory period per week. (Offered upon sufficient demand)

Course Fees: $60

PH 121. Introductory Physics. (4 Credits)

An introduction to the physical principles of motion, waves, sound, electricity, magnetism, and light. Computers and electronic sensors are used in some of the activities, but no previous experience with computers is necessary. Not applicable for credit toward a physics major or minor. Three class periods; one two-hour laboratory period per week. (Offered upon sufficient demand)

Course Fees: $60

PH 123. Exploring the Cosmos I. (4 Credits)

Introduces astronomy emphasizing quantitative aspects of physical phenomena in the universe. Topics Include motions of celestial bodies, development of astronomy, gravity and motion, light and telescopes, properties of gases and radiation, the Earth and Moon, eclipses, and a survey of the solar system. Laboratory included. (Fall)

Course Fees: $60

PH 123H. Exploring the Cosmos I - Honors. (4 Credits)

Introduces astronomy emphasizing quantitative aspects of physical phenomena in the universe. Topics Include motions of celestial bodies, development of astronomy, gravity and motion, light and telescopes, properties of gases and radiation, the Earth and Moon, eclipses, and a survey of the solar system. Laboratory included. (Fall)

Course Fees: $60

PH 124. Exploring the Cosmos II. (4 Credits)

An introduction to the Sun, stars and stellar evolution, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, binary stars, the Milky Way galaxy, galaxies, quasars and other active galaxies, cosmology, life in the universe. Laboratory included. (Spring)

Course Fees: $60

PH 124H. Exploring the Cosmos II -Honors. (4 Credits)

An introduction to the Sun, stars and stellar evolution, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, binary stars, the Milky Way galaxy, galaxies, quasars and other active galaxies, cosmology, life in the universe. Laboratory included. (Spring)

Course Fees: $60

PH 125. Descriptive Astronomy. (4 Credits)

The extraterrestrial environment including the solar system, stars, and galaxies. Cosmology and the development of astronomy is also considered along with topics of current interest. Instruction in the use of astronomical instrumentation is carried out in the observatory and planetarium. Not applicable for credit toward a physics major or minor. Three class periods; one 2-hour laboratory period per week. (Fall, Spring)

Course Fees: $60

PH 125H. Descriptive Astronomy-Honors. (4 Credits)

The extraterrestrial environment including the solar system, stars, and galaxies. Cosmology and the development of astronomy is also considered along with topics of current interest. Instruction in the use of astronomical instrumentation is carried out in the observatory and planetarium. Not applicable for credit toward a physics major or minor. Three class periods; one 2-hour laboratory period per week. (Fall, Spring)

Course Fees: $60

PH 142. Life in the Universe. (3 Credits)

The course includes a survey of selected planets in the Milky Way Galaxy which are similar to Earth; an overview of Earth’s life forms, current and historic, Earth’s diverse environments which are consistent with supporting life forms beyond Earth; and the influence of star formation on the development of planets. (Spring).

Course Fees: $60

PH 241. General Physics I. (4 Credits)

A basic physics course covering mechanics, heat, and sound. Designed for students in premedical, predental, prepharmacy, and other programs not requiring calculus-based physics. Not applicable for credit toward major or minor requirements in physics or in curricula specifically requiring PH 251 and 252. Three class periods; one 2-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: MA 112 and MA 113 or MA 115. (Fall, Summer)

Course Fees: $60

PH 242. General Physics II. (4 Credits)

A continuation of Physics 241, covering electricity, magnetism, optics, and topics in modern physics. Three class periods; one 2-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: PH 241. (Spring, Summer)

Course Fees: $60

PH 251. Technical Physics I. (5 Credits)

A calculus-based physics course covering mechanics, heat, and sound. Required in preengineering, physics, general and professional chemistry, industrial hygiene programs and as an option in professional biology. Four class periods; one 2-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisites OR Corequisites: MA 122 or MA 125. (Fall)

Course Fees: $60

PH 252. Technical Physics II. (5 Credits)

A continuation of Physics 251, covering electricity, magnetism, optics, and topics in modern physics. Four class periods; one 2-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: MA 122 or 125; PH 251. (Spring)

Course Fees: $60

PH 343. Modern Physics. (4 Credits)

Special theory of relativity, origin of the quantum theory, the nuclear atom, emission spectra, nuclear forces, structures, and reactions. Prerequisite: PH 252. (Fall)

Course Fees: $60

PH 356W. Intermediate Laboratory. (4 Credits)

Measurements involving the fields of mechanics, electricity, magnetism, heat, sound, optics, and modern physics. Some data analysis by computer will be required. Formal laboratory reports will be graded for scientific content and grammatical correctness. Two class periods; two 2-hour laboratory periods per week. Prerequisite: PH 252. (Spring, Even-numbered years)

Course Fees: $60

PH 444. Quantum Mechanics. (3 Credits)

An introduction to quantum mechanics studying the postulates, the wave equation, operator techniques, atomic and molecular structure, and spectroscopy. Also listed as CH 444 but creditable only in the field for which registered. Prerequisites: PH 343; MA 122 or MA 126 or CH 381, 381L. (Spring, Odd-numbered years)

Course Fees: $60

PH 447. Electricity and Magnetism. (3 Credits)

Elements of electric and magnetic fields. Prerequisites: PH 252, MA 122 or 126 or concurrently. (Fall, even-numbered years)

Course Fees: $60

PH 448. Electromagnetic Fields. (3 Credits)

Maxwell's equations, multi-pole fields, the wave equation with boundary conditions, and selected topics from relativistic electrodynamics. Prerequisite: PH 447. (Spring, odd-numbered years)

Course Fees: $60

PH 456. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics. (3 Credits)

Elements of classical statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, with an introduction to quantum statistical mechanics. Also listed as CH 456 but creditable only in field for which registered. Prerequisites: MA 122 or 126 or concurrently, PH 252. (Fall, odd-numbered years)

Course Fees: $60

PH 471. Classical Dynamics. (3 Credits)

Statics and kinematics of particles and rigid bodies including periodic motion. Prerequisites: PH 252, MA 122 or 126 or concurrently. (Spring, Even-numbered years)

Course Fees: $60

PH 480. Topics in Physics. (1-6 Credits)