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121-122-123 Courses

The PHYS 121-122-123 introductory physics sequence is targeted for students in physical sciences and engineering. Upon successful completion, students should be able to develop calculus-based models to describe the physical world and apply them to other fields of science and everyday phenomena. Each course consists of three major components: lecture laboratory, and tutorial.

Refer to the course offering page to see scheduled times and course instructors.

PHYS 121: Mechanics

  • Prerequisites:
    • MATH 124 or MATH 134, either of which may be taken concurrently
  • Contents:
    • One dimensional motion
    • Momentum
    • Energy
    • Motion in two or more dimensions
    • Rotational motion
    • Gravity

PHYS 122: Electromagnetism

  • Prerequisites:
    • PHYS 121
    • MATH 125 or MATH 134, either of which may be taken concurrently
  • Recommendations: a minimum grade of 1.7 in PHYS 121
  • Contents:
    • Electric and magnetic interactions
    • Electric circuits
    • Electromagnetic waves

PHYS 123: Waves, Light, and Heat

  • Prerequisites:
    • PHYS 122
    • MATH 126 or MATH 135, either of which may be taken concurrently
  • Recommendations: a minimum grade of 1.7 in PHYS 122
  • Contents:
    • Simple harmonic rotation
    • Wave propagation
    • Wave interference and diffraction
    • Optics
    • Heat transfer
    • Converting heat to work

Grading Standard

A student who understands some of the material very well but needs some improvement in the remaining material should get a grade of about 3.0.

Course Material

You need to purchase the following items:

  • The Tutorial Coursepack
    • Only available from the University Bookstore.
    • This will be used to fill in your tutorial work and tutorial homework, so you cannot use a used one.
  • Access code for MyLab and Mastering
    • See purchasing options below.
  • Textbook: 

    Physics for scientists and engineers, a strategic approach, by Knight, 5th edition
    or
    Principles & Practice of Physics, by Mazur, 2nd edition

    • We are transitioning from the Mazur textbook to the Knight textbook according to the following schedule.
      - Autumn 2024: PHYS 121 uses the Knight textbook, and PHYS 122 and 123 use the Mazur textbook
      - Winter 2025: PHYS 121 and 122 use the Knight textbook, and PHYS 123 uses the Mazur textbook
      - Spring 2025: PHYS 121, 122, and 123 use the Knight textbook

    • See purchasing options below.

Purchasing Options

  • UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE OPTIONS

    You have the following four purchasing options that include both textbook and the access code from the University Bookstore. Choose the one that best fits your need and budget. The 18-month access can be used for all the courses in the series, so you will not need to purchase access again.
    Option Access Duration eText Hardcopy Text
    A (Bookstore) 18 weeks √ No
    B (Bookstore) 18 months √ No
    The options labelled A or B above, correspond to the following descriptions at the University Bookstore.
    A.    Modified Mastering Physics for Physics for Scientists & Engineers (5E 22) Single-Term
    B.    Modified Mastering Physics for Physics for Scientists & Engineers (5E 22) Multi-Term

    Note that the order of the options shown above may be different from those shown at the University Bookstore.
  • ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

    If you do not purchase the textbook from the University Bookstore, you can purchase the access code online.

    During the steps in the access to the online homework system instructions you will be given the following two choices to purchase directly from Pearson. Choose the one that fits your need and budget. The 18-month access can be used for all the courses in the series, so you will not need to purchase access again.

    Option Access Duration eText Hardcopy Text
    E (Pearson) 18 months √ No
    F (Pearson) 18 weeks √ No
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