PHY 145L - Applied College Physics I, 5 credit hours

Prerequisite(s): The student is assumed to have had high school mathematics through algebra and pre-calculus.
Corequisite(s): High school physics and a familiarity with calculus are highly recommended or calculus can be taken concurrently.
A two-semester sequence covering most of the standard introductory physics topics needed for a science major or for those needing a lab science. Applied College Physics is presented primarily in a laboratory setting. Rather than lectures and demonstrations, almost all concept development is achieved by hands-on activities and many mini-investigations with an emphasis on student inquiry, peer interaction, and small group activities. Applied College Physics’ slower rate of concept development results in the coverage of somewhat fewer topics, but in more depth and with more applications than does General Physics. The first semester emphasizes mechanics and heat while the second semester explores electricity, magnetism, light, and optics. Students may not take both PHY 131 and 145L or both PHY 132 and PHY 146L for credit. Applied College Physics students are expected to schedule an additional hour in the lab each week so that the actual in-class time is the same as the General Physics and Introductory Physics Lab combination.