Why can't you cool your kitchen
by leaving the refrigerator door open?
E = mc2 : So what?
Learn the answers to these questions. Gain insights into the way the world works. The following courses are designed particularly for people majoring in disciplines other than the physical sciences:
Physics 101N, 102N - Concepts of Physics [credits: 3,3]
Instructor: Julian Noble Room 312D, Physics Bldg. 924-6788 email: jvn@Virginia.edu
The ideas and concepts of scientific thought from the Egyptians to current nuclear and subnuclear theory are traced with emphasis on the social and intellectual interactions of science with society. The first semester covers the development of physics to the end of the nineteenth century, while the second semester deals with relativity, atomic and nuclear science and current problems at the interface of science and public policy.
Physics 105N, 106N - The Physics of How Things Work [credits: 3,3]
Instructor: Louis Bloomfield Room 133 Physics Bldg. 924-6595 email: lab3e@Virginia.edu
These two courses consider objects from our daily environment and focus on their principles of operation, history and relationships to one another. In contrast to most physics courses, which are taught from the perspective of the basic laws of physics, these courses begin with the examples and develop the physical principles in the context of the examples. The courses can be taken in either order.
Physics 109N - Galileo and Einstein [credits: 3]
Instructor: Michael Fowler Room 307 Physics Bldg. 924-6579 email: mfowler@Virginia.edu
This course explores two revolutions in our perception of the universe. The first, in which Galileo played the leading role, was the realization that phenomena observed in the heavens could be understood in terms of universal laws that applied equally to everyday things on earth. Galileo was the first modern scientist: the first to appreciate the importance of experiment, the first to observe the heavens with a telescope. He wrote up his ideas and insights as a witty dialogue, which we shall use. The second revolution was Einstein's realization that space and time are not absolute, but are related; and mass and energy are dirrerent aspects of the same thing. As we shall see, Einstein's basic idea of relativity is an extension of Galileo's ideas on the subject.
Physics 121N- The Science of Sound and Music [credits: 3]
Instructor: Stephen Schnatterly Rm. 303 Physics Bldg. 924-6798 email: ses5u@Virginia.edu
The basic physical concepts needed to understand sound are presented. Aspects of perception, the human voice, the measurement of sound, and the acoustics of musical instruments are developed and illustrated. The following topics are discussed: motion, force and energy; vibrating systems; waves; resonance; hearing; speech production; sound pressure, power and loudness; pitch and timbre; combination tones and harmony; musical scales and temperament; string instruments; brass instruments; woodwind instruments; percussion instruments; keyboard instruments; the recording and reproduction of sound; digital techniques for generating and recording sound; the acoustics of rooms. Only algebra and trigonometry are required for this course.
Physics 177N - Science and Technology Issues [credits: 3]
Instructor: John Ruvalds Room 151 Physics Bldg. 924-6796 email: jr7k@Virginia.edu
An introduction to the scientific basis and prospects of modern technologies at a level suitable for motivated non-science majors. The use of lasers, microwaves, and superconductors in health care and communications are discussed. Environmental and strategic defense problems are debated via case studies by student teams. A high school math background suffices, in view of the qualitative nature of the analysis in this course.
For more information contact the instructors, or talk to one of the physics undergraduate advisors whom you can contact through the Physics Department Office, Room 101, Jesse Beams Laboratory of Physics. Telephone: 924-3781.