PHS: Physical Science

Browse Gen Ed Courses in the Course Catalog

The courses listed below are part of Hawkeye's course catalog. The course cost is subject to change, and the listing does not confirm that the course is currently available. To see currently available courses and sections, visit the course search.

If you plan to transfer courses back to your current college or university, make sure the courses you want to take at Hawkeye will transfer. To confirm, meet with your advisor at your current school or, if you're attending the University of Northern Iowa, University of Iowa, or Iowa State University, visit www.TransferinIowa.org.

Back to Subject Listing

PHS-120 Exploring Physical Science

4 credits—This course introduces the student to the concepts and processes of physics, chemistry, astronomy, and earth science. Students are presented with a general overview of theories that have an impact on their everyday lives.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D- in MAT-060 or MAT-063. Or equivalent placement score.

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $936.00

PHS-142 Principles of Astronomy

3 credits—This physical science course explores the mysteries of the universe. Through scientific reason, the course will examine the following: the history of astronomy, the planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, the creation and fate of the universe and our place in it. This course includes amateur observation techniques.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D- in MAT-060 or MAT-063. Or equivalent placement score.

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

PHS-152 Astronomy

4 credits—A basic course in descriptive astronomy dealing with the development of modern astronomy and with its present-day theories and observations. Topics covered include motions of solar system and deep sky objects, telescopes and other instruments, members of the solar system, nature of the sun, other stars, origin and development of stars and planets, our galaxy, other galaxies, and the organization of the universe.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D- in MAT-060 or MAT-063. Or equivalent placement score.

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $936.00

PHS-924 Honors Project

1 credits—This course involves in-depth independent research on an approved topic under supervision of a faculty member. Upon project's completion, results will be shared with community of peers and faculty. This course can be repeated with different content for credit. This course may be taken for 1–3 credits.

Lecture Hours: 16

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $234.00

PHS-928 Independent Study

1 credits—This course provides students with an opportunity to pursue or investigate a topic of interest that does not fit within the framework of regular course offerings. An independent study self-directed learning agreement must be discussed with and submitted to a faculty advisor prior to registration. This course may be repeated for credit with different content. Course can be taken for 1–3 credits.

Lecture Hours: 16

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $234.00

PHS-949 Special Topics

1 credits—Special Topics expands the curriculum by allowing students to enroll for up to three credits in a specific course or program area. Subject matter may be an in-depth extension of the particular area and is developed by the teaching faculty to meet unique interests and needs of the students. This course may not duplicate another one already in the catalog. This course may be repeated for credit with different content. This course can be taken for 1–3.

Lecture Hours: 16

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $234.00