THE SCIENCE OF PHYSICS
Introduction to the basic concepts of physics at a
conceptual level for students in non-technical majors.
The course provides a broad survey
of the history, concepts, and applications of physics including topics such as
classical mechanics in one- and two-dimensions, Newton’s laws of motion, work
and energy, momentum, rotational motion, vibration, sound, and waves, heat and
the laws of thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, including simple
electrical circuits, and topics in 20th century physics, including
relativity and quantum mechanics.
Course objectives include the development of
an understanding of the scientific method, its application to physics problems
of historical interests, as well as to modern applications; providing an appreciation of the historical
role played by physics in the development of modern science, its role in
important cultural and societal issues, and in understanding the basic laws of
nature, as applied to everyday experience, natural phenomena, or applications
technologies (old and new); the development of scientific literacy, to help
motivate the many connections of physics to other fundamental scientific fields
and applications disciplines; providing experience in problem solving and the
conceptual understanding of physics, and emphasizing the recurring role of a
few important concepts cutting across many scientific disciplines, such as the
fundamental laws of classical mechanics, the basic laws of thermodynamics
(including conservation of energy), as well as applications of modern quantum
theory.
