Physical Science Undergraduate Courses

Some courses may not be offered every year. Check with the college or department office for current information about when specific courses are offered.  

For course syllabi, see the departmental website.

PHS  101 PHYSICAL SCIENCE IN EVERYDAY LIFE       (3)

Physical science concepts encountered daily: motions of the sun, earth, and moon; motions and forces; electricity; heat and the conservation of energy; the nature of matter. Corequisite: PHS 101L SAS

PHS  101L PHYSICAL SCI IN EVERYDAY LIFE LAB      (1)

Corequisite: must be taken concurrently with PHS 101. LAB

PHS  199 MODULAR LEARNING EXPERIENCE     (1-3)

Foundations of intellectual inquiry.  In-depth study of a substantive problem.  Letter grade only.  May be repeated for up to 6 hours of credit.

PHS  300 ISSUES/SCI,TECH&SOC       (3)

PHS  300W ISSUES IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY       (3)

Studies of current issues that involve the impact of science and technology on society. Relevant science concepts explored. This course fulfills NAU's junior-level writing requirement. Prerequisite: 3 hours of PHY-Physics or CHM-Chemistry or BIO-Biology or GLG-Geology or AST-Astronomy  coursework JWRT

PHS  313 TWENTIETH-CENTURY REVOLUTIONS IN PHYSICS       (3)

Surveys the dramatic discoveries of the twentieth century and their theoretical interpretations. Prerequisite: MAT 110 or MAT 125 or MAT 125H

PHS  440 INSTRUCTIONAL EXPERIENCES IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE       (2)

Designing and carrying out lab instruction, lecture demonstrations, and other instructional activities under faculty supervision and guidance. Prerequisite: Admission to Physical Science (BS) or Phys Sci Middle School (BS) or Physical Sci Physics (BS) or Physical Sci Sec School (BS) or Physical Science (MINOR) or Phys Sci for Sec Ed (MINOR)

PHS  485 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH     (1-6)

Original research under the supervision of a research adviser. Letter grade or pass-fail.  May be repeated for up to 6 units of credit.  Department consent required.

PHS  497 INDEPENDENT STUDY     (1-6)

Individualized approach to selected topics by guided reading and critical evaluation. Letter grade or pass-fail.  Department consent required.

PHS  498C SENIOR SEMINAR     (1-3)

Integrates theory and practice, with emphasis on historical, contemporary, and future issues. CAP