Overview
PHYS 202: Introductory Physics III is an algebra-based course that introduces the concepts of magnetism, optics, and atomic theory.
Outline
PHYS 202 includes the following seven units:
- Unit 1 – Magnetism
- Unit 2 – Electromagnetic Induction
- Unit 3 – Electromagnetic Waves
- Unit 4 – Light: Geometrical Optics
- Unit 5 – The Wave Nature of Light
- Unit 6 – Optical Instruments
- Unit 7 – Early Quantum Theory and Models of the Atom
PHYS 202 also includes a compulsory lab component. You will conduct six hands-on experiments on the following topics:
- Lab 1 – Basic Electricity and Graphing
- Lab 2 – Magnetic Fields of Solenoids
- Lab 3 – Earth’s Magnetic Field
- Lab 4 – Geometric Optics
- Lab 5 – Polarization of Light
- Lab 6 – Wave Optics
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to
- describe the magnetic field generated around a current-carrying wire and explain the interaction between an external magnetic field and an electric current or a moving point charge.
- outline Lenz’s law and Faraday’s law of induction and use them to solve problems involving induced electromotive force.
- apply the principle of magnetic induction to describe the operation of electric generators, motors, and transformers.
- describe the properties of an electromagnetic wave and calculate transported energy.
- use the laws of reflection and refraction of light rays to locate and describe images formed by mirrors and thin lenses.
- apply geometrical optics to study various optical systems, such as telescopes, microscopes, the human eye, and corrective lenses.
- apply the wave nature of light to explain polarization and to calculate interference patterns produced by double slits, diffraction gratings, and thin films.
- discuss the concept of wave-particle duality and solve problems involving the de Broglie wave and the photoelectric effect.
- describe Bohr’s model of the atom and use it to calculate the energy levels of a single electron and the resulting spectrum lines.
- demonstrate skills related to performing simple experiments in magnetism and optics, including experimental setup, data acquisition, data analysis, and communication of scientific results.
Evaluation
To receive credit for PHYS 202, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent), a grade of at least 50 percent on the final examination, and a composite grade of at least 50 percent on the lab reports.
The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Lab reports | 20% |
| Assignment 1 | 10% |
| Assignment 2 | 10% |
| Midterm exam | 20% |
| Final exam | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
The midterm and final examinations for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Note: Your transcripts will not be issued until Athabasca University has received your returned Home Lab Kit.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Giancoli, D. C. (2014). Physics: Principles with applications (7th ed.). Pearson.
Lab materials
For the lab component of the course, the essential tools and equipment you will need can be borrowed from the Athabasca University Science Lab as a Home Lab Kit, which you can request online. You are expected to provide additional common household materials.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the PHYS 202 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) on the exam.
| Activity | Weight |
| Challenge exam | 100% |
| Total | 100% |
Note: To challenge the course for credit, you must qualify for a transfer of lab credit.
Challenge for credit course registration form