Page 130 of Saint Anselm College 2004 - 2005 Catalog by Saint Anselm College Manchester New Hampshire

129 PHYSICS Chairperson: David V. Guerra Associate Professor: David V. Guerra; Assistant Professor: Jeffrey W. Schnick. The ideas of physics have a profound significance for anyone who would think about nature and its intelligibility. The department offers a sequence of courses that provides an opportunity for students to study the models, theories, and laws that have been developed in an attempt to describe the physical universe. In addition to serving the general liberal arts education, the department offers a major in applied physics and courses which support those enrolled in preengineering and the life and physical sciences. 1 Astronomy An introduction to the current understanding of the universe combined with an observational component which involves familiarization with the night sky and telescopic observation of the moon, planets, stars, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. 2 Geology An introduction to physical geology with emphasis on three topics: (1) the origin, classification, and identification of minerals, rocks, and related structures; (2) plate tectonics; and (3) processes that shape the earths surface. The course does not have a separate laboratory component but some class time is used for handson familiarization with rock and mineral samples as well as topological map reading exercises. The course also includes one or more field trips for the investigation of local geological features. 3 Meteorology An introduction to the physical principles that are used to understand the mechanisms that control the Earths atmosphere. Topics covered will include: the Earths Heat Budget, the Hydrologic Cycle, Atmospheric Stability, Cloud Formation, Global Circulation Patterns, Wave Cyclone Theory, and climate Change Theories. The class will also provide insight into understanding the fundamental science behind issues such as global climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion, acid rain, and air pollution. 7-8 Conceptual Physics A conceptual physics course offered to non-science majors. The mathematical knowledge necessary for the course is studied and reviewed as required. This course can be used to fulfill the general College requirement of a freshman science for non-science majors. Three hours of lecture a week and two hours of laboratory each week for two semesters. Four credits, each semester.

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