Online/Virtual Courses
What do we offer?
The MSU Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a series of virtual online introductory physics courses which fulfill regular degree requirements both at MSU and at other institutions.
In addition to standard algebra-based and calculus-based physics courses, there are "bridging" courses available. These upgrade a previously-taken algebra-based physics course to the corresponding calculus-based physics course, while minimizing duplication in course content (since the underlying concepts will be familiar from the earlier course) and reducing the number of credit hours needed (as compared with retaking the complete course).
The online format allows for additional flexibility in personal scheduling. The courses which are offered are as follows:
| Algebra-Based | Bridging Courses | Calculus-Based | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1st Semester:
Mechanics
|
PHY 231
Section 730
3 credits
|
PHY 233
Section 730
2 credits
|
PHY 183
Section 730
4 credits
|
|
2nd Semester:
Electricity &
Magnetism
|
PHY 232
Section 730
3 credits
|
PHY 234
Section 730
2 credits
|
PHY 184
Section 730
4 credits
|
|
Modern
Physics
|
PHY 215
Section 730
3 credits
|
When can I take it?
These courses can be taken at different times during the academic year:
|
Fall
Semester
|
Spring
Semester
|
Summer Semester
|
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st Half
|
2nd Half
|
|||
|
PHY 231 (algebra)
|
Section 730
Regular full semester
|
Section 730
Regular full semester
|
Section 731 (Intensive)
Section 730 full |
summer |
|
PHY 232 (algebra)
|
Section 730
Regular full semester
|
Section 730
Regular full semester
|
Section 730 full |
Sec. 731
(Intensive)
summer |
|
PHY 233 (bridging)
|
Section 730
|
Section 730
|
Section 730
Regular full summer term
|
|
|
PHY 234 (bridging)
|
Section 730
|
Section 730
|
Section 730
Regular full summer term
|
|
|
PHY 183 (calculus)
|
Section 730 |
Section 730 |
Section 730
Regular full summer term
|
|
|
PHY 184 (calculus)
|
Section 730 |
Section 730 |
Section 730
Regular full summer term
|
|
|
PHY 215 (calculus)
|
Section 730 |
Section 730 |
Section 730
Regular full summer term
|
|
As shown above, the algebra-based sequence can be completed during a single summer term by taking section 731. This involves an intensive work-load because each course must be completed during a half-summer term. Alternative, for each course, section 730 is offered during the full summer term.
What do these courses involve?
The online physics courses offer both online course materials and online homework. You can take these courses from anywhere in the world, and during the summer, you can take them without ever coming to campus. During the regular academic year, the midterm and final exams are in-person.
What costs are involved?
For information on tuition rates, methods of payment and other cost-related aspects of taking courses at MSU, see the relevant links on the Student Accounts Office website (http://www.ctlr.msu.edu/COStudentAccounts/).
Can I take these even if I am not an MSU-student?
Yes, you can take these courses by registering as a life-long learner. See https://www.reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/EnrReg/LifelongEducation.aspx for details. Registration as a life-long learner is easy. You can use the tuition calculator at http://ctlr.msu.edu/COStudentAccounts/TuitionCalculatorFall.aspx to figure out cost, using "Lifelong Student-undergraduate" as "Your level." If you are a student from another college or university, credits will likely transfer. See https://transfer.msu.edu/ to figure out course equivalencies.
Questions?
Contact Jennifer Roberts for questions or concerns.