Chattanooga State
Physics
Contact: Dr. Mitchell Rhea, Head
Department of Physical Science
Phone: 423-697-2544; FAX: 423-697-2595
Electronic mail:
mitchell.rhea@chattanoogastate.edu
General Information |
Career Opportunities
| Curriculum Plan |
Course Offerings
General Information
The study of physic involves matter, energy and the principles
intertwining them. This study broadens one’s interests and deepens one’s
appreciation for the workings of nature. It is fascinating,
challenging, continually changing due to cutting edge research
discoveries, and gives a sense of purpose and worth to those who pursue
it. It does require stamina and determination as well as
intellectual rigor. Mathematics is the language of physics and
many physics students are well served by getting a second major in
mathematics.
Career Opportunities People with majors in physics find themselves well prepared to seek
employment in many science-heavy enterprises such as TVA, NASA, NOAA,
NCAR, biophysics, health physics, engineering concerns, armed forces,
secondary and post-secondary teaching. Graduates also find rewarding
opportunities as science and research coordinators for businesses,
graduate students in many disciplines, teachers in any physical science
field, government scientist as well as scientific advisors to various
levels of government, science advisors for media programs, and serving
on the US military science team.
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Associate of Science in Physics
Sample Curriculum Plan
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|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Fall |
Spring | |
|
|
|
|
|
Freshman |
|
|
|
|
CHEM 1110, 1120 |
General Chemistry I, II |
4 |
4 |
|
ENGL 1010, 1020 |
Composition I, II |
3 |
3 |
|
MATH 1910, 1920 |
Calculus I, II |
4 |
4 |
|
|
History Sequence |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Totals |
14 |
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sophomore |
|
|
|
|
PHYS 2110, 2120 |
Calculus-based Physics I, II* |
4 |
4 |
|
SP 110 |
Fundamentals of Public Speaking |
3 |
|
|
MATH 2110 |
Calculus III |
3 |
|
|
MATH 2120 |
Differential Equations |
|
3 |
|
|
Social/Behavioral Science Elective |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Literature Elective |
|
3 |
|
|
Totals |
16 |
16 | |
|
Total Hours |
60 | Physics Course Offerings
[course name (credit hours) (Fall, Spring
or Summer Semester)]
A
grade of “C” or better is required in all prerequisite courses and
in specific courses listed in the program summary of required hours.
-
PHYS 1000
(formerly PH 100)
Basic Technical Physics (3) (F,S) (Not
transferable)
Preparation for college physics for
students with no previous physics background and/or weak
mathematical background. Topics include algebraic equations,
trigonometry, vectors, and an introduction to physical mechanics.
Note: This is a preparatory course and is not intended for transfer.
It is not accepted toward any degree program at Chattanooga State.
Recommended corequisite: MATH 1710 or MATH 1740.
-
PHYS 1030
(formerly PH 110)
Concepts of Physics (4) (F,S)
A one-semester introductory physics course for non-science and
non-engineering majors. Emphasis is placed on understanding the
nature of physics and applying basic physics concepts in everyday
life experience and work. The use of mathematics is limited to the
basic algebra required to under stand and apply physics concepts.
Topics covered include mechanical motion, energy, temperature and
heat, fluids, electricity, magnetism, wave motion, and optics. Class
3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: entry-level college
reading and math skills.
-
PHYS 2010
(formerly PH 114)
Non-cal culus-based Physics I (Mechanics and Thermodynamics) (4)
(F,S,Su)
Algebra-based physics for engineering technology majors and
preprofessional majors. Topics covered include mechanics, heat, and
thermodynamics. Class 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite:
PHYS 1000 or equivalent. Corequisite: MATH 1720 or MATH 1750.
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PHYS 2020
(formerly PH 115)
Non-calculus-based Physics II
(Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics) (4) (S,Su)
A continuation of PHYS 2010. Covers the basic principles of
electricity and magnetism, ray and wave optics. Class 3 hours,
laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: PHYS 2010.
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PHYS 2110
(formerly PH 254)
Calculus-based Physics I (4) (F)
A course designed for students working toward a bachelor's
degree in engineering or the sciences. The course covers the topics
of mechanics: statics, kinematics, work, energy, power, momentum,
conservation laws, rotational and harmonic motion, heat, and
thermodynamics. Class 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites:
MATH 1910 and PHYS 2010 or departmental permission. Corequisite:
MATH 1920.
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PHYS 2120
(formerly PH 255)
Calculus-based Physics II (4) (S)
A continuation of PHYS 2110. The areas covered are
electrostatics, fields and potentials, electromotive force, AC and
DC circuits, electromagnetism, capacitance a nd inductance, and
electromagnetic waves. Class 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Prerequisite: PHYS 2110.
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ASTR 1030
(formerly PH 154)
Astronomy (4) (S)
An introduction to astronomy. Topics covered include the
history and methods of astronomy, the formation of the solar system,
and physical characterisitcs of the sun, planets, moons, and minor
members of the solar system (asteroids, meteoroids, and comets).
Some lab periods may be scheduled late in the evening to allow for
telescope observational activities. Class 3 hours, laboratory 3
hours. Prerequisite: entry-level college reading and math skills.
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PSCI 1030
(formerly PH 109)
The Physical Environment (4) (F,S)
Explores physical science in its historical and sociological
significance as well as the process of science and the present
content of scientific fact and theory. Topics include physics,
chemistry, geology and astronomy. Class 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Prerequisite: entry-level college reading and math skills.
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