20 credits
Why physics?
The fundamental ideas of physics underlie all basic science, making it a great addition to any of Saint Mary's science majors.
Goes great with
Biochemistry
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Cytotechnology
Cytogenetic Technology
Environmental Biology
Mathematical/Computer Science
Mathematics
Medical Technology
Nuclear Medicine Technology
Pre-Physical Therapy
(From the 09-11 Catalog)
A. All of the following:
M151 Calculus I
M152 Calculus II
P201 Introductory Physics I
P202 Introductory Physics I Lab
P211 Introductory Physics II
P212 Introductory Physics II Lab
P304 Introduction to Modern Physics
B. Two additional upper division physics courses. See the Course Catalog for options.
Click on courses below for descriptions
P304 Introduction to Modern Physics (4 credits)This course considers atomic and nuclear physics and studies the experimental evidence that led to the development of the theories of quantum mechanics. The special theory of relativity, wave particle duality, and atomic structure are also examined. Students meet for three lectures and one three-hour lab per week.
Prerequisites:
- P211 Introductory Physics II
- P212 Introductory Physics II Laboratory
- M152 Calculus II
Offered in alternate fall semesters.
P211 Introductory Physics II (3 credits)This course is the second half of a two-semester introductory, calculus-based, physics course for all students planning to enter one of the scientific professions. It covers the fundamental principles of waves, physical and geometrical optics, and electricity and magnetism.
Prerequisites:
- P201 Introductory Physics I
- P202 Introductory Physics I Laboratory
Offered spring semester.
Must be concurrent with P212.
P201 Introductory Physics I (3 credits)This course is the first half of a two-semester introductory, calculus-based, physics course for all students planning to enter one of the scientific professions. It covers the fundamental principles of mechanics, oscillations, and fluid mechanics.
Offered fall semester.
Prerequisites: M151 (may be concurrent) and concurrent with P202.
M152 Calculus II (4 credits)This course is a continuation of M151. Some of the topics of M151 are revisited at a higher mathematical level. Topics include: limits, differentiation, applications of the definite integral, inverse trigonometric functions, techniques of integration, improper integrals, indeterminate forms, numerical methods for integration and approximation, curves in the plane given parametrically, polar coordinates, and vectors in 2-space and 3-space.
Prerequisite: minimum grade of C in M151 or departmental placement.
M151 Calculus I (4 credits)This course provides an introduction to the differential and integral calculus. Topics include: the concepts of function, limit, continuity, derivative, definite and indefinite integrals, and an introduction to transcendental functions.
Credit cannot be granted for this course and M308 or M309.
Prerequisites: M115 and M116, or departmental placement.