Order of magnitude Physics: the art of approximation

1 Course Unit

This course focuses on the art of estimating physical quantities. Problem solving techniques such as dimensional analysis, symmetry principles and scaling relations will be covered and applied to a range of topics including fluid mechanics, waves and sound, material properties, astrophysics, design principles of living organisms, and how to handle complexity. The course will teach tools for discarding less important aspects of a problem and for selecting the essential ones. The course is intended for undergraduate students with background in advanced first- year physics: mechanics, electromagnetism, waves and optics. 1 Course Unit