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Fall '00 Course Guide

First-Year Courses in Physics (Division 444)

This page was created at 8:02 AM on Wed, Oct 4, 2000.

Fall Term, 2000 (September 6 - December 22)

Open courses in Physics

Wolverine Access Subject listing for PHYSICS

Take me to the Fall Term '00 Time Schedule for Physics.

To see what first-year courses have been added or changed in Physics this week go to What's New This Week.


The Physics Department discourages students from changing midstream from Physics 140 to Physics 125 or from Physics 240 to Physics 126, so it is important that students choose the first course of a physics sequence with care. Prospective engineers, physicists, and chemists should elect Physics 140/240 rather than Physics 125/126 because concentration programs in these areas require the Physics 140/240 sequence. In the case of some departmental concentration programs (e.g., biology) or in special individual circumstances, students can elect or are encouraged to elect the Physics 125/126 sequence. Some advisors will advise all students who have had calculus to elect Physics 140/240. Physics 140/240 can be elected by all students who have had calculus, but it should be elected only by students who enjoy solving difficult problems and who think that they will be good at it.

Note: If the Waitlist code on a Physics course is WL:5, then both sign on the waitlist through Touch-tone Registration and contact the department office.


Physics 103. The Physical Universe: Relativity and Quanta.

Section 002.

Instructor(s): Fred Adams (fca@umich.edu)

Prerequisites & Distribution: High School geometry, trigonometry, and algebra. (1). (NS). (BS).

No Description Provided

Check Times, Location, and Availability


Physics 104. The Physical Universe: What Einstein Never Knew.

Section 001 – Meets Oct 24 – Dec 7, 2000. (Drop/Add deadline=October 30).

Instructor(s): Fred Adams (fca@umich.edu)

Prerequisites & Distribution: Phys. 103. (1). (NS). (BS).

Mini/Short course

Credits: (1).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

The goals of physicists are to understand everything that goes on in the universe in terms of a small number of fundamental laws of nature. Recent developments involving quarks, leptons, black holes, big-bang cosmology, dark matter, etc. will be described on an elementary level. In the end, all questions of “how” and “why” must be answered or else pushed to the limit of present knowledge. Grades will be based on homework and a research paper of approximately 3000 words. The are no advanced mathematics prerequisites but students must have previously taken Physics 103.

Check Times, Location, and Availability Cost: 1 Waitlist Code: 3

Physics 106. Everyday Physics.

Section 003, 004.

Instructor(s): Michael Bretz (mbretz@umich.edu)

Prerequisites & Distribution: (3). (NS). (BS). Laboratory fee ($25) required.

Credits: (3).

Lab Fee: Laboratory fee ($25) required.

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

This course examines everyday phenomena and current technology in terms of physical concepts and laws. The subjects examined are wide ranging, and the discussion focuses on discovering common underlying themes. Examples of topics covered include: lasers, tornadoes, rainbows, computers, and satellites. This course emphasizes concepts rather than mathematical models. Grades are based on homework and exams. Curiosity is the major prerequisite.

Check Times, Location, and Availability Cost: 2 Waitlist Code: 1

Physics 119/Geol. 130/Chem. 108. The Physical World.

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Peter Van Keken (keken@umich.edu)

Prerequisites & Distribution: High-school algebra. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/2).

Half QR

Credits: (4).

Course Homepage: http://www.geo.lsa.umich.edu/~keken/130.html

See Geological Sciences 130.001.

Check Times, Location, and Availability Cost: No Data Given. Waitlist Code: No Data Given.

Physics 125. General Physics: Mechanics and Sound.

Section – There will be Three Evening Exams on Thursdays 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Oct 5, Nov 2, and Nov 30.

Instructor(s): David Gerdes (gerdes@umich.edu)

Prerequisites & Distribution: Two and one-half years of high school mathematics, including trigonometry. Phys. 125 and 127 are normally elected concurrently. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in Phys. 140, 145, or 160. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/1).

Full QR

Credits: (4).

Course Homepage: http://instructor.physics.lsa.umich.edu/fall2000/125/

Physics 125 and 126 constitute a two-term sequence offered primarily for students concentrating in the natural sciences, architecture, pharmacy, or natural resources; and for preprofessional students preparing for medicine, dentistry, or related health sciences. Physics 125 and 126 are an appropriate sequence for any student wanting a quantitative introduction to the basic principles of physics but without the mathematical sophistication of Physics 140 and 240. Strong emphasis is placed on problem solving, and skills in elementary algebra and trigonometry are assumed. While a high school level background in physics is not assumed, it is helpful. Physics 125 and 126 are not available by the Keller plan.

Physics 125 covers classical mechanics (laws of motion, force, energy, and power) and mechanical wave motion (including sound waves). The final course grade is based on three one-hour evening examinations, class performance, and a final examination. Physics 127 should be taken concurrently.

It Is Strongly Recommended That Students Elect One Section of Physics 127 Lab Concurrently With Physics 125.

Check Times, Location, and Availability Cost: 3 Waitlist Code: 5, sign on the waitlist through the Registration system and contact the department office

Physics 140. General Physics I.

