Choosing the right physics course
From Physiki
Which course is right for you depends both on your interests and on the requirements of your particular major or program. Be sure to check the college catalog and consult with your advisor before registering for any particular course. More information about course requirements and typical course patterns can be found in our departmental brochure.
Physics courses at Lafayette can be divided into 4 broad categories:
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General Education Courses
These are courses specifically designed for non-science majors, and satisfy the Common Course of Study Lab Science requirement. Current Offerings are
- Phys 104: Astronomy: The Solar System
- Phys 106: Physics of Music
- Phys 108: Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and the Big Bang
Introductory Courses
These are courses designed to give an introduction to the fundamentals of physics. These courses also satisfy the Common Course of Study Lab Science requirement. There are three main options: Algebra-based, Calculus-based, and Accelerated.
Algebra-based Introductory Physics
Phys 111-112: General Physics. This is an algebra-based introductory survey of the major areas of classical physics, including mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, oscillations, and waves. It is appropriate for students in a wide variety of A.B. programs and some B.S. programs.
Calculus-based Introductory Physics
For most engineering and B.S. science majors, the calculus-based introductory sequence is appropriate. There are three courses available: Phys 131 - Mechanics, Phys 132 - Electricity & Magnetism, and Phys 133 - Thermodynamics & Waves. These three courses give a complete introduction to physics, and can serve as a strong foundation for further study in either science or engineering.
Which courses are most appropriate for you depends on both your major program and on other scheduling opportunities and constraints you may have. If you have a strong physics background, the Accelerated Calculus-based Physics 151-152 sequence might be right for you.
Most B.S. science majors take the Phys 131-132 Fall/Spring sequence. Most B.S. engineering majors start with Phys 131 in the Spring semester of their first year. What to take after that depends on your interests and your major requirements.
Physics 131 covers mechanics. It is offered every semester.
Physics 132 is a study of electricity and magnetism. It is offered every semester.
Physics 133 is a study of thermodynamics, oscillations and waves. It is offered every fall.
If you are an engineer with advanced placement in another subject, you might consider taking Phys 131 in your first semester at Lafayette, rather than waiting for it in the Spring. Another option might be the Accelerated Physics 151-152 sequence. You are encouraged to contact the physics department doughera@lafayette.edu or your advisor to see what scheduling makes the most sense for you.
Prior to Fall 2005, there were two different courses numbers, Physics 121 and Physics 131 for the Fall and Spring versions of the Mechanics course. The courses were essentially identical, however, and to reduce confusion they are now both called Phys 131 - Physics I: Mechanics.
Accelerated Calculus-based Introductory Physics
Depending on what other courses you plan to take, you may not have time to take all three introductory courses. Or, you may have already seen much of the introductory mechanics material, but do not have AP credit for Phys 131. If you have a strong physics background and are interested in physics, you should consider the accelerated Physics 151 - Physics 152 sequence, which covers all the topics normally covered in the three-semester Phys 131, 132, 133 sequence.
Intermediate Courses
These are 200-level courses that explore physics beyond the introductory level. These normally have a pre-requisite of one of the fundamental courses, but you should check the individual listings and consult with the instructor if in doubt.
- Phys 215: Introduction to Quantum Physics.
- Phys 216: Topics in 20th Century Physics.
- Phys 218: Oscillatory and Wave Phenomena.
- Phys 220: Medical and Biological Physics. This also counts as a writing course.
Advanced Courses
Finally, there are a number of 300 and 400-level courses designed to provide a well-rounded study of all the major areas of physics. There are also opportunities for independent study and thesis work.
