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Physics Courses at OSSM
General Physics
Mechanics
Electricity & Magnetism
Thermal Physics, Waves & Optics
Modern Physics I
Modern Physics II
Electronics
Astronomy
Theoretical Physics
Directed Study
Research Mentorship
One semester (1/2 unit of credit). This course introduces the students to the basic concepts of physics (e.g. mechanics, and electricity and magnetism) and lays the foundation for the upper level physics courses. The course may also include such topics as properties of matter, heat, sound, light, atomic and nuclear physics, and relativity. Laboratory is included.
One semester (1/2 unit of credit). This course presents a thorough calculus-based treatment of various topics in mechanics such as one- and two-dimensional motion, Newton's laws, work and energy, impulse and momentum, rotational motion, mechanics of a rigid body, periodic motion and waves. The lectures stress a quantitative approach and regular laboratory sessions introduce the students to experimental procedures. Prerequisites: Beginning knowledge of Calculus and General Physics or the equivalent.
One semester (1/2 unit of credit). This course presents a calculus-based coverage of various topics in electricity and magnetism such as Coulomb's law, electric field, electric potential, capacitance, resistance, current, DC circuits, magnetic fields and magnetic forces and inductance. Laboratory is included. Prerequisites: Beginning knowledge of Calculus and Mechanics or the equivalent. A student concurrently enrolled in Mechanics may, with permission of the instructor, take this course.
One semester (1/2 unit of credit). This course will cover the topics of mechanics and thermal properties of matter, as well as of waves and optics. Various topics will be presented such as elasticity of solids, Bernoulli's equation of fluids, thermal equilibrium and thermal expansion of matter, heat and heat transfer, equations of state, ideal gases, laws of thermodynamics, molecular structure of matter, phenomena of sound, nature of light, simple geometrical optics, interference and diffraction of light. Laboratory is included. Prerequisites: Beginning knowledge of Calculus and General Physics or the equivalent.
One semester (1/2 unit of credit). This course covers various topics including postulates of special relativity, four-dimensional space, Lorentz transformation, relativistic momentum and energy, kinetic theory of matter, concept of quantization, nuclear atom, electron wave and introduction of Schrodinger equation. Prerequisites: Calculus I & II, Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism.
One semester (1/2 unit of credit). In this course, the concepts and methods of modern physics are applied in the study of different fields, such as atomic physics, molecular structure, solid state physics, nuclear physics and particle physics. Student participation is an integral part of the course. While the emphasis is on the conceptual understanding of modern physics, some mathematical methods are introduced. Prerequisites: Modern Physics I and Calculus II.
One semester (1/2 unit of credit). This course presents various topics in electronics such as pn-junction theory, semiconductor diodes, bipolar junction transistors, field effect transistors, transistor circuits, small-signal amplifiers, operational amplifiers, oscillator circuits, and power supplies. Students will be required to build and test their own designs. A number of major design projects will be completed by the end of the semester. Prerequisites: Electricity and Magnetism.
One semester (1/2 unit of credit). Astronomy is offered to students who have completed the required courses in physics. This course presents a descriptive overview of modern astronomy, as well as a quantitative coverage of some topics. The topics include constellations, motion of the sun, moon and planets, birth of cosmological models, birth of astrophysics, spectroscopy, radiation, telescopes, evolution of the universe, interstellar matter, galaxies and cosmic evolution. Prerequisites: Beginning knowledge of Calculus, Mechanics, and Electricity and Magnetism.
One semester (1/2 unit of credit). The topics presented in this course include the physical interpretation of mathematical solutions, variational calculus, the Lagrangian formulation of classical mechanics, an introduction to general relativity and black holes, and an introduction to quantum mechanics based on Feynman’s sum-over-paths method. Additional advanced material in the areas of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum field theory may be covered at the discretion of the instructor. Prerequisites: Calculus I and II, Mechanics, and Electricity and Magnetism.
One semester (1/2 unit of credit). This course is designed to allow students to pursue individual research interests in physics. Work will be performed under the supervision of a faculty member and a final oral presentation may be required. By permission of the instructor.
One semester (1/4 unit of credit). The student will collaborate with a scientist in a research project. The scope of the project will be agreed upon in advance and the student's progress will be monitored closely by a faculty member in consultation with the research scientist. A final report and/or an oral presentation will be required. By permission of the Mentorship Coordinator.