The influence of these concepts in other areas of human concern, e.g., philosophy, art, history, politics, medicine, etc. will be an important feature. PHYS 141 Light, Lasers, Cameras, Perception 3 credits Introduction to the phenomena of light, optics and perception for non-science majors. Environmental consequences of energy use are treated. PHYS 144 Concepts of the Universe 3 credits Survey of astronomy emphasizing early and modern concepts. Stars, planets, galaxies, cosmic evolution and intelligent life are studied in the context of physical principles which describe the dynamics of the universe.
Scientific process is used to interpret observations that shape our perceptions of the cosmos.
PHYS 145 Quasars, Black Holes and the Universe 3 credits A non-mathematical course focusing on the role of explosions and other violent events in the universe. The major topics are Einstein's theory of special relativity, black holes, galaxies, exploding galaxies, quasars, the expanding universe, pulsars, supernovae and x-ray stars. Non-mathematical course focusing on the elementary particles and their influence on the early evolution of the universe. Major topics are quarks and the forces they feel, Einstein's theory of relativity, Quantum Mechanics made fairly simple, and the Inflationary Universe. Requires high school algebra.