PHYS 1203

PHYS 1203

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2014-2015.

Shows how the unification of apparently distinct areas of physics leads to an explosion in the growth of our knowledge and understanding. The material is divided into three parts: the physics of motion on earth, motion in the heavens, and synthesis. Trace how ideas about celestial and terrestrial motion evolved separately at first, from the ancient ideas of Greek philosophers to the dynamics and telescopic discoveries of Galileo during the Renaissance. The two arenas finally melded under Newton's Universal Gravitation. Einstein's special and general theories of relativity eventually supplanted Newton's ideas. There is an emphasis throughout on "how do we know the laws?" These are the stories of breakthrough discoveries and brilliant insights made by fascinating people, offering a humanistic perspective.

When Offered Spring.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: none; uses high school algebra and geometry.

Distribution Category (PBS)

Comments For nonscience majors.

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi: none
  •   Regular Academic Session.  Choose one lecture and one discussion.

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  6479 PHYS 1203   LEC 001

  •  6480 PHYS 1203   DIS 201

  •  6481 PHYS 1203   DIS 202

  •  6482 PHYS 1203   DIS 203

  •  6483 PHYS 1203   DIS 204

  •  6484 PHYS 1203   DIS 205

  •  6485 PHYS 1203   DIS 206

  •  6486 PHYS 1203   DIS 207

  •  6487 PHYS 1203   DIS 208