Conceptual Physics

CRN: 10378 (Daytime); 10207 (Evenings)
Note: This 8-credit program will be offered on a daytime schedule and also on an evening schedule. Students should register for either the daytime CRN (9am to 1pm on Mondays and Wednesdays in LAB 1 1040) or the evening CRN (6 to 10 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays in SEM 2 C1105).

Conceptual physics is the qualitative study of the central concepts of physics with emphasis on conceptual rather than a mathematical viewpoint. In this program, we will explore real-world situations and emphasize comprehension rather than computation (although simple calculations are still needed).

This program is designed for non-science, non-math students who wish to explore how physics--the study of matter and energy and their relationships--affects our daily lives. We will study topics from classical mechanics through electricity and magnetism and into modern physics. We will touch on work from Galileo through Newton to Maxwell and Einstein. We will apply these concepts to hands-on laboratories, demonstrations,and real life situations. With this foundation, students will be equipped to better understand the equations and formulas of more advanced physics and to better understand the physical world in which they live.