PHYS - 110 How the Universe Works (Lecture and Lab)

Credits: 4

How the Universe Works is intended to introduce non-science majors to the most important ideas in the field of physics. Beginning with the classical ideas of Galileo and Newton, the course follows the development of our understanding of heat, electromagnetism, light, and atoms — culminating with the modern theories of quantum mechanics and Einstein’s relativity. The course focuses on the ways that the laws of physics connect to everyday phenomena, and develops an interdisciplinary understanding of the history of the field and the changing questions and discoveries that have driven the development of new theories over time. The course ends with a discussion of currently unanswered questions in physics and cosmology — such as the nature of dark matter and dark energy, and the quest for a “unified theory” of physics. This course does not satisfy the prerequisites for advanced courses in Physics and cannot be combined with PHYS 101/102 or PHYS 201/ 202 to complete degree requirements. This course should not be taken by students planning to major in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

Notes
Three hours lecture; one hour lab.