This page was created at 12:19 PM on Thu, Oct 4, 2001.
This course examines everyday 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.
This course examines everyday phenomena 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. Text: Conceptual Physics custom book – 8th edition; Hewitt; Pearson Custom Publishing (Required).
Paul Hewitt, Conceptual Physics, Abridged 8th edition (Addison Wesley Longman, Inc., 1998).
PHYSICS 107. 20th Century Concepts of Space, Time, and Matter.
Section 001.
Prerequisites & Distribution: High school algebra and geometry. (3). (NS). (BS). (QR/1).
Credits: (3).
Course Homepage: No homepage submitted.
This course is intended for non-science concentrators who would like to
learn about the two major revolutions that have both transformed
twentieth-century physics and profoundly altered our perception of
space, time, and matter; the special and general theories of relativity
and quantum mechanics. No mathematical background beyond the high-school
level is assumed.
PHYSICS 112. Cosmology: The Science of the Universe.
Section 001.
Prerequisites & Distribution: Although no science prerequisites are required, exposure to physics at high school level would be helpful. Only first-year students, including those with sophomore standing, may pre-register for First-Year Seminars. All others need permission of instructor. (3). (NS). (BS).
First-Year Seminar,
Credits: (3).
Course Homepage: No homepage submitted.
The majority of even college educated adults have only a modest understanding of our place in the universe at large. Most would be hard pressed to answer correctly such questions as: What else is there in the universe besides stars? Why do we think there was a big bang? How big is a galaxy and how might they have formed? This course will provide answers to such questions, stressing conceptual understanding and simple calculational problem solving. The format will be varied and informal. In addition to regular seminar attendance, students will likely be asked to perform small experiments and present at least one oral presentation. Essays and other written work will play a large role in the grade. Although no science prerequisites are required, exposure to physics at high school level would be helpful.
PHYSICS 125. General Physics: Mechanics and Sound.
<001, 002
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).
Credits: (4).
Course Homepage: http://instructor.physics.lsa.umich.edu/fall2001/125/index.html
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.
PHYSICS 127. Mechanics and Sound Lab.
Instructor(s):
Prerequisites & Distribution: Concurrent election with Phys. 125 is strongly recommended. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in Phys. 141. (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 127 is a laboratory course intended to accompany Physics 125 and provide a perspective on physics as an experimental science. Macintosh computers are used for data acquisition and analysis. Evaluation is based on participation and performance in the laboratory classes, and on written laboratory reports and quizzes. Texts: Physics 127/141 Lab Manual (new edition); Chapman; Hayden – McNeil (Required).
Lab Notebook (Available in Supply Dept.) (Required).
PHYSICS 140. General Physics I.
<001, 002, 003
Instructor(s): Myron Campbell (myron@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).
Credits: (4).
Course Homepage: http://instructor.physics.lsa.umich.edu/fall2001/140
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.
PHYSICS 140. General Physics I.
Section 035, 036 – Keller Plan.
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).
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 Before Registering. 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.
PHYSICS 141. Elementary Laboratory I.
Instructor(s):
Prerequisites & Distribution: Concurrent election with Phys. 140, 160, or 145 is strongly recommended. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in Phys. 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.
Texts: Physics 127/141 Lab Manual (new edition); Chapman; Hayden – McNeil (Required).
Lab Notebook (Available in Supply Dept.) (Required).
PHYSICS 160. Honors Physics I.
Section 001.
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).
Credits: (4).
Course Homepage: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~merlin/phys.160-f01/phys160_f01.html
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.

This page was created at 12:19 PM on Thu, Oct 4, 2001.

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