Fayetteville State University
Department: Natural Sciences
Program: Physical Science Courses
Course Descriptions
Course Descriptions
PHYS 110 (2-2-0) Basic Physics: An
introduction to fundamental concepts of
measurements, dimensions and units, scalars
and vectors, forces and free-body diagrams,
work and energy, with attention to the
improvement of problemsolving and
computational skills.
Prerequisite: MATH 123
PHYS 111 (4-3-2) General Physics I: An
introductory study of the phenomena and
concepts of classical physics, emphasizing
mechanics, wave motion, fluids, temperature,
and heat, with laboratory exercises providing
practical knowledge in handling laboratory
apparatus, data collection, and data
interpretation related to topics discussed in the
lectures.
Prerequisite: MATH 124 Or MATH 129 Or
MATH 130
PHYS 112 (4-3-2) General Physics II: A
continuation of PHYS 111, emphasizing the
Course Objectives
Artifacts/Evidence
principles of electricity, magnetism,
electromagnetic waves, geometrical and
physical optics, with laboratory exercises
providing practical knowledge in handling
laboratory apparatus, data collection, and data
interpretation related to the topics discussed in
the lectures.
Prerequisite: PHYS 111
PHYS 113 (2-2-0) General Physics III: A
continuation of PHYS 112, emphasizing the
concepts and principles of modern physics,
including special relativity, quantum physics,
nuclear and high energy physics. Conceptual
demonstrations of essential principles will be an
integrated feature of this course.
Prerequisite: PHYS 112
PHYS 121 (4-3-2) College Physics I: A
calculus-based introductory study of Newtonian
mechanics, wave motion, thermodynamics, and
related concepts, with special emphasis on
problem-solving and with laboratory
experiences providing practical knowledge in
handling laboratory apparatus, data collection,
and data interpretation related to topics
discussed in the lectures.
Prerequisite: MATH 241 (may be taken
concurrently) And MATH 142
PHYS 122 (4-3-2) College Physics II: A
continuation of PHYS 121, emphasizing the
principles of electricity, magnetism,
electromagnetic waves, geometrical and
physical optics, with laboratory exercises
providing practical knowledge in handling
laboratory apparatus, data collection, and data
interpretation related to topics discussed in
lectures.
Prerequisite: PHYS 121
PHYS 123 (2-2-0) College Physics III: A
continuation of PHYS 122, emphasizing the
principles of special relativity, quantum physics,
nuclear and high energy physics.
Demonstrations of essential principles will be
an integrated feature of this course.
Prerequisite: PHYS 122
PHYS 211 (4-3-2) Mechanics: An
intermediate-level concentration in mechanics
dealing with vector analysis, central force
problems, rotational motion, and time, position,
and velocity dependent forces, steady state and
time varying forced oscillations and the
Lagrangian method. Laboratory exercises
complement theoretical concepts covered in the
course.
Prerequisite: MATH 331 (may be taken
concurrently) And PHYS 121 And MATH 242
PHYS 212 (4-3-2) Heat: An intermediate-level
concentration in thermodynamics dealing with
the laws of thermodynamics, open and closed
systems, kinetic theory of gases, heat engines,
and statistical mechanics with laboratory
exercises complementing theory.
Prerequisite: MATH 241 And PHYS 122
PHYS 301 (4-3-2) Electronics for Scientists:
An introduction to the foundations of
electronics for students of the sciences, with
specific consideration of the properties of semi
conducting elements. The course emphasizes
various types of electronic circuits and devices
such as amplifiers, and other solid state devices,
using linear and digital circuits. Construction
and analysis of electronic circuits and devices,
with experimental demonstrations of their uses,
are essential components of the course.
Prerequisite: MATH 241 (may be taken
concurrently) And PHYS 112 Or PHYS 123
And MATH 142
PHYS 302 (4-3-2) Biophysics: An introduction
to the basic principles of electricity, mechanics,
thermodynamics, optics, and acoustics to living
organisms and the biosphere. Beginning with
the subatomic level, the basic knowledge of
physics is used to understand the structure and
function of macro-molecules, cellular
organelles, the processes occurring within the
cell, and behavior of organisms in the
environment. The treatment of biological
phenomena will be based on physical principles
with appropriate mathematics when necessary.
Prerequisite: MATH 241 (may be taken
concurrently) And PHYS 112 Or PHYS 122
PHYS 311 (4-3-2) Electricity and Magnetism
I: An intermediate-level presentation of the
principles and theories of electricity and
magnetism, with applications of Maxwell
equations and boundary value problems and
with laboratory exercises complementing
theory.
Prerequisite: MATH 331 And PHYS 122 And
PHYS 211
PHYS 312 (4-3-2) Electricity and Magnetism
II: An intermediate-level presentation of the
principles and theories of electricity and
magnetism, with emphasis on boundary value
problems, collision processes, radiation, and
relativity.
Prerequisite: PHYS 311
PHYS 390 (3-3-0) Fire Dynamics: An
examination of fire dynamics within the context
of firefighting and its application to fire
situations, including combustion, flame spread,
flashover, and smoke movement, as well as
applications to building codes, large-loss fires,
and fire modeling.