Physics

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The WVC Physics Department is committed to offering comprehensive courses that promote understanding of matter and energy in all their forms. Courses range from those designed for the non-science major to preengineering prerequisites & science major transfer students. The department offers a variety of courses designed to meet the general educational, preprofessional and overall academic goals of WVC students.

Program Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate understanding of theories and application of concepts pertinent to Physics.

Demonstrate competence and self-confidence required to gain a fuller practical and theoretical understanding of Physics.

Apply the scientific method and problem-solving skills appropriate to Physics phenomena.

When applicable, know how to utilize and manipulate laboratory equipment for measurement to investigate Physics phenomena in the lab setting.

Classes

PHYS& 100: Physics for Non-Science Majors

Credits

Physics for nonscience majors. Study of the basic fundamentals of physics, including mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism and modern physics.

PHYS& 114: General Physics I W/Lab

Credits

Study of the fundamental principles and applications of mechanics, including vectors, static equilibrium, linear and rotational motion, Newton's laws, work, energy, and momentum. Includes laboratory.

PHYS& 115: General Physics II W/Lab

Credits

Study of the basic principles and applications of fluids, harmonic motion and waves, thermodynamics, and geometric optics. Includes laboratory.

PHYS& 116: General Physics III W/Lab

Credits

Study of the basic principles and applications of electricity and magnetism and an introduction to modern physics. Includes laboratory.

PHYS& 221: Engineering Physics I

Credits

The study of kinematics, statics, rotational motion and collisions. Topics include one- and two-dimensional motion for point masses and rigid bodies, conservation laws for momentum and energy, and equilibrium conditions. Laboratory included.

PHYS& 222: Engineering Physics II

Credits

The study of simple harmonic motion, waves, temperature and heat. Topics include the Ideal Gas Laws, the Laws of Thermodynamics, and thermodynamic systems. Electrostatics through Gauss' law covered. Laboratory included.

PHYS& 223: Engineering Physics III

Credits

The study of electrical and magnetic phenomena, starting with electric potential and continuing on into optics and quantum mechanics. Topics include electrostatics, magnetostatics, DC and AC circuit theory, and geometric ray optics. Laboratory included.