Standard Course Syllabus
Physics 2210/2220
Physics for Scientists and Engineers  

Date Approved 26 March 2001

Offered: This two-semester sequence may be started in the Fall or Spring.

 Prerequisites for this Course: Math 1210 and 1220 are corequisites for the first and second semesters, respectively.  Calculus, Algebra, and Trigonometry are used extensively throughout the course

 This course is a prerequisite for: The sequence is a corequisite for 2210L/2220L ALaboratory Physics@.   Physics 2220 is a prerequisite for Phsx 2740 and all 3000 and 4000 level physics courses.

 Credit Hours: Four (per semester).  Five hours of lecture/discussion per week.

 Example Texts: AFundamentals of Physics@ by Halliday, Resnick and Walker, APhysics for Scientist and Engineers@ by Serway

 Topics Covered: First semester: Measurement.  The SI system of units.  Vectors and Scalars  Kinematics in one and two dimensions. Newton=s Laws. Center of mass.  Conservation laws of energy, momentum and angular momentum. Gravity. Fluid dynamics.  Wave motion.  Thermodynamics.  Second semester: Electricity and Magnetism. DC circuits. Alternating current. Gauss=s Law.  Maxwell=s equations.  Electromagnetic waves.  Light and optics.  Fundamentals of several topics from modern physics including: relativity, quantum, and nuclear physics.

 Skills Emphasized: General problem solving.  Using calculus, algebra, and trigonometry to describe physical situations.  Constructing force/free-body diagrams. Using vector notation correctly.  Differentiating between inertial and non-inertial reference frames.

 Notes: This sequence is primarily intended for students in science (including math), computer science, and pre-engineering programs.