PHY 231

Revised 12/2011

NOVA COLLEGE-WIDE COURSE CONTENT SUMMARY

PHY 231 - GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I (5 CR.)

Course Description

Teaches principles of classical physics. Includes mechanics, wave phenomena, heat, electricity, magnetism, and optics, with extended coverage of selected topics. Includes recitation as part of the lecture. Lecture 4 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 6 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

The purpose of the course is to provide engineers, mathematicians and scientists with the basic concepts of physics that are required for their full development into competent professionals and informed and informing citizens.

The course is normally taken by aspirants to four-year institutions and generally satisfies the basic requirements of such institutions.

Course Prerequisites/Co-requisites

Prerequisite is MTH 173 - Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or division approval and satisfactory placement score for ENG 111.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Use physics as the basic tool of quantitative science and technology
Relate physical events in terms of mathematical description using calculus
Use the required physical and mathematical concepts and their sources

Major Topics to be Included

Motion in one dimension with constant and variable acceleration
Motion in two dimensions including falling bodies and projectile motion
Newton's three laws of motion including friction, variable forces
Kinematics and dynamics of circular motion
Concepts of work and energy
Conservation laws: energy, linear momentum and angular momentum
Rotational kinematics and dynamics of extended bodies
Statics
Gravitation
Oscillating motion
Fluid mechanics
Thermodynamics

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