A MODERN INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS

Prerequisites & course information

Requisites: PHYSICS 248 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. Determine time-dependent voltage changes across components and flow of alternating electric currents through circuits. Describe the foundations of modern electronics. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Determine statistical properties of gases using the ideal gas law and principles of heat transfer. Calculate changes in work, heat, entropy, and energy resulting from thermodynamic processes. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Explain the foundational concepts from modern fields of physics such as atomic physics, solid state physics, nuclear physics, particle physics, condensed matter physics, and astrophysics. Perform elementary calculations related to these fields. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Apply computational skills that are commonly used in physics research. Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Determine time-dependent voltage changes across components and flow of alternating electric currents through circuits. Describe the foundations of modern electronics. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Determine statistical properties of gases using the ideal gas law and principles of heat transfer. Calculate changes in work, heat, entropy, and energy resulting from thermodynamic processes. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Explain the foundational concepts from modern fields of physics such as atomic physics, solid state physics, nuclear physics, particle physics, condensed matter physics, and astrophysics. Perform elementary calculations related to these fields. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Apply computational skills that are commonly used in physics research. Audience: Undergraduate