KCC adds new physics course beginning Spring 2015

A view of the reflecting pools on KCC's North Avenue campus in the spring.

The Math and Science Department at Kellogg Community College today announced the creation of a new physics course, PHYS 243: Dynamics, designed to prepare students who intend to transfer to a university and major in engineering.

Dynamics is a branch of physics that involves the study of motion and force. Students must understand dynamics before they can succeed in many engineering curricula, including mechanical, electrical and civil. Physics Professor Rod Price will teach the new course at KCC.

“This class helps fill out the first two years of basic engineering courses for our KCC students who plan to specialize in an engineering field at Western Michigan University or at other four-year schools,” said Carole Davis, chairwoman of the Math and Science Department.

Other courses offered in KCC’s 42-credit pre-engineering sequence include Calculus 1, Calculus 2, Calculus 3, Differential Equations, Physics for Scientists and Engineers 1, Physics for Scientists and Engineers 2, Statics, General Chemistry 1 and General Chemistry 2.

All pre-engineering courses are part of a joint admissions agreement in which KCC’s pre-engineering credits satisfy many engineering-related prerequisites at WMU.

Dr. Dennis Bona, president of KCC, said the new course demonstrates the College’s commitment to providing new opportunities to students.

“We love to expand our course offerings, especially when, in the process, we can prepare students for rewarding careers, create opportunities for them through a strong relationship with a university partner and maintain our own academic excellence,” Bona said. “By taking PHYS 243, our pre-engineering students can spend more time at KCC and become even more prepared before transferring to another school.”

Davis said KCC’s small class sizes – physics courses are generally capped at 18 students per classroom – and individual attention from professors provide a rigorous and successful learning environment for students.

“It’s not just a matter of sitting in a lecture hall with 100 other people, taking notes and then taking a test,” Davis said. “We really put students through the paces and we’re hearing from alumni and faculty that our Bruins are well prepared for higher courses at universities.”

Registration for PHYS 243: Dynamics for the Spring 2015 semester is open now. The three-credit course will be offered from 8:30 to 9:50 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays in KCC’s Schwarz Science Building, 450 North Ave., Battle Creek, beginning Jan. 16.

For more information, visit Kellogg.edu/physics or contact Professor Rod Price at 269-660-2347 or pricer@kellogg.edu.

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