PH 103 Fundamentals of Physics

This 'Fundamentals of Physics' courses provide an introduction to a broad range of fundamental physics concepts. PH 103 is recommended for anyone seeking a good basic level of physics literacy. The sequence is designed for non-science majors, but also serves prospective science majors who want to gain a better conceptual grounding before taking General Physics. Emphasis is on everyday phenomena and conceptual understanding. PH 103 focuses on the science of light and color and many aspects of modern physics, including atomic physics, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, special and general relativity, and astrophysics. The class includes labs, demonstrations, discussion, and individual and group activities. PH 101, 102, and 103 can be taken in any order.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

MTH 060 or above with C- or better OR equivalent placement via the math placement process. OR corequisite CG 123

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Gain familiarity with a wide variety of physical phenomena and the means by which they are described and explained involving: light, color, and optics; and Modern Physics (quantum physics; nuclear physics; and Special and General Relativity)
2. Correctly use elementary physics concepts regarding the above phenomena in some simple situations, and gain a significantly increased basic conceptual understanding of these phenomena
3. Converse and comprehend through communication using elementary descriptions and dynamical laws about light, color, optics, and Modern Physics topics and elementary diagrammatic representations (e.g. interference diagrams and color model diagrams)
4. Have familiarity with, the use of, and an elementary understanding of precision in measurement, drawing conclusions from experimental data about possible explanations of the course phenomena
5. Have familiarity with the use of scientific equipment to investigate the course phenomena
6. Formulate questions to move their thinking forward concerning the subject matter of the class
7. Be familiar with elementary application of basic concepts of light and color and Modern Physics
8. Be aware of possible uses and impacts of this physics knowledge
9. Converse and write about the nature of science with increased sophistication and see physics as a science, rather than a body of knowledge
10. Appreciate that the insights provided by the Classical understanding of phenomena are valuable and useful, while appreciating that further understandings have been and are being developed. (Currently identified limitations of Quantum Mechanics and Relativity are discussed)
11. Have a greater appreciation that energy and technology, including nuclear weapons and nuclear energy, have profound implications for humanity, which involve choices by society generally and scientists as well