Department of Physics
Department Chair: Lynn Thomson
Department Secretary: Annette Hunter (208) 496-1913
Department Faculty: Rodney BainStephen McNeilEllis MillerRyan NielsonDavid OliphantBrian PyperLynn ThomsonBrian TonksStephen TurcotteJack Weyland

 
INTRODUCTION
Physics  is  a  fascinating  field  of  study  where  active  progress  is  taking  place  in  areas  that  affect  all  our  lives.  Physics  embodies  a  style  of  thinking  and  a  discipline  that  can  give  new  perspectives  and  approaches  to  a  wide  range  of  fields. 

The  Physics  Department  at  BYU-Idaho  offers  a  Pre-Professional  Physics  Bachelor  of  Science  degree.  This  degree  offers  specializations  that  prepare  students  for  a  wide  range  of  goals,  including  teaching  high  school  and  obtaining  a  solid  foundation  for  medical  professions,  law,  business  administration,  or  technical  writing.  Students  may  specialize  in  secondary  education  (major  code  870).  Students  entering  as  freshmen  in  fall  of  2002  may  specialize  in  pre-medical  preparation  (medicine,  pharmacy,  veterinary,  dentistry,  optometry,  etc.  .  .)  pre-law,  pre-MBA,  and  communications  and  writing  (integrated  major  code  770).  It  is  essential  that  you  consult  with  your  advisor  regularly  during  the  introduction  and  transition  of  BYU-Idaho  to  four-year  programs  to  avoid  delays  or  unnecessary  courses.  Upper  division  courses  will  be  added  to  the  curriculum  to  ensure  that  freshmen  entering  the  program  Fall  2002  can  graduate  after  Winter  semester  2006.

The  purpose  of  this  pre-professional  integrated  degree  is  to  prepare  students  to  think  physically  about  their  world,  and  to  apply  this  thinking  and  problem  solving  skills  to  a  wide  range  of  problems  and  settings.  We  believe  students  will  find  the  diversity  of  majors  and  interests  in  their  physics  courses  invigorating,  and  a  good  preparation  for  their  professional  careers. 

In  addition  to  its  majors  in  physics,  the  Physics  Department  teaches  a  wide  variety  of  exciting  general  education  courses  to  serve  students  in  any  major.  Many  physics  courses  also  support  requirements  in  a  wide  variety  of  other  majors.  The  variety  of  these  majors  ranges  from  Pre-medical  professions  with  biology  emphasis,  geology,  construction  management,  to  biology. 

Our  students  enjoy  learning  from  experienced  and  skillful  professors.  These  professors  make  use  of  lively  demonstrations  enhanced  with  teaching  aids  from  a  complete  array  of  equipment  and  facilities.  These  facilities  include  recently  remodeled,  refurbished,  and  expanded  classrooms  and  laboratories,  a  modern  weather  station,  the  ever-popular  planetarium,  and  astronomical  observatories  housing  an  11-inch  Cassegrain  telescope  and  a  24-inch  Cassegrain  telescope. 

Physics  courses  at  Brigham  Young  University-Idaho  are  offered  on  four  general  levels: 

 
GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES
To  fill  General  Education  Physical  Science  requirements,  most  students  take  classes  in  Fundamentals  of  Physics  (Ph  101),  Physical  Science  (PhS  100),  Physical  Science  for  Teachers  (PhS  110),  Astronomy  (Ph  127),  Weather  and  Climate  (Ph  137)  or  Descriptive  Acoustics  of  Music  and  Speech  (Ph  167).  Some  of  these  courses  include  lab  sessions  each  week.  These  courses  require  minimal  preparation  in  mathematics  and  are  each  one  semester  in  length.  Some  institutions  require  four  semester  hours  of  Physical  Science  that  include  a  lab  component.  This  equates  to  one  three-credit  hour  course  and  a  one  credit-hour  lab.  Non-Physics  majors  can  fill  this  requirement  by  taking  Ph  112,  Elementary  Physics  Lab,  in  conjunction  with  PhS  100,  Ph  101,  Ph  137  or  Ph  167.  In  addition,  Ph  128  in  conjunction  with  Astronomy  Ph  127  also  fulfills  this  requirement.  Students  may  enroll  in  GS.PS  230  Archeoastronomy  for  elective  credit.    This  course  does  not  qualify  for  general  education  credit.  CHECK  WITH  YOUR  ADVISOR  TO  ENSURE  THAT  YOU  ARE  ENROLLED  IN  THE  CORRECT  COURSE. 
 