Section – There will be Three Evening Exams on Thursdays 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Oct 5, Nov 2, and Nov 30.

Instructor(s): Bradford Orr (orr@umich.edu)

Prerequisites & Distribution: Math. 115. Phys. 140 and 141 are normally elected concurrently. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in Phys. 125, 145, or 160. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/1).

Full QR

Credits: (4).

Course Homepage: http://instructor.physics.lsa.umich.edu/fall2000/140/

Physics 140, 240, and 340 constitute a three-term sequence which examines concepts in physics fundamental to the physical sciences and engineering. This introductory sequence uses calculus, and, while it is possible to elect Physics 140 and Mathematics 115 concurrently, some students will find it more helpful to have started one of the regular mathematics sequences before electing Physics 140. The introductory sequence is primarily designed to develop a skill: the skill to solve simple problems by means of mathematics. Developing this skill requires daily practice and a sense for the meaning of statements and formulas, as well as awareness of when one understands a statement, proof, or problem solution and when one does not. Thus one learns to know what one knows in a disciplined way.

Covers topics from classical mechanics including vectors, motion in one dimension, circular motion, projectile motion, relative velocity and acceleration, Newton’s laws, particle dynamics, work and energy, linear momentum, torque, angular momentum of a particle, simple harmonic motion, gravitation, planetary motion, pressure and density of fluids, and Archimedes’ principle. Evaluation is based on performance on three evening examinations (see Time Schedule for dates and times) and a final examination.

It Is Strongly Recommended That Students Elect One Section of Physics 141 Lab Concurrently With Physics 140.

Check Times, Location, and Availability Cost: 3 Waitlist Code: 1

Physics 140. General Physics I.

Section 035, 036.

Instructor(s): Michael Longo (mlongo@umich.edu)

Prerequisites & Distribution: Math. 115. Phys. 140 and 141 are normally elected concurrently. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in Phys. 125, 145, or 160. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/1).

Full QR

Credits: (4).

Course Homepage: http://courses.physics.lsa.umich.edu/phys140k/

Self-Paced, Individualized Instruction. No Formal Lectures with These Sections. It is important That Students Pick Up An Information Sheet Describing the Format of Keller Plan Offerings in 2464 Randall. Students Should Elect One Section of Physics 141 Concurrently.

Physics 140, 240, and 340 constitute a three-term sequence which examines concepts in physics fundamental to the physical sciences and engineering. This introductory sequence uses calculus, and, while it is possible to elect Physics 140 and Mathematics 115 concurrently, some students will find it more helpful to have started one of the regular mathematics sequences before electing Physics 140. The introductory sequence is primarily designed to develop a skill: the skill to solve simple problems by means of mathematics. Developing this skill requires daily practice and a sense for the meaning of statements and formulas, as well as awareness of when one understands a statement, proof, or problem solution and when one does not. Thus one learns to know what one knows in a disciplined way.

Covers topics from classical mechanics including vectors, motion in one dimension, circular motion, projectile motion, relative velocity and acceleration, Newton’s laws, particle dynamics, work and energy, linear momentum, torque, angular momentum of a particle, simple harmonic motion, gravitation, planetary motion, pressure and density of fluids, and Archimedes’ principle.

Check Times, Location, and Availability Cost: 3 Waitlist Code: 1

Physics 141. Elementary Laboratory I.

Section – Exam for All Labs will be Held Thur Night 12-7-00. 6-8pm, Location, Tba.

Prerequisites & Distribution: Concurrent election with Phys. 140 or 145 is strongly recommended. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 127. (1). (NS). (BS). Laboratory fee ($25) required.

Credits: (1).

Lab Fee: Laboratory fee ($25) required.

Course Homepage: http://www.physics.lsa.umich.edu/ip-labs/default.htm

Physics 141 is a laboratory course intended to accompany Physics 140 and provide a perspective on physics as an experimental science. Evaluation is based on participation and performance in the laboratory classes, and on written laboratory reports and quizzes. Macintosh computers are used for data acquisition and analysis.

Check Times, Location, and Availability Cost: 2 Waitlist Code: 1

Physics 160. Honors Physics I.

Instructor(s): Timothy McKay (tamckay@umich.edu)

Prerequisites & Distribution: Math. 115. Students should elect Phys. 141 concurrently. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in Phys. 125, 140, or 145. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/1).

Full QR

Credits: (4).

Course Homepage: http://instructor.physics.lsa.umich.edu/fall2000/160/

Physics 160 Is Designed For Honors Students, Physics Majors, and Other Qualified Science Or Engineering Majors. Students must Elect One Section of Physics 141. Students Are Expected To Know Calculus and Have a Background In High School Physics.

Physics 160 is a rigorous introduction to particle mechanics and the motion of extended objects. Particular topics include vectors, one- and two dimensional motion, conservation of laws, linear and rotational dynamics, gravitation, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. Students should also elect a Physics 141 laboratory.

Check Times, Location, and Availability Cost: 3 Waitlist Code: No Data Given.

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