Intensive use is made of the Spitz Planetarium, as well as occasional exercises using the Newton Observatory telescopes. Since observations are weather dependent, students in the course must plan to complete observations during appropriate evening and other hours. Not open to seniors majoring in the natural sciences division, except by permission of the instructor. Introduction to Physics For students not intending to major in one of the natural sciences and, as such, it requires no prerequisite course in mathematics. A basic understanding of mechanics, thermodynamics, sound, light, and nuclear physics as well as some historical perspective is developed.
Emphasis is placed on the application of physics to modern problems and technology.
One laboratory per week. May not be taken for credit following successful completion of Physics 101 or Physics 111. A study in the properties of light and its interaction with matter. Specifically designed for the non-scientist, this course covers geometric and physical optics as well as the origins of color. Special attention is given to optical phenomena such as sunsets, rainbows, Aurora Borealis, twinkling of stars, gravitational lenses, etc.