Academics - Physics 
In order to meet the needs of students with varied backgrounds, the Physics Department has a three-tiered system. Placement depends on the depth of a student’s prior knowledge of both physics and mathematics. For those coming from the fleet, Navy technical school records may be used in place of high school records. The Foundation Program is a conceptual physics course covering a variety of topics including motion, forces, energy, momentum, waves, electric and magnetic fields, algebra and right triangle trigonometry in order to solve problems. The Intermediate and Advanced Programs of study develop a deeper understanding of physical concepts partially by solving more intricate and mathematically challenging problems. The Advanced Program also introduces students to applications of basic calculus, although no prior knowledge of calculus is required. |