Physics

Explore the UConn Physics website for departmental information. Course descriptions below correspond to the UConn undergraduate directory of courses.

PHYS 1201Q: General Physics I

Four credits ($200). Offered Fall, Spring, or Full-year.

A non-calculus based course introducing the laws of force and motion applied to mechanical phenomena. Concepts such as work, mechanical energy, linear and angular momentum, and energy conservation are explained. The laboratory offers fundamental training in precise measurements.

Eligibility Guidelines: Successful completion of high school chemistry is recommended.

PHYS 1202Q: General Physics II

Four credits ($200). Offered Fall, Spring, or Full-year.

A non-calculus based course introducing the principles governing electromagnetic phenomena, including electromagnetic radiation and waves and electric circuits. The laboratory offers fundamental training in precise measurements.

Eligibility Guidelines: Successful completion of pre-calculus or introductory calculus is recommended. A student must pass PHYS 1201Q with a grade of a “C” or higher to continue on to PHYS 1202Q.

PHYS 1401Q: General Physics with Calculus I

Four credits ($200). Offered Fall, Spring, or Full-year.

Quantitative study of the basic facts and principles of physics with an emphasis on mechanical phenomena. Concepts such as work, mechanical energy, linear and angular momentum, and energy conservation are explained. The laboratory offers fundamental training in physical measurements. Recommended for non-engineering students who desire to have a calculus-based physics sequence. It is also recommended for science majors whom a one year introductory physics course is adequate.

Eligibility Guidelines: Successful completion of pre-calculus or introductory calculus is recommended. May be taken for not more than two credits with the permission of the instructor, by students who have passed PHYS1201Q.

PHYS 1402Q: General Physics with Calculus II

Four credits ($200). Offered Fall, Spring, or Full-year.

Quantitative study of the basic facts and principles of physics with an emphasis on electromagnetic phenomena, including electromagnetic radiation and waves and electric circuits. The laboratory offers fundamental training in physical measurements. Recommended for non-engineering students who desire to have a calculus-based physics sequence. It is also recommended for science majors for whom a one year introductory physics course is adequate.

Eligibility Guidelines: Successful completion of pre-calculus or introductory calculus is recommended. A student must pass PHYS1401Q with a grade of a “C” or higher to continue on to PHYS 1402Q. May be taken for not more than two credits with the permission of the instructor, by students who have passed PHYS1202Q.

Instructor Certification Requirements:

The minimum degree requirement for teachers wishing to teach UConn ECE physics courses is a Bachelor’s degree in physics with at least 3.0 GPA in the basic calculus level physics course, an overall 2.5 GPA for all physics courses on the transcript, plus two years teaching experience at the high school level. Faculty should have a calculus background. Candidates with a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in physics will be considered without the two-year teaching experience requirement.

Instructor Resources:

Physics 1201Q Sample Syllabus (PDF)
Physics 1202Q Sample Syllabus (PDF)
Physics 1401Q Sample Syllabus (PDF)

Note: The University’s Physics Department will provide exit exams.