Program Overview

University Prep Physics Program

The University Prep Physics program is designed for students who have never taken physics or want to improve their knowledge before taking a university physics course. This non-credit course is equivalent to Nova Scotia Grade 12 Physics and is accepted as a prerequisite for Physics 1100 or Physics 1300 by Dalhousie University.

Course Description

The program is an 8-week online self-paced delivery model, requiring students to spend an average of 15 learning hours per week on course work. The course covers various topics, including:

• Kinematics in One Dimension: algebraic and graphical analysis, dimensionally analysis
• Kinematics in Two Dimensions: vector algebra, projectile motion, and relative velocity
• Dynamics: Newton's laws, freebody diagrams
• Circular/Gravitation: dynamics of circular motion, universal gravitation, Kepler's laws
• Work and Energy: work by forces, work-energy theorem, conservation of mechanical energy
• Linear Momentum: impulse, change in momentum, conservation of momentum (1 and 2 dimensional), centre of mass
• Electrostatics: fields and forces
• Electric Potential: work moving charges, fields, electron volt
• Electric Currents: Kirchhoff's rules
• Magnetism and Electromagnetism: hand rules, charges and wires in magnetic fields, Lenz's law, motors, transformers

What You Will Learn

Throughout the course, the emphasis will be on improving students' problem-solving skills.

Prerequisites

Completion of NS Math 12 Pre-Calculus or a minimum grade of 70% in NS Math Academic.

Course Outline

The course outline will be provided on the first day of the course. Evaluation will be based on engagement/discussions, a midterm, and a final exam.

Notes

Students should be prepared to spend a minimum of 10-15 hours per week to learn the material and complete exercises. There is no laboratory work.

Instructors

The instructor for this course is Anthony Amirault, who has been teaching University Preparatory Physics for the Continuing Education Program at Dalhousie for 20 years.

Course Fee

The course fee is $795.00.

Sections Available for Registration

There are three sections available for registration:

• Section 036: Winter 2026, Online Self-Paced, January 12, 2026 - March 6, 2026
• Section 037: Spring/Summer 2026, Online Self-Paced, April 6, 2026 - May 29, 2026
• Section 038: Spring/Summer 2026, Online Self-Paced, June 29, 2026 - August 21, 2026

Section Notes

An e-textbook is required to be purchased for this course through the DAL Bookstore. Information on how to purchase and set up an e-textbook will be provided in a separate email once registration and course payment have been processed.