Physics

Instructors:

Antonio Castro

acastro@napavalley.edu

(707) 256-7267

Room 1837

Hours:  M-Th 4:00-4:30 p.m., F 12:00-3:00 p.m.

Erin Quealy, Ph.D.

equealy@napavalley.edu

(707) 256-7266

Room 1840

Hours: M Noon-1:00 p.m. and 4:45-3:30 p.m.; T 11:00-Noon;

            W Noon-1:00 p.m. and by appointment; T/Th 10:45-11:00 a.m. and 2:45-3:00 p.m.

Webpage

Classes Offered:

Descriptive Physics (PHYS 110)

A non-mathematical descriptive introduction to physics for non-science majors.  Numerous slides and demonstrations will be used to illustrate the fundamental laws and applications of mechanics, heat, electricity, sound, optics, atomic and nuclear physics.  CSU and UC transferrable.  3 units.

Descriptive Physics Laboratory (PHYS 111)

A non-mathematical descriptive physics laboratory that emphasizes concepts before computation, the same approach used for PHYS 110.  Many experiments are observational activities only.  Some experiments involve computers which are programmed to simplify and summarize quantitative measurements.  Corequisite: PHYS 110.  CSU and UC transferrable.  1 unit.

General Physics 1 (PHYS 120)

This algebra-based physics course covers mechanics, fluids, wave motion, and heat.  Biological and medical applications are emphasized.  Prerequisite: MATH 108.  CSU and UC transferrable.  4 units.

General Physics 2 (PHYS 121)

This algebra-based physics course covers electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics.  Biological and medical applications are emphasized in this course.  Prerequisite: PHYS 120.  CSU and UC transferrable.  4 units.

Physics for Scientists and Engineers 1 (PHYS 140)

This is a calculus-based introduction to the principles of mechanics and wave motion.  Topics include measurements, vectors, kinematics and dynamics, linear and circular motion, gravitation, work and mechanical energy, conservation of energy, linear and angular momentum, rotational motion, static equilibrium, oscillations, and fluid mechanics.  Prerequisite: MATH 120; Corequisite: MATH 121. CSU and UC transferrable.  4 units.

Physics for Scientists and Engineers 2 (PHYS 240)

This is a calculus-based introduction to the principles of heat, electricity, and magnetism.  Topics include temperature, kinetic theory of gases, heat, laws of thermodynamics, electric charge and electric field, Gauss's Law, electric potential, capacitance, resistance, electric current, DC circuits, magnetism, sources of magnetism, Faraday's Law, inductance, and AC circuits.  Prerequisite: PHYS 140 and MATH 121.  CSU and UC transferrable.  4 units.

Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3 (PHYS 241)

This is a calculus-based introduction to electromagnetic waves, physical optics, relativity, and atomic and quantum physics.  Topics include Maxwell's Equations and electromagnetic waves, light, lenses, diffraction and polarization, relativity, quantum mechanics, molecules and solids, nuclear physics and radioactivity, nuclear energy, elementary particles, and astrophysics and cosmology. Prerequisite: PHYS 240.  CSU and UC transferrable.  4 units.

Independent Study in Physics (PHYS 199)

For the physics students who wish to pursue topics not included in the regular curriculum.  Possible projects include a research paper, a computer project, sophisticated problem-solving, or innovative experiments in physics.  Students must contract with a physics instructor specifying course content and hours/week.  Credit/No Credit grading.  CSU transferrable.  1 to 3 units. 

Selected Topics in Physics (PHYS 298)

Topics in physics not covered by regular catalog offerings.  Course content and unit credit to be determined in relation to community/student needs and available staff.  May be offered as a seminar, lecture, or lecture/lab class.  CSU transferrable.  1 to 3 units.