TECHNICAL/INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE MAJORS
These  majors  take  Introductory  Applied  Physics  (Ph  105  and  106)  and  their  associated  labs  (Ph  107  and  108).  These  courses  require  extensive  use  of  Algebra  and  Trigonometry.  CHECK  WITH  YOUR  ADVISOR  TO  ENSURE  THAT  YOU  ARE  ENROLLED  IN  THE  CORRECT  COURSE. 
 
LIFE SCIENCE/PRE-MEDICINE, ARCHITECTURE MAJORS
These  majors  take  a  two-semester  General  Physics  course  (Ph  201,  202)  which  includes  a  lab  component.  This  course  utilizes  elementary  Calculus.  CHECK  WITH  YOUR  ADVISOR  TO  ENSURE  THAT  YOU  ARE  ENROLLED  IN  THE  CORRECT  COURSE. 


 
PHYSICS/CHEMISTRY/ENGINEERING/MATHEMATICS/COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJORS
This  level  consists  of  three  to  four  calculus-based  Principles  of  Physics  courses  (Ph  121,  123,  220,  309),  and  two  one-semester  labs  (Ph  150  &  Ph  250).  CHECK  WITH  YOUR  ADVISOR  TO  ENSURE  THAT  YOU  ARE  ENROLLED  IN  THE  CORRECT  COURSE.  Students  may  enroll  in  GS.PS  230  Archeoastronomy  for  elective  credit.  This  course  does  not  qualify  for  general  education  credit.  Continuing  students  should  note  that  the  numbering  of  several  courses  have  changed: 

      Old            New      Topic
PH  221      Ph  123      Waves,  Light  and  Thermodynamics
Ph  122      Ph  220      Electricity  and  Magnetism
Ph  222      Ph  309      Modern  Physics
Ph  214      Ph  150      Lab 

 
Program Description
 


B.S.  in Physics Education (870)
This degree provides the background necessary to receive a Physics Major certification in Secondary Education. Upon completion of State Certification, you will be able to teach physics and astronomy to high school students. In the description of courses below, "emphasis courses" refer to classes you will take from the education department.

General Education Requirements

For a complete listing of the General Education and University Requirements go to General Education


Major Requirements

We strongly recommend that you obtain your minor certification in Mathematics Education. If you do not, you will have to complete Math 112 and Math 113 to fulfill the prerequisites of the physics courses.
 Take all of these courses 

 PH 121
 PH 123
 PH 150
 PH 220
 PH 227
 PH 250
 PH 309
 PH 314
 PH 332
 PH 336
 PH 403
 PH 480

Sample Sequence of Courses

Consult with your advisor as you plan each semester.
 
B.S.  in Physics Education
First Semester
Religion2
American Institutions3
Basic Skills2
Mathematics5
Reading and Writing (English)3
Total Credits15
Second Semester
PH 1213
PH 1501
Religion2
Arts3
Elective2
Minor Courses4
Total Credits15
Third Semester
PH 1233
PH 2273
Religion2
Social Science3
Minor Courses4
Total Credits15
Fourth Semester
PH 2203
PH 2501
Religion2
Biological Science4
Minor Courses6
Total Credits16
Fifth Semester
PH 3093
PH 3143
PH 3323
Religion2
Minor Courses3
Emphasis Courses2
Total Credits16
Sixth Semester
PH 3362
Religion2
Reading and Writing (English)3
Minor Courses3
Emphasis Courses6
Total Credits16
Seventh Semester
PH 4032
PH 4803
Elective3
Emphasis Courses7
Total Credits15
Eighth Semester
Religion2
Emphasis Courses10
Total Credits12
 


B.S.  in Physics (770)
This major prepares students for medical school, law school, business school, and professions in technical journalism, technical writing or public relations. A student's choice of minor determines the specialty area the student is focusing in. Discuss this choice with your advisor.

