General Physics

Catalog description

Students are introduced to general principles of optics and thermodynamics at a calculus-based level. This is one of three courses in calculus-based general physics, serving students majoring in engineering, chemistry, physics, mathematics and other sciences. Several technological applications of these principles are discussed. Topics include waves, geometric optics, wave optics (including interference, diffraction, and polarization), heat, thermal properties of matter, thermodynamics and its laws. Other topics include special relativity and modern physics. A problem solving approach is used, emphasizing both conceptual understanding and basic mathematical modeling. (C-ID PHYS 215 and PHYS 200S when combined with PHYS 004A & PHYS 004B )