PHYS 150 :: Physics Illinois :: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

 

Course Description

In this course, you will get a glimpse of the fascinating and diverse ways in which physics plays a role in the world around us through Nature, of phenomena experienced in our daily lives, of technological applications, of mysteries of the universe, and more. It will guide you to think about science at work in a very accessible way and to make simple estimates using high school level math to reach surprising conclusions. The course will cover a broad range of topics, including energy; gravity and outer space; nuclear power; light and sound and their application to vision, music, medicine and more; climate change and global warming; and the mysterious world of quantum physics and its role in modern technology.

This course satisfies General Education and Quantitative Reasoning requirements (see below). As for the format, through interactive lectures and a highly informative textbook, you will learn physics relevant to our lives in a vibrant way, you will witness fantastic, fun-filled demonstrations where you can see physics at work in diverse settings, you will learn key scientific concepts, and will connect all this to things happening around the world. 

Outline

  1. Energy and Power
  2. Atoms and Heat
  3. Gravity, Force, and Space
  4. Nuclei and Radioactivity
  5. Nuclear Reactors and Weapons
  6. Electricity and Magnetism
  7. Waves
  8. Light
  9. Invisible Light
  10. Climate Change
  11. Alternative Energy
  12. Quantum Physics

Text

Richard Muller, Physics and Technology For Future Presidents ISBN: 978-0-691-13504-5

Lectures

Tuesday/Thursday 9:30 - 10:50 am in 151 Loomis Lab

Course Instructor

Prof. Smitha Vishveshwara
Dept. of Physics
Email: smivish@illinois.edu
Office: 2109 Engg. Sci. Bldg

Research interests in quantum physics, condensed matter theory, and more (“Societal Issues of Physics”)

Office hours: Thursdays 11am-noon, check outside class, else office
Can also make appointment by email

Teaching Assistant

Suraj Hedge
Email: shegde2@illinois.edu
Office:4105 Engineering Sciences Building

Office hours: Fridays 10-11AM,Room 271,Loomis laboratory.
Can also make appointment by email

Requirements

This course satisifies the general education requirement for Physical Sciences. It also satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning II requirement.

Academic Integrity

All activities in this course are subject to the Academic Integrity rules as described in Article 1, Part 4. Of the Student Code. Infractions include, but are not limited to: cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, academic interference, computer-related infractions, unauthorized use of university resources, sale of class materials or notes, and facilitating infractions of academic integrity. Violations of any of these rules will be prosecuted and reported to the home college of