Presently Spring Hill College does not offer a major in physics, but it does offer elementary and advanced courses in physics. Students desiring to study physics should major in mathematics and use the elective hours in the mathematics program for courses in physics.
The courses in physics make available to students of all departments a coherent, comprehensible, and rigorous account of the current state of one of the most stimulating and satisfying intellectual adventures of today. Clear understanding of physical principles and theories is emphasized. Modern experimental techniques and powers of observation are developed in the laboratory.
Course Offerings
PHY 114. Conceptual Physics (3) A description of the fundamental concepts of
physics which shape our view of the physical universe. Classroom demonstrations
will emphasize the importance of measurement for the testing of scientific
hypotheses. Non-science majors only. No prerequisites. Satisfies the laboratory
science or general science division requirement for the core.
PHY 115. Introduction to Astronomy (3) A comprehensive survey of astronomy
including laboratory exercises. Topics include classical mechanics and
gravitation, atoms, light and light emission, stellar properties and evolution, stellar
remnants (black holes, neutron stars), galaxies (dynamics, structure), and cosmology.
No prerequisites. Satisfies the laboratory science or general science division
requirement for the core.
PHY 213. Physics Laboratory I (1) Selected laboratory experiments paralleling
topics covered in PHY 221. Corequisite: 221.
PHY 214. Physics Laboratory II (1) Selected laboratory experiments paralleling
topics covered in PHY 222. Corequisite: PHY 222.
PHY 221. Physics with Calculus I (3) The first of a two-semester sequence in
physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics and includes kinematics in one
and two dimensions, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, momentum, rotation
of rigid bodies, gravitation and oscillatory motion. Prerequisite: MTH 121.
Corequisite to PHY 213.
PHY 222. Physics with Calculus II (3) The second of a two-semester sequence
in physics. A survey of wave motion, classical electromagnetic theory and optics.
206 Division of Science and Mathematics
Wave motion: mechanical wave, superposition, and standing waves. Electromagnetic
theory: Coulomb’s law, electric fields, electric potentials, Gauss’ law,
Ampere’s law, Faraday’s law and electromagnetic waves. Optics: geometric
optics including reflection, refraction, mirrors and lenses; physical optics including
interference and diffraction. Prerequisite: PHY 221 (a grade of C- or better in
PHY 221). Corequisite: PHY 214.
PHY 331. Independent Study Courses Content will vary according to the needs
and interests of the students. These courses may be traditional courses in areas
such as electronics, optics, and quantum mechanics. Credit to be arranged.
Prerequisites: PHY 222 and MTH 122.
PHY 334. Introductory Biophysics (3) A course emphasizing the application of
various principles of physics in constructing and simulating quantitative models of
various biological processes: representative topics include quantitative scaling,
applications of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, chemical kinetics,
genetic regulatory networks, protein-protein interactions, and multi-scale models.
Prerequisites: PHY 222, MTH 122. Cross-listed as BIO 334.
PHY 341. Modern Physics (3) An introduction to the special theory of relativity,
atomic physics, Schrodinger equation and its applications, and nuclear physics.
Prerequisites: PHY 222 and MTH 122. Course is offered upon program demand.