PHYS 1101

PHYS 1101

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2021-2022.

PHYS 1101 and PHYS 1102 emphasize both quantitative and conceptual understanding of the topics and tools of introductory physics developed without the use of calculus. The courses offer individualized instruction. Students learn through completing assigned readings, problems, and laboratory exercises, and through individualized tutoring. Additionally, recorded lectures, overview sessions, short videos, sample tests, and online tutorials are provided. The course format provides flexibility, but in some ways is more demanding than a course with a traditional format. Success requires discipline and well-developed study habits. Students without high school physics should allow extra time. Evaluation includes an oral lab check, a selection of graded homework problems, and a written test for each unit; these must be completed within a flexible set of deadlines. Major topics for PHYS 1101: forces and equilibrium, kinematics, dynamics, momentum, energy, fluid mechanics, waves and sound, thermal physics, and thermodynamics. At the level of College Physics, 5th edition, by Giambattista.

When Offered Fall, Summer.

Permission Note Not open to: freshmen.
Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: three years of high school mathematics, including trigonometry.
Forbidden Overlaps Forbidden Overlap: due to an overlap in content, students will receive credit for only one course in the following group: EAS 1600, PHYS 1101, PHYS 1112, PHYS 1116, PHYS 2207.

Distribution Category (PBS-AS, PHS-AS)

Comments There are no scheduled lectures, discussion sections, labs, or prelim times. Instruction occurs via one-on-one tutoring in the learning center. General introductory physics often taken by students in disciplines such as Biology or Chemistry. Similar in content to PHYS 2207.  Summer Session: Eight-week, six-week, or first four weeks only for those doing PHYS 1102 in the second four weeks.

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi: none
  •   Regular Academic Session. 

  • 4 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  4488 PHYS 1101   LEC 001

  • Instruction Mode: In Person
    Enrolled students will receive an email with instructions for joining a course orientation (via Zoom) on the first day of class at 7:30 pm. The orientation session will be recorded for those not able to join live. PHYS 1101 allows considerable flexibility, but students must plan to come to the Learning and Testing Centers (RCK 280 and 250) regularly. The Centers are open most afternoons and evenings, beginning at 11:15 am on the first day of class. Time-management skills and self-motivation are crucial to success. Freshmen are not allowed to enroll due to difficulty level and enrollment capacity.