Suggested Minors:
Pre-medical Professional: Chemistry (146) or Biology (143)
Pre-law: History (113), English (133) or Philosophy (124)
Business: Economics (149), Business Management (122), Business Management-Info Systems (144), Business Management Accounting (145)
Journalism/Technical Writing/Public Relations: Communications (132), English (133)


Minor Required

General Education Requirements

For a complete listing of the General Education and University Requirements go to General Education


Major Requirements

 Take all of these courses 

 MATH 110
 MATH 112
 MATH 113
 MATH 214
 PH 102
 PH 121
 PH 123
 PH 150
 PH 220
 PH 227
 PH 250
 PH 309
 PH 314
 PH 332
 PH 333
 PH 336
 PH 480
 PH 488

AND
      Take 1 Course      

      PH 401
      PH 402
      PH 403
      PH 404

Sample Sequence of Courses

Consult with your advisor as you plan each semester.
 
B.S.  in Physics
First Semester
MATH 1103
PH 1021
Religion2
Basic Skills2
Mathematics2
Reading and Writing (English)3
Elective3
Total Credits16
Second Semester
MATH 1124
PH 1213
PH 1501
Religion2
Elective2
Minor Courses3
Total Credits15
Third Semester
MATH 1134
PH 1233
PH 2273
Religion2
Arts3
Total Credits15
Fourth Semester
MATH 2143
PH 2203
PH 2501
Biological Science4
Minor Courses3
Total Credits14
Fifth Semester
PH 3093
PH 3143
PH 3323
Religion2
American Institutions3
Total Credits14
Sixth Semester
PH 3333
PH 3362
Religion2
Social Science3
Reading and Writing (English)3
Minor Courses3
Total Credits16
Seventh Semester
PH 4012
PH 4803
Religion2
Minor Courses6
Total Credits13
Eighth Semester
PH 4883
Religion2
Elective4
Minor Courses6
Total Credits15
 
Course Descriptions

PH 090W  (1-4:0:0)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
 
PH 101 Fundamentals of Physics (3:3:0)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Principles of classical and modern physics as they relate to current concepts of the physical environment.
 
PH 101L Fundamentals of Physics Lab (1:0:3)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Prerequisite: Concurrent Registration: PH 101, Competency with High School Algebra is assumed
This laboratory is designed to provide students with experience in making and analyzing measurements of the physical environment at a fundamental level. Must be taken concurrently with Fundamentals of Physics PH 101.
 
PH 102 Introduction to Physics (1:1:1)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
This class is designed for students majoring in physics. The class will give an overview of the subject matter of both classical and modern physics. It will introduce students to the scientific method. It will also describe the physics major options available at this and other institutions. In the class, students will learn about some of the frontiers of contemporary physics. This will make it possible for students to better choose their curriculum at BYU-Idaho and help to make future career decisions.
 
PH 105 Introductory Applied Physics I (3:3:0)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Prerequisite: Math 108 or Math 110 and Math 111 or strong trigonometry skills.
This course is the first semester of the algebra and trigonometry-based Applied Physics sequence. While this course satifies the physics requirement for most medical schools it does not specifically address preparation for the MCAT exams.
 
PH 105L Applied Physics Lab I (1:0:3)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
A three-hour per week physics lab course. Must be taken concurrently with PH 105. GE course introduces students to the basic principles and laws that govern motion and waves. It is designed to help students learn to think analytically in terms of these laws and principles. Teaches good problem solving skills and prepares for other courses in a pre-professional discipline.
 
PH 106 Introductory Applied Physics II (3:3:0)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Prerequisite: Physics 105
This course is the second semester of algebra and trigonometry based Applied Physics Sequence. Concurrent registration of PH 106L is strongly recommended.
 
PH 106L Applied Physics Lab II (1:0:3)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in PH 106.
A three-hour per week physics lab course to accompany Ph 106. Must be taken concurrently with PH 106.
 
PH 115 Pre-Medical Professional Physics I (4:3:4)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Prerequisite: Math 110 and Math 111 or High School Trig Math Level: Extensive use of college algebra, trigonometry.
A general course particularly designed for pre-medical students, but also appropriate for architecture, biology and GE students. It is designed to address the concepts and topics needed to prepare student for the MCAT and entrance into professional schools. The style of MCAT physics questions is addressed directly.
 
PH 116 Pre-Medical Professional Physics II (4:3:4)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Prerequisite: PH 115 or equivalent experience and permission of the instructor.
Second course in sequence of general physics particularly designed for pre-medical students, but also appropriate for architecture, biology and GE students. It is designed to address the concepts and topics needed to prepare students for the MCAT and entrance into professional schools. The style of MCAT physics questions is addressed directly.
 
PH 117 Descriptive Acoustics of Music and Speech (3:3:0)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Introductory acoustics course surveying the physical principles underlying the production and perception of sound, music and speech. Must be taken concurrently with Ph 117L
 
PH 117L Acoustics Lab (1:0:3)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
This lab addresses basic measurements, vibrations, wave properties, perception and measurement, and room properties. Emphasis is placed on the experience, reasoning, and observations that support understanding in the course.
 
PH 121 Principles of Physics I (3:5:0)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Prerequisite: Concurrent Registration or completion of Math 112. Math Level: Extensive use of College Algebra, Trigonometry, and Elementary Calculus.
Classical Mechanics with emphasis on combining intuition and past experience with mathematics to understand the fundamental laws of nature.
 
PH 123 Principles of Physics II (3:5:0)
Prerequisite: PH 121 or ME 204 Concurrent Registration or completion of Math 113 or Math 215
This course is the second semester of the Principles of Physics sequence. The course is designed for students majoring in physics, engineering, chemistry and mathematics. The course covers topics in waves, thermodynamics, and optics. These areas of study are important in a wide variety of engineering and scientific disciplines. For example, an understanding of wave properties is essential in various electrical engineering applications such as wireless communication as well as all aspects of acoustics. Thermodynamics has a variety of applications in engine design and heat transfer. Finally, principles of optics are involved in fiber-optic communication, instrument design, scanners, surveillance, etc.
 
PH 127 Descriptive Astronomy (3:3:0)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Prerequisite: Math level: High School Algebra. Must be taken concurrently with PH 127L
Astronomy is the study of the heavens and the Earth as a planet. Astronomy introduces students to the wonders of the heavens. Students learn the vocabulary and concepts of modern astronomy, understand its fundamental observations and theories, and appreciate how scientists discover this information. Occasional use is made of the planetarium and observatory.
 
PH 127L Astronomy Lab (1:0:3)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Prerequisite: Math level: Extensive use of High School Algebra. Must be taken concurrently with PH 127.
This laboratory is designed to give the student experience in observing and analyzing basic astronomical phenomena.
 
PH 150 Beginning Physics Lab (1:0:3)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Physics 121.
This General Education course introduces students to the basics of experimental physics. It is designed to help students learn to think analytically and to gain experience in doing common experiments in physics. It also teaches students how to analyze data and numerically model common physics problems.
 
PH 220 Principles of Physics III (3:5:0)
Prerequisite: Physics 121 or ME 204 (Dynamics) Concurrent Registration or completion of Math 113 or Math 215. Math Level: Extensive use of College Algebra, Trigonometry, and single and multi-variable Calculus.
Third of a four semester sequence. Principles of Electricity and Magnetism with emphasis on combining intuition and past experience with mathematics to understand the laws of electricity and magnetism.
 
PH 250 Intermediate Physics Laboratory for Physics and Physical Science (1:0:3)
Prerequisite: Math 112, Physics 150. Concurrent Registration or completion of Physics 220. Math Level: Extensive use of college algebra, trigonometry, and elementary calculus.
Intermediate Physics Laboratory for Physics and Physical Science Teaching Majors. Experimental investigations into electricity and magnetism and optics.
 
PH 309 Modern Physics (3:5:0)
Prerequisite: Math 113 or Math 215 Physics 121, 123 Concurrent Registration:(or completion of) PH 220 Math Level: Extensive use of college algebra, trigonometry, and elementary calculus.
Fourth of the principles of Physics sequence. Introductory course dealing with the fundamental topics of modern physics, including special relativity, elementary quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, and some particle physics.
 
PH 311 Physics By Inquiry I (3:2:3)
Prerequisite: Junior level standing or permission of the instructor.
This hands-on course covers selected topics in physics with emphasis on depth-of-understanding and developing skills essential to the scientific process. The skills include observation, interpretation, reasoning, generalizing, predicting, questioning and related communication skills. It provides an experience in education by inquiry, and background for teaching as a process of inquiry.
 
PH 314 History/Philosophy of Science (3:3:0)
Fullfills GE Letters requirement.
Prerequisite: Completion of Physical Science GE class and its associated lab. Math Level: Some use of high school algebra I
Discusses the philosophical assumptions of modern science, criteria for theory selection and traces their historical development. Describes the historical development of basic ideas in science.
 
PH 332 Classical Mechanics (3:3:0)
Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent registration in Math 316 or 371
This is a junior level course applying Newton's laws of motion in a wide variety of applications.
 
PH 333 Electricity and Magnetism I (3:3:0)
Prerequisite: Physics 220 Math 316 or Math 371
This is a junior level course which covers electromagnetic theory.
 
PH 336 Advanced Physics Lab (2:1:5)
Prerequisite: Physics 250 Completion of or current enrollment in PH 332
This course introduces students to the basics of computer interfacing. It is designed to teach students the limitations and advantages of using computers to collect and analyze experimental data. It will also teach the basic electronics and programing needed to interface an experiment to a computer.
 
PH 372 Thermal and Statistical Physics (3:3:0)
Prerequisite: Physics 220 Math 316 or 371
This is a junior level course covering classical thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
 
PH 373 Electricity and Magnetism II (3:3:0)
Prerequisite: Physics 333 Math 316 or Math 371
This is a junior level course which covers the second half of electromagnetic theory.
 
PH 398R Physics Internship (2:0:0)
Prerequisite: Junior Standing and Instructor Permission
A professional internship providing the student with job experience in a physics-related field.
 
PH 403 Methods of Physics Teaching (2:2:0)
Prerequisite: PH 309 and PH 314
Methods and philosophy of teaching physics principles in a high school setting.
 
PH 405 Numerical Modeling in Physics (2:1:3)
Prerequisite: PH 220, PH 309, PH 336
A lab course that applies numerical modeling and methods to a variety of modern topics in physics.
 
PH 411 Physics By Inquiry II (2:1:3)
Prerequisite: Ph 311
This hands-on course continues coverage in selected topics in physics with emphasis on depth-of-understanding and developing skills esential to the scientific process. These skills include observation, interpretation, reasoning, generalizing predicting, questioning and related communication skills. It provides an experience in education by inquiry and background for teaching as a process of inquiry. Opportunity may exist to practice appropriate questioning skills.
 
PH 433 Quantum Mechanics (3:3:0)
Prerequisite: Physics 309 Math 316 or 371
This is a senior level course which covers an introduction to the theory of quantum mechanics.
 
PH 473 Atomic and Solid State Physics (3:3:0)
Prerequisite: Physics 433
This is a senior level course which covers applications of the theory of quantum mechanics to atomic and solid state physics topics.
 
PH 480 Origin of an Inhabited Planet (3:3:0)
Prerequisite: PH 309, PH 332, PH 333, PH 336
Describes the origin of the universe, the Solar System, and Earth as reconstructed by modern science as a review the physics curriculum.
 
PH 488 Senior Thesis I (3:3:0)
Prerequisite: Ph 333, 433
This is a research based capstone course.
 
PH.S 100 Physical Science (3:3:0)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Prerequisite: Concurrent registration with PH.S 100L
This course is designed to be a survey class covering all of physical science. Physical science includes various subjects in the disciplines of physics, chemistry, astronomy, meteorology, and geology. The course is designed for students majoring in non-scientific disciplines as part of their General Education curriculum. The course will give students a background in science that will help them better appreciate and understand the technological advances that are transforming society.
 
PH.S 100L Physical Science Laboratory (1:0:3)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Prerequisite: Concurrent registration with PH.S 100.
This course consists of a series of twenty-six laboratory assignments. The assignments are drawn from a variety of topics related to physical science. Students will have an opportunity to gain “hands-on” experience applying some of the concepts learned in Ph.S 100. For example, students will make measurements of objects in motion and describe the motion in terms of displacement, velocity, and acceleration. Students will investigate electrical circuits and learn about the terminology used to describe the flow of electricity. In one of the experiments, students will determine the speed of sound and learn about properties of waves including resonance and harmonics. In all of the assignments, students will learn about the process of collecting, analyzing, and presenting data. Microsoft Excel will be used throughout the course for the purposes of data analysis and presentation. Many of the skills developed in this course will be applicable to a variety of careers unrelated to science.
 
PH.S 110  (4:3:3)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Prerequisite: Elementary Education Major Math Level: Moderate use of high school algebra