2022-2023 Course Catalog – Science: Physics Emphasis
Science: Physics Emphasis
CL College Level
CP College Prep
DC Dual Credit
XC Exploratory Course
Students will be placed in the appropriate physics level based on their math enrollment. Juniors may wish to delay taking physics until their senior year in order to build their math abilities.
For students who have no credits in General Physics, a comprehensive physics test, covering the subject matter of the two semesters of General Physics at the Academy, will be given to those students attempting to place out of the lecture portion of the course. This test will include questions to satisfy the Indiana physics standards and additional questions to satisfy the higher expectations of the Academy. The test will be given before classes start in the fall and may be taken only once.
There are two possible outcomes of this test:
- The student does not pass the exam, and thus is assigned to a physics course as the Academy math placement test dictates.
- The student does pass the exam, and thus can –
- elect to not place out and thus take the General Physics course and that earned grade will appear on the transcript
- use the spare credit to take another Academy course. If this path is chosen, they will be required to take and pass both semesters of the lab portion of the General Physics course
- take AP Physics I
- take AP Physics C (if the student is concurrently enrolled in Calculus BC)
Passing this comprehensive physics placement test (upon completion of the laboratory requirement), or a higher-level class, will satisfy a student’s survey physics course requirement for their Indiana Academy diploma.
SCI03101/03102
Physics I: General Physics (DC)
Prerequisite: Fall: Algebra II
Spring: Successful completion of first semester General Physics or permission of Science Division Chair.
Co-requisite: Precalculus 1, 2 (MAT03101/03102) or higher and Physics I: General Physics Lab (SCI3101L/3102L)
Credit: 1.5 credits per semester
Offered: Fall/Spring Sequence
General Physics I-II is a high school-level course which provides an introduction to the basic principles of physics. Topics include motion, force, energy, heat and thermodynamics, wave motion, sound, light, electricity and magnetism and, as time allows, topics in modern physics. A basic knowledge of algebra and geometry is required for this course. Mathematics in the course serves as a tool to define and describe physical relationships and the logical progression of ideas. The lab portion of the course models the scientific process, and gives students hands on experience in dealing with many of the concepts covered in the course.
* Ball State University offers 3 college credit hours in PHYC 100 to students who complete this Academy course. Refer to the Dual Credit section for details on enrollment and fees.
SCI03111/03112
AP Physics I (DC)
Prerequisite: Precalculus and math placement test score or permission of instructor or co-requisite enrollment in Academy Precalculus for AP.
Co-requisite: AP Physics I Lab (SCI3111L/3112L)
Credit: 1.5 credits per semester
Offered: Fall/Spring Sequence
AP Physics I proceeds at an accelerated pace and provides a physical introduction to the main principles of physics, which include Newtonian mechanics, oscillations and sound, electricity and magnetism, kinetic theory and thermodynamics, fluids, optics and modern physics. Emphasis will be given to linear and rotational applications to kinematics, forces, and momentum, as well as energy and power, gravitation, harmonic motion, and introductory electric circuits. Knowledge of geometry, algebra and some trigonometry is required for this course. Laboratory investigations emphasize concepts and inquire in order to develop proficiency in problem solving and in the application of fundamental principles to a wide variety of situations. This course is intended for those students whose career goals include life or earth science, pre-medicine, as well as other fields not directly related to science. Students will prepare for and are encourage to take the AP Physics I exam in May.
* Ball State University offers 4 college credit hours in PHYC 110 to students who complete this Academy course. Refer to the Dual Credit section for details on enrollment and fees.
SCI03113/03114
AP Physics II (DC)
Prerequisite: AP Physics I or permission of the instructor
Co-requisite: AP Physics II Lab (SCI3113L/3114L)
Credit: 1.5 credits per semester
Offered: Fall/Spring Sequence
AP Physics II builds upon what was learned in AP Physics I, and will emphasize fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics and kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics, electric circuits with capacitors, magnets and electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and various topics in modern physics. Knowledge of geometry, algebra and some trigonometry is required for this course. Laboratory investigations emphasize concepts and inquiry in order to develop proficiency in problem solving and in the application of fundamental principles to a wide variety of situations. This course is intended for those student whose career goals include life or earth science, pre-medicine, as well as other fields not directly related to science. Student will prepare for and are encouraged to take the AP Physics II exam in May.
* Ball State University offers 4 college credit hours in PHYC 112 to students who complete this Academy course. Refer to the Dual Credit section for details on enrollment and fees.
SCI04102/04103
AP Physics C (DC)
Prerequisite: Fall: Completion of a General Physics course and/or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus BC or permission of the Science Division Chair
Spring: Successful completion of first semester AP Physics C.
Co-requisite: AP Physics C Lab (SCI4102L/4103L) or permission of instructor.
Credit: 1.5 credits per semester
Offered: Fall/Spring Sequence
This calculus-based physics course forms the first part of the college sequence, normally extending over two or three semesters. Linear and Rotational Mechanics, Wave Motion, and Heat for the first semester, and Electricity, Magnetism, Optics and Thermodynamics for the second semester. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems with an emphasis on analysis in both the laboratory and classroom. Calculus is used freely in formulating principles and in solving problems. This course serves as the foundation for students whose career goals include the physical sciences or engineering, but has many applications to geo-physics, bio-physics and other interdisciplinary fields. Students will prepare for and are strongly encouraged to take both the College Board AP Physics C: Mechanics exam and the College Board AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism Exam in May.
* Ball State University offers 5 college credit hours in PHYC 120 and 122 to students who complete this course. Refer to the Dual Credit section for details on enrollment and fees.
SCI04107Q
Physics II: Modern Physics (XC)
Prerequisite: A General Physics Course
Credit: .5 credit
Offered: Quarter 4
The course includes Einstein’s theories of relativity, quantum physics, quantum mechanics, and atomic physics. Other topics covered include properties of nuclei, nuclear models, radioactivity, nuclear fission and fusion, particles and anti-particles, conservation laws, quarks, and standard model. Laboratory work will enhance the concepts learned in class. This course is intended for students interested in majoring in science, medicine, or engineering.
SCI04116
Physics II: Introduction to Engineering (XC)
Prerequisite: None
Co-requisite: Physics II: Introduction to Engineering Lab (SCI4116L)
Credit: 1.5 credits
Offered: Fall
This course will provide students with an introduction to engineering as a profession through case studies and hands-on projects in several areas of engineering, including robotics. In particular, students will work in teams, applying engineering principles, to build and test simple robots. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a robotics competition.
SCI04117
Physics II: Projects in Engineering (XC)
Prerequisite: One semester of physics; Intro to Engineering or instructor permission
Co-requisite: Physics II: Projects in Engineering Lab (SCI4117L)
Credit: 1.5 credits
Offered: Spring
Students will develop and work on engineering-related projects that have a strong community service component. The class will be divided into small groups and work on projects based upon common interest. All projects will be required to demonstrate development and application of engineering skills in addition to fulfilling an identified need in the community. The class will have a regularly assigned class period but much of the work will be completed outside of regular class time. Project groups will meet with the instructor on a regular basis.