Introductory Courses
From WPI PhysicsWiki
The Elementary Physics Sequence
The elementary physics sequence at WPI encompasses the subject areas of classical mechanics (PH 1110/PH 1111), electricity and magnetism (PH 1120/ PH 1121), 20th century physics (PH 1130), and oscillation and wave phenomena (PH 1140). The sequence is designed to be taken either in the pattern PH 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, or PH 1111, 1121, 1130, 1140, although other orderings are possible, depending on special circumstances.
The first two courses in this sequence are offered in two versions because of the diversity of backgrounds and preparation of entering students. PH 1111 and PH 1121 are aimed primarily at freshmen with a solid background in the sciences and in mathematics, including calculus. In particular, students in PH 1111 and PH 1121 should be able to differentiate and integrate elementary trigonometric and polynomial functions, and to interpret these operations in graphical form. PH 1110 and PH 1120 are taught at a mathematically less demanding level and are designed for students concurrently beginning their study of calculus, having had little or no college-level calculus preparation in high school.
The courses in classical mechanics and electricity and magnetism are regarded as essential preparation for many fundamental engineering courses as well as for further work in physics.PH 1130 gives a first introduction to 20th century physics: the theory of relativity, quantum physics, nuclear physics and elementary particles. It is designed to provide a context for the appreciation of present-day advances in physics and high-technology applications. PH 1140 deals in depth with oscillations and waves. Engineering applications of this subject reach all the way from LC circuits and electromagnetic wave propagation in electrical engineering to the vibrations of large scale structures such as machinery and highway bridges in mechanical engineering and civil engineering.
