MECHANICS, HEAT, AND SOUND; GENERAL PHYSICS TECHNICAL COURSE

COURSE DESCRIPTION 

Mechanics, Heat, and Sound introduces big ideas in physics, such as Newtonian mechanics, which describes objects changing their state of motion because of forces causing them to accelerate. 

Taken together, the topics reinforce the general idea that the behavior of many objects in the world can be described precisely with simple mathematics. This is an algebra-based (non-calculus) course in mechanics that fulfills a general physics requirement. Proficiency in algebra and geometry is assumed. Students will practice problem-solving and analyzing physical situations involving motion, force, energy, rotations, heat, oscillations, waves, and sound. Students will explore concepts in small groups, develop ideas, and explain them. This course lays the groundwork for college majors including engineering, physics, chemistry, or math. This course may be used to fulfill the science component of the university core curriculum.