A MODERN INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS
Calculus-based introduction to physics intended for Physics, AMEP, and Astronomy-Physics majors. Mechanics, waves, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, topics in modern physics; with computation. A more mathematically rigorous and in-depth introduction to physics than the other introductory physics sequences.
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: MATH 222 or concurrent enrollment Course Designation: Core GenEd - Natural Science & Wellness + Lab Breadth - Physical Science Level - Intermediate L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Fall 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Apply conservation laws (linear momentum, angular momentum, energy) to systems of particles to understand and predict their motion using both classical and relativistic formulations. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Understand the relationship between forces and motion by both calculating the motion of an object given the forces acting on it and also calculating the forces acting on an object given its motion. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Calculate the motion of objects under various constraints (linear motion, circular motion, coupled objects, oscillation) using both classical kinematics and special relativity. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Translate back and forth between physical concepts and the mathematics describing the motion of objects. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Perform measurements and analyze results in laboratory experiments using concepts from this course. Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Apply conservation laws (linear momentum, angular momentum, energy) to systems of particles to understand and predict their motion using both classical and relativistic formulations. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Understand the relationship between forces and motion by both calculating the motion of an object given the forces acting on it and also calculating the forces acting on an object given its motion. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Calculate the motion of objects under various constraints (linear motion, circular motion, coupled objects, oscillation) using both classical kinematics and special relativity. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Translate back and forth between physical concepts and the mathematics describing the motion of objects. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Perform measurements and analyze results in laboratory experiments using concepts from this course. Audience: Undergraduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027