ACADEMIC CATALOG >>
2007-2008

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Attention: This catalog is for archival purposes only. Please see www.ccu.edu/catalog for current information.

PHY (Physical Science)

PHY 101 Physical Science (3)
Basic principles and discoveries in astronomy, geology, physics, and chemistry. See PHY 102 for lab.

PHY 102 Physical Science Lab (1)
Concurrent enrollment in PHY 101 required.

PHY 103 Earth Science (3)
Physical/ chemical makeup of Earth and processes giving rise to its present form. Three credit lecture, one-credit lab, two required field trips. See PHY 104 for lab.

PHY 104 Earth Science Lab (1)
One credit lab. Concurrent enrollment in PHY 103 required.

PHY 105 Environmental Science (3)
An exploration of environmental issues including population growth, energy use, global climate change, air-water-solid waste pollution, resources, stewardship, solutions and sustainability. Through readings, lecture, and discussion we will examine geological, biological., chemical, economic, political, and social aspects of environmental issues on personal, local, national, and global scales.

PHY 106 Environmental Science Lab (1)
Hands-on exercises and computer modeling of topics covered in PHY105. In addition, there will be field trips throughout the Denver Metropolitan Area to observe and interact with private and government agencies conducting environmental research and monitoring. Concurrent enrollment in PHY 105 required.

PHY 195 Topics in Science (3)
This is an integrated course in which core-concept topics of the physics of motion, energy, heat, wave motions and sound, electricity, atoms, and the universe are examined. Other topics treated in the earth sciences are the origin and makeup of rocks and minerals, continental drift and mountain building, as well as an introduction to oceanography and a study of the Earth's atmosphere. The nature of chemical and nuclear reactions and the biology of living things, ecology, and the environment are also surveyed. Recommended prerequisite: MAT 111. See PHY 196 for lab.

PHY 196 Topics in Science Lab (1)
One credit lab. Concurrent enrollment in PHY 195 required.

PHY 203 Scientific Discovery (3)
The course will examine the nature and dynamics of discovery in the biological, physical and social sciences by studying some of history's great discoverers. The contribution of the discoveries to human culture are examined in light of moral issues, forbidden knowledge and progress. Basic scientific assignments will assist in illustrating the dynamics of discovery and the implications of discovery. Recommended prerequisite: MAT 110.

PHY 210 General Physics I (4)
Basic principles of physics; classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, other selected topics. Prerequisite: MAT 115 or equivalent. See PHY 211 and 212 for recitation and lab.

PHY 211 General Physics I Recitation (0)
Concurrent enrollment in PHY 210 required.

PHY 212 General Physics I Lab (1)
One credit lab. Concurrent enrollment in PHY 210 required.

PHY 304 Introduction to Geology (3)
The course is designed around field trips and theory that center on the science of geology for students with little or no earth science background. Subjects include, but are not limited to: earthquakes, mountain ranges, dinosaur bones and tracks, causes of repeated mass extinctions, minerals, igneous rocks, volcanoes, sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks, mountain building and geologic time,

PHY 309 Introduction to Astronomy (3)
The intent of this course is to give the student a brief survey of astronomy with an emphasis on origins, constellations and identification thereof, and space exploration. Lesser topics include but are not limited to the history of astronomy, astronomers of past and present, the solar system and beyond.

PHY 310 General Physics II (4)
Thorough, systematic study of the foundations of classical and modern physics. Intended primarily for students preparing for careers in medicine, physical therapy, science education, and graduate work in other sciences. Sequence begins with kinematics and dynamics, explores the theories of gravitation and electricity, and ends with a study of nuclear physics, cosmology, and other selected topics. Prerequisite: MAT 115 or a working knowledge of college-level algebra and trigonometry. See PHY 311 and 312 for recitation and lab.

PHY 311 General Physics II Recitation (0)
Concurrent enrollment in PHY 310 required.

PHY 312 General Physics II Lab (1)
One credit lab. Concurrent enrollment in PHY 310 required.

PHY 340 Modern Physics and Methods (4)
A study of physics concentrating on the 20th century. This includes introductions to quantum mechanics, relativity, atomic physics, nuclear physics, and the nature of light. Mathematical methods in both modern and classical physics, as an extension to PHY 210 and 310, will also be emphasized. Prerequisites: PHY 310, MAT 141 or higher.

PHY 350 Internship (1-12)
Supervised experience in a professional setting. Pass/Fail; may be repeated for credit. Junior standing.

PHY 390 Directed Study (1-3)
Guided independent investigation of a topic selected in consultation with the major or minor advisor. See Academic Policies for guidelines. Dean's approval required. Graded; may be repeated for credit.

PHY 397 Special Topics: Energy and Society
The course provides a comprehensive treatment of the role of energy in society by examining contemporary issues in energy consumption and its environmental impact, including fossil fuel use and depletion; nuclear energy and waste disposal; solar, wind, hydroelectric, and other renewable energy sources.

PHY 450 Internship (1-12)
Supervised experience in a professional setting. Pass/Fail; may be repeated for credit. Senior standing.

PHY 480 Physics Research Project (2-6)
Individualized research project under the direction of the physics advisor.

PHY 490 Directed Study (1-3)
Guided independent investigation of a topic selected in consultation with the major or minor advisor. See Academic Policies for guidelines. Dean's approval required. Graded; may be repeated for credit.

PHY 497 Special Topics (1-3)
Guided group investigation and discussion of a selected topic. Graded; may be repeated for credit.

PHY 498 Teaching Assistantship (1)
Supervised and limited preparation and delivery of lectures, tutoring of students, laboratory preparation, and assisting in the preparation and grading of examinations. Pass/Fail; may be repeated for credit.