Physics Courses: Physics Department

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The ACC Physics Department offers three families of courses to meet the needs of different college and transfer programs: Conceptual Physics, Algebra-Based Physics, and Calculus-Based Physics.

Conceptual Physics Courses

PHY 101 Basic Physics - 4 Credits
PHY 105 Conceptual Physics - 4 Credits (Includes Laboratory Experience)

ACC Programs Supported:	Associate of General Studies Associate of Applied Science Automotive Mechanics (PHY 100)
Transfers To:	PHY 105 is a guaranteed transfer course and transfers to most Colorado four-year institutions

The elementary and conceptual physics courses emphasize the understanding of fundamental concepts in physics. Basic mathematical concepts are used to solve problems in PHY 100/105. PHY 100 is a 3-credit lecture-only course. PHY 105 has a 2-hour weekly laboratory session in addition to the lecture. (The lecture course for PHY 105 is the same as PHY 100).

Both courses cover fundamental physics topics: mechanics, solids, fluids, heat, wave motion, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics.

Paul Hewitt, author of Conceptual Physics, states:

You know you can't enjoy a game unless you know its rules; whether it's a ball game, a computer game, or simply a party game. Likewise, you can't fully appreciate your surroundings until you understand the rules of nature. Physics is about the rules of nature - so beautifully elegant that it can be neatly described mathematically. That's why many physics courses are treated as applied mathematics. But introductory physics that emphasizes computation misses something essential - comprehension - a gut feeling for the concepts. This book emphasizes comprehension before computation. We treat physics conceptually - in down-to-earth English. You'll see the mathematical structure of physics in frequent equations, but more than being recipes for computation, you'll see the equations as guides to thinking. I enjoy physics, and you will too - because you'll understand it. If you get hooked and take a follow-up course, then you can focus on mathematical problems. Go for comprehension of concepts now, and if computation follows, it will be with understanding."

Algebra-Based Physics Courses

PHY 111 Physics I - Algebra Based - 5 Credits
PHY 112 Physics II - Algebra Based - 5 Credits

ACC Programs Supported:	Associate of Science Associate of Arts Associate of General Studies
Transfers To:	Transfers to most Colorado four-year institutions

The algebra-based courses (often called College Physics) form a two-semester sequence that covers the traditional physics topics of mechanics, solids, fluids, heat, wave motion, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Both courses include a weekly laboratory session that illustrates and reinforces the material discussed in class.

PHY 111 and PHY 112 are typically taken by students who plan to further their education in fields including science, medicine, computer information systems.

The prerequisite for PHY 111 is College Algebra (MAT 121). PHY 111 is a prerequisite for PHY 112.

Solving physics problems is a topic that strongly emphasized in PHY 111 and PHY 112. One important goal of these physics courses is to improve students' problem-solving skills. As such, students need to bring good algebra and problem solving skills with them to these courses.

Calculus-Based Physics Courses

PHY 211 Physics I - Calculus Based - 5 Credits
PHY 212 Physics II - Calculus Based - 5 Credits

The calculus-based courses (often called Physics for Scientists and Engineers) form a two-semester sequence that covers the traditional physics topics of mechanics, solids, fluids, heat, wave motion, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Both courses include a weekly laboratory session that illustrates and reinforces the material discussed in class.

PHY 211 and PHY 212 are typically taken by students who plan to further their education in science, engineering, or computer science.

The prerequisites for PHY 211 are College Algebra (MAT 121) and Trigonometry (MAT 122). Students must have taken Calculus I (MAT 201). PHY 211 is a prerequisite for PHY 212.

PHY 211 and PHY 212 are strongly oriented to solving physics problems. Students need to bring strong algebra, trigonometry, and problem-solving skills with them to these courses. The expectations of student mathematical and problem-solving ability are higher than those for Algebra-based Physics courses. An important goal in these courses is the improvement of student problem-solving skills.

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