Introductory course emphasizing waves, sound, heat, electricity and magnetism. Recommended for students specializing in science and engineering. This version is the traditional format with three lectures, one recitation (problem solving section), and one lab each week. Students in this version must also register for a particular recitation and lab. Lab.

Introductory course emphasizing waves, sound, heat, electricity and magnetism. Recommended for students specializing in science and engineering. The honors version covers the same material as the traditional lecture course, but with three two-hour classes per week, most of which is spent working on activities in groups (rather than lecture). Students in the Honors section must be co-enrolled in MATH 426H so that strong connections can be made between math and physics. 408H students work in groups in every class meeting. Students in this version do not register for a recitation or lab, since these activities are integrated into the regular class meetings. Lab.

Elementary physics course where students develop a conceptual understanding of topics such as the solar system, phases of the moon, seasons, electrical circuits, electromagnets, light and color, sound and simple machines. The course is based on hands-on-activities, small groups, and discussions. This course is intended for students with little or no previous experience in physics who do not intend to take any other physics course. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for PHYS 401, 402, 407 or 408. Not open to Physics majors.

We explore models of the universe and our place in it. We discuss the foundation of ideas about motion on Earth and in space, as well as the history of modern physics and astronomy, which have changed how we understand space and time. We consider the sources and limitations of human knowledge concerning the origin of the universe, the mystery of the origin of life and evidence that our description of reality is incomplete.