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.
Textbook:
Physics for scientists and engineers, a strategic approach, by Knight, 5th edition
- PHYS 121 and 122: The online homework system used with this course comes with access to an electronic copy for this textbook. See 1xx online homework for how to get access to the online homework system. If you would also like a hardcopy of the textbook, it is available for purchase at the University Bookstore.
- PHYS 123: See purchasing options on the course Canvas page.