The one physics and astrophysics course we offer at PTI is PHY121, an introductory class that provides a modern view of our universe as well as some basic physics, and skills to carry out laboratory work. No physics background is required to take this class, but we do have the pre-requisite of algebra (MAT135 or equivalent), which we build on and apply to solve physics problems. This is one of the few courses offered in PTI that fulfill the lab course requirements.

 

 

PHY121: Astronomy

PHY121 is designed to acquaint students with modern astronomy, the physics necessary to understand it, and the techniques and discipline needed to carry out laboratory work. This course meets the laboratory course requirement for the Associate's degree. The class consists of one lecture plus one lab per week and covers three topics: Planets and Life, Stars, and Galaxies and the Universe. Students learn how the universe evolved after its origin in the Big Bang to develop complicated structures (galaxies), which host stars and planets such as the Earth. Lab classes include observations and analysis of sunspot motions, measurements of mass, density, and the Earth's gravitational acceleration, and simulations with globes and flashlights of eclipses and lunar phases. Algebra at the level of MAT135 or equivalent is required. Students derive and use equations to analyze physical quantities with units and dimensions. They also learn, by practicing problem solving and carrying out lab work, to identify the main concepts in complex physics problems and carry out calculations to verify and understand hypotheses. The course emphasizes how we know what we know about the Universe and discusses new concepts and discoveries in this rapidly-moving field.