For information on tuition rates, methods of payment and other cost-related aspects of taking courses at MSU, see the relevant links on the Student Accounts Office website (http://www.ctlr.msu.edu/COStudentAccounts/).
Summer and Winter Online Introductory Physics Courses
The Department of Physics offers five online classes during the summer and winter breaks. The content and structure are similar to standard classes, but the lectures are in the form of recorded videos and interactive online recitations. All exams are proctored, both on campus and elsewhere, and are treated exactly the same – in terms of transcript and transferring credits to other schools – as their counterparts during the regular semester.
Summer and winter classes differ from other semesters in the number of mid-term exams: Two for summer courses and one for winter courses. All courses have a final exam. The labs associated with the courses are separate courses; these are not offered online, only during the fall and spring semesters and on campus in the summer semester.
Lecture videos may be viewed at any time. Both recitation and office hours are online and interactive. All homework assignments are completed and submitted online. Exams may be taken either at UB, or at scheduled times at testing centers at colleges and universities elsewhere.
Course Descriptions
- PHY 100: Introduction to Physics. Students who struggle with College Physics (algebra-based) and General Physics (calculus-based) typically have difficulty with the mathematics portion and/or applying math to physics concepts. This course offers a preparation in math and application of math to physics problems, skills critical to success in introductory physics courses. This course is intended to places struggling students on an even playing field with their peers who possess stronger math backgrounds. The algebra portion is tested, and optional material on calculus and its application to physics problems is included, though not tested on, with the intention of providing thorough assistance to students who will take calculus-based General Physics.
- PHY 101:College Physics I. This algebra-based course is required by health-related majors and some science and other programs (not including Physics). It covers mechanics, heat, waves, and sound.
- PHY 102: College Physics II. This course is the second section of College Physics I, also required by health related majors and some science and other programs. It covers electricity and magnetism, light, optics, and modern physics.
- PHY 107: General Physics I. Sometimes referred to as “University Physics” in other universities, PHY 107 is typically required by physics and engineering programs. This calculus-based course covers kinematics, Newton’s laws, energy, momentum, rotational motion, and oscillations.
- PHY 108: General Physics II. This course is the second section of General Physics I, also typically required by physics and engineering programs. It covers the electric field, Gauss’s law, electric potential, capacitance, DC circuits, RC circuits, magnetic field, Faraday’s law, inductance, LR circuits, AC circuits, and Maxwell’s equations.
Contact Information
- General course registration:[email protected]
- Late registration:[email protected]
- All other questions:[email protected]
Online/Virtual Courses
The MSU Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a series of virtual introductory physics courses, which fulfill regular degree requirements both at MSU and at other secondary and post-secondary institutions.
In addition to standard algebra-based and calculus-based physics courses, there are “Bridging” courses available. These upgrade a previously-taken algebra-based physics course to the corresponding calculus-based physics course while minimizing duplication in course content (since the underlying concepts will be familiar from the earlier course) and reducing the number of credit hours needed (as compared with retaking the complete course).
The online format allows for additional flexibility in personal scheduling. The courses which are offered are as follows:
| Algebra-Based | Bridging Courses | Calculus-Based | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Semester: Mechanics | PHY 231C 3 credits |
PHY 233B 2 credits |
PHY 183B 4 credits |
| 2nd Semester: Electricity and Magnetism | PHY 232C 3 credits |
PHY 234B 2 credits |
PHY 184B 4 credits |
| Modern Physics and Thermodynamics | PHY 215B 3 credits |
When can I take it?
These courses can be taken at different times during the academic year:
In particular, this means that the algebra-based sequence can be completed during a single summer term.
What do these courses involve?
You can take these courses from anywhere in the world, and you can take them without ever coming to campus. The online physics courses offer both online course materials and online homework, based on the LON-CAPA system. There are also typically four exams in the regular full semester courses: three midterms and a final. The intensive half-semester summer courses may vary from this pattern, with either one midterm and one final or three to four shorter exams. These are only general practices; as always, consult a course’s own documentation for details during a given session (as examples, you can check out the syllabi for PHY231C and PHY232C intensive non-calculus-based introductory physics courses).
If you are living far from our campus or traveling with an MSU-sponsored program (like Study Abroad), you need to arrange for proctoring well in advance. If you are living close to campus, you can simply take the exams in an on-campus venue.
What costs are involved?
For information on tuition rates, methods of payment and other cost-related aspects of taking courses at MSU, see the relevant links on the Student Accounts Office website (http://www.ctlr.msu.edu/COStudentAccounts/).
Can I take these even if I am not an MSU-student?
You can take these courses as a life-long learner. See https://www.reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/EnrReg/LifelongEducation.aspx for details. Registration as a life-long learner is easy. You will be required, however, to pay a slightly higher tuition. You can use the tuition calculator at http://ctlr.msu.edu/COStudentAccounts/TuitionCalculatorFall.aspx to figure out cost, using “lifelong education student-undergraduate” as “Your level.”
- If you are a high school student, the courses qualify for dual-enrollment. See https://admissions.msu.edu/admission/freshmen_dualenrollment.asp for information about this program.
- If you are a teacher, the courses may qualify for Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Talk to us to explore options!
- If you are a student from another college or university, credits will likely transfer. See https://transfer.msu.edu/ to figure out course equivalencies.
Questions?
Contact Jennifer Roberts for questions or concerns.
