Physics
Full-Time FacultyDr. E. Daniel Akpanumoh
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Physics is a natural science, concerned with the study of matter and its motion through spacetime and all that derives from these, such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the world and universe behave. See the Wikipedia article for an introduction to this extensive discipline.
Purpose Statement
The purpose of Physics Discipline at HCC is to offer first and second year physics courses to students seeking admissions to various medical related fields, technology and engineering fields; and those seeking to satisfy lab based science courses to meet their respective major or core-curriculum requirements for academic advancement, and career development in our diverse communities. This is accomplished by using the best delivery methods, as well as state–of-the-art technologies in our lectures and laboratory exercises; and well qualified faculty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tutoring
Tutoring Schedule for Chemistry, Engineering, Geology, and Physics
AskOnline (available 24/7)
Current News
Physics Career Information
Geophysical Society of Houston
Astrophysics
NASA Science Astrophysics
Goddard Space Flight Center Astrophysics Science Division
NASA Cosmicopia Astrophysics Basics
Scholarship & Research Opportunities
STEM Scholarships and Internships - HCCS Main Page
"As Houston area attracts more Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)-based corporations, there is an increased need for a well-trained STEM workforce. Houston Community College (HCC) has developed a comprehensive Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) focusing on improvement of student learning, engagement, and success in the sciences. To complement the plan, STEM faculty at HCC have written multi-million dollar grant proposals to purchase up-to-date science and technology equipment, and offer scholarships and research opportunities to the students. Faculty have also developed articulation agreements with other colleges and universities so that STEM students can successfully continue with their education after they leave HCC classrooms."
UST-HCC STEM & Articulation Grant Program
UST/HCC STEM Scholars & Articulation Program Supported by: US Dept. of Education Grant
The Department of Education has awarded Houston Community College and the University of St. Thomas a five-year, $5.9 million grant for Hispanic and other low-income transfer students who are interested in pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Goals of the grant include upgrading the science labs throughout the HCC system to align with UST STEM labs and to create a new year-round UST/HCC undergraduate STEM research program involving system-wide full-time and part-time HCC faculty and students.
Application and Program Information
Course Descriptions
Astronomy Courses
PHYS 1305: Physics for Health Sciences
Prerequisite: MATH 0312
Credit: 3 (2 lecture, 2 lab)
Topics include physical mechanics applied to the skeletal frame, gravity and blood circulation, friction at body joints, hydrostatic change of blood pressure, heat transfer in humans, thermodynamics of biological systems, principles of electromagnetic radiation with respect to the inner body, and electrical hazards in patient care areas. Sample Course Outline
PHYS 1306: Current Topics in Physics
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
Non-science majors are introduced to solar power, nuclear fission, atomic fission power plants, superconductivity, liquid helium relativity, elementary particles and symmetry, electromagnetic radiation, states of matter, the basic forces in nature, and the dual nature of light.
PHYS 1401: College Physics I
Prerequisite: MATH 1314 and MATH 1316
Credit: 4 (3 lecture, 3 lab)
A non-calculus based course. Topics include forces and motion, work and energy, momentum, fluid motion, thermal properties of matter and laws of thermodynamics. Sample Course Outline
| Conservation of Energy and Momentum: "Newton's Cradle" |
PHYS 1402: College Physics II
Prerequisite: PHYS 1401
Credit: 4 (3 lecture, 3 lab)
Second semester of college physics. Topics include wave motion, sound, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic induction, geometrical and wave optics, and modern physics. Sample Course Outline
| Standing Wave in a Stationary Medium |
PHYS 2325: University Physics I (Calculus-Based Physics I)
Formerly General Technical Physics I
Prerequisite: MATH 2413. (Calculus I)
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
A calculus-based physics course designed specifically for chemistry, physics and engineering majors. Topics include principles of mechanics, sound, wave phenomena, kinetic theory of gases, fluid flow, and thermal physics. Sample Course Outline
PHYS 2326: University Physics II (Calculus-Based Physics II)
Formerly General Technical Physics II
Prerequisite: PHYS 2325 and MATH 2413
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
A second semester calculus-based physics course. Topics include principles of electricity and magnetism, optics, electromagnetic waves, relativity, and introductory quantum theory. Sample Course Outline
PHYS 2125: University Physics Laboratory I
Formerly Technical Physics Laboratory I
Prerequisite/Co-requisite: PHYS 2325
Credit: 1 (3 lab)
For science and engineering majors. Selected experiments in technical physics. Sample Course Outline
PHYS 2126: University Physics Laboratory II
Formerly Technical Physics Laboratory II
Prerequisite/Co-requisite: PHYS 2326
Credit: 1 (3 lab)
For science and engineering majors. Selected experiments in technical physics. Sample Course Outline