| The sequence of two 4-credit lecture courses, PHY183 and PHY184, is recommended for engineering and physical sciences majors. The corresponding 1-credit laboratory courses are PHY191 and PHY192. PHY183 is a pre-requisite for enrollment in PHY191, and PHY184 is a pre-requisite for PHY192. The subjects covered in the first semester are mechanics, and oscillations and waves; and in the second semester electricity, magnetism, and optics.. The emphasis of PHY183/4 sequence is on problem-solving in situations involving calculus. PHY215 is an optional 3-credit course on thermodynamics, relativity, quantum, nuclear, solid state, and elementary particle physics for engineering and science majors. This course gives an overview of exciting recent developments in condensed matter, atomic, and subatomic physics. Each of these courses is offered each fall and spring semester. |  |
| The sequence of two 3-credit lecture courses, PHY231 and PHY232, is recommended for students with majors in the biological sciences and non-science majors. The corresponding 1-credit laboratory courses are PHY251 and PHY252, which may be taken concurrently with PHY231 and PHY232. The subjects covered in the first semester are mechanics, thermal physics, and oscillation and waves; and in the second semester electricity, magnetism, optics, and quantum physics. Each of these courses is offered each fall and spring semester. In addition, the PHY251/2 laboratory courses are also offered during the summer session. |  |
| These two 3-credit lecture courses with accompanying recitations are recommended for students enrolled in the Honors College and students with strong mathematics skills. The subjects covered in the first semester are mechanics, and in the second semester electricity and magnetism. PHY193H is offered in the spring semester, and PHY294H in the fall semester. |
Instead of delivering subject content via lectures,
the CBI system provides the students with specialized work/textbooks, which
contain all of the materials needed to complete these courses. The CBI
courses are generally labeled with the letter "B" after the course number
and offer the same subject matter as the corresponding lecture-based courses
with the same number. The primary courses are PHY231/2B
and PHY183/4B, the CBI versions of
PHY231/2 and PHY183/4. The grade is determined exclusively by completion
of hand-graded exams. Typically the students are expected to complete one
exam per week for a 3-credit course. CBI courses offer scheduling flexibility,
even for the exams, which are taken in room 164 Giltner Hall, and have
a comprehensive help-system with TA's for students seeking assistance in
understanding material or doing homework. All courses are offered each
fall and spring semester, as well as in summer session.
Bridge CoursesIn the CBI system it is possible to upgrade algebra-based physics credits to calculus-based physics credits. This option is popular with students who want to change their majors to those with calculus-physics requirements. The 2-credit course PHY233B upgrades for PHY231 credits to PHY183, and the 2-credit course PHY234B upgrades for PHY232 credits to PHY184. |
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The 3-credit Virtual University courses PHY231C and PHY232C offer the same subject matter as the lecture-based PHY231 and PHY232 courses. For PHY231/2C all materials (lecture notes, solved examples, video clips of lecture demonstrations, and interactive exercises in the form of Java applets) are delivered via computer and the Internet. Sections for on-campus and off-campus students are available. Access to a computer with at least a modem connection and a WWW-browser is required; on-campus students may use any of MSU's computer laboratories to access the class. No specific prior knowledge of computers or programming is assumed. Interaction with the professor and the teaching assistants takes place via email, a virtual help room/chat room, and a physical help room, 1248 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, which is open during convenient afternoon and evening hours. The grade is determined via weekly interactive computer-graded homework assignments, as well as two midterms and a final exam. All of the exams are computer-graded multiple-choice exams. Practice exams are provided. |
| The introductory astronomy sequence consists of the four courses AST303, AST304, AST307 and AST308, which require at least one semester of calculus based physics as a prerequisite. Over a four semester period the courses reveal the major parts of the physical universe. These 3-credit courses are recommended for astrophysics majors, and some engineering and physical sciences majors with strong mathematical backgrounds. Alternatively, we offer the 3-credit course AST207, which is recommended for students with geo-science or education majors. AST303 and AST207 are offered in the fall semesters, and AST304 in the spring. |  |
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The two 3-credit algebra-based lecture courses LBS271 and LBS272 are part of the basic science curriculum for students in the Lyman Briggs School. Each of the courses is offered with an accompanying 1-credit laboratory course, LBS271L and LBS272L, in which students are expected to enroll concurrently. Lectures and laboratory exercises are carefully coordinated. The subjects covered in the first semester are mechanics, thermal physics, and oscillation and waves, and in the second semester electricity, magnetism, optics, and quantum physics. Lyman Briggs School students are normally expected to enroll in LBS271 and LBS271L during the fall semester of their sophomore year, and in LBS272 and LBS272L during the spring semester. Typically, the students' grades are determined by weekly interactive computer-graded homework assignments, by occasional quizzes, as well as two midterms and a final exam. All of the exams are computer-graded multiple-choice exams. Practice exams are provided. |
| The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers four different general science courses in the Integrative Studies in Physical Science program, two of which are accompanied by laboratory courses. Each of these four offerings is designed to fulfill the general education requirements in physical science, and the laboratory courses fulfill the University's general science laboratory requirements. Only the University's minimum mathematics requirements, possibly taken concurrently, are assumed for a successful completion of these courses. Each course can be taken each fall and each spring semester. Finally, each course is taught by a physics or astronomy faculty member actively engaged in a cutting-edge research program and especially chosen for their professional credentials and interest in teaching undergraduate general education students. These courses offer the student with a non-science major the opportunity to become scientifically literate and learn about science in a low-impact environment from research scientists eager to explain their professions. |
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The 3-credit lecture course ISP205 provides an introduction into astronomy and astrophysics. The topics covered include the role of observation, theory, philosophy, and technology in the development of the modern conception of the universe. The Copernican Revolution, birth and death of stars, Spaceship Earth, cosmology and time are also part of the subject matter discussed. It is recommended, but not mandated, that students concurrently enroll in the 1-credit laboratory course ISP205L. |
Mystery of the Physical WorldThe 3-credit lecture course ISP209 provides a minimally mathematical (some algebra) introduction into classical physics, which governs the behavior and motion of all macroscopic objects in nature. The topics covered emphasize elucidation of the laws of physics through demonstrations and analyses of every day phenomena. Optics, mechanical systems and electromagnetic phenomena are also discussed. It is recommended, but not mandated, that students concurrently enroll in the 1-credit laboratory course ISP209L. |
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| The 3-credit lecture course ISP213H is intended as an introduction to modern atomic and sub-atomic physics for students in the Honors College. Historical and recent development of knowledge about and models of the fundamental structures of all matter are discussed. A conceptual exposition of Einstein's Theories of Relativity is included. The physical laws governing the structure of matter and that are at the basis of all technology of the 20th century are investigated, as well as the manner in which quantum and relativistic phenomena have altered our way of thinking and observing the world around us. This course is recommended for all non-science majors and is specifically designed to provide an introduction to modern physics that is compatible with the minimum university mathematics requirements. |  |
| The 3-credit lecture course ISP215 provides an understanding of the physical principles governing the creation, propagation and reception of sound. Speech, communication, musical instruments, room acoustics, and analogue and digital audio are discussed. This course attempts the integration of the physical, physiological, and psychological principles involved. It is recommended for all liberal arts majors, in particular music majors. This was a very popular course for music majors as well as any student interested in music and sound back during the MSU quarter system and has just this year returned as an ISP offering. It is taught by senior faculty with musical talent of their own and a long history of helping general education students with understanding what lies beneath the concepts of pitch, harmony, and sound analysis. Extensive use of modern equipment is woven into every lecture, making for an enjoyable and informative course. |
Correspondence and Information
Professor Daniel Stump
Associate Chairperson for the Undergraduate
Program
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-2320
Telephone: (517) 355-9200 ext 2031
Fax: (517) 432-6191
Email: stump@msu.edu
http://www.pa.msu.edu/