Physics II
Electromagnetism, Optics and Nuclear Physics
3 College Credits | UT Course Code: PHY 302L | TCCNS: PHYS 1302 | Core Code: 030
High School Course Prerequisites: TEKS-based Physics, Algebra II and Geometry required; Physics I (OnRamps/Honors/AP/DC) or Precalculus recommended
Build a toolbox for thinking about physics, including mathematical approaches and pictorial representations.
This algebra-based course — the second in a sequence that fulfills a general physics requirement — introduces major ideas in electricity, magnetism, optics, waves, and quantum and nuclear physics.
Students gain practical experience with electrical circuits and optical devices and investigate modern physical phenomena, including the quantum nature of light (photons) and properties of the atomic nucleus.
Course Structure
This course, designed with a Peer Instruction pedagogy, prepares students for calculus-based physics and other STEM courses and careers. Students develop foundational skills, critical thinking, empirical and quantitative skills.
Big Ideas
- Electricity: electric charge and force, Gauss’ Law, electric potential, capacitance, current, resistance, direct current circuits
- Magnetism: magnetic force and fields, Ampere’s Law, magnetic materials, Faraday’s Law, magnetic induction, alternating-current circuits
- Electromagnetism and optics: electromagnetic waves, wave optics, reflection and refraction, lenses, optical instruments
- Modern physics: photons, quantum physics, atomic models, nuclear physics
What Students Gain
- Insight into fundamental properties of the universe and how they are applied
- Knowledge and skills required for future calculus-based physics courses
- College-level scientific reasoning, data collection and analytical skills
What Students Say
“OnRamps offers a comprehensive college course like no other. The content taught in these classes is highly applicable towards real life. OnRamps gives students an actual sense of college-level work.”