PHYS 1204

PHYS 1204

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2019-2020.

Explores musical sound from a physics point of view. Topics include how various musical instruments work; pitch, timbre, scales, intervals, and tunings; hearing; human voice and room acoustics. This course is a Writing In The Majors Course: both science writing and physics problem-solving skills are developed through weekly assignments. Student activities include hands-on investigations of musical instruments and field trips. Students write a term paper investigating a topic of their choice. At the level of The Science of Sound by Rossing, Moore, and Wheeler.

When Offered Spring.

Permission Note Enrollment limited to: 60 students.

Distribution Category (PBS-AS)

Comments Assumes no scientific background but uses high school algebra.  Open to all students and suitable for non-scientists; does not serve as prerequisite for further science courses.

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi: none
  •   Regular Academic Session.  Choose one lecture and one discussion. Combined with: MUSIC 1466

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  5927 PHYS 1204   LEC 001

  • Instruction Mode: Hybrid - Online & In Person
    Visit www.physics.cornell.edu/waitlist if you are unable to enroll in an open section.

  •  5930 PHYS 1204   DIS 201

    • W Clark Hall 294A
    • Jan 21 - May 5, 2020
    • Thorne, R

  • Instruction Mode: Hybrid - Online & In Person

  •  5931 PHYS 1204   DIS 202

    • F Clark Hall 294A
    • Jan 21 - May 5, 2020
    • Thorne, R

  • Instruction Mode: Hybrid - Online & In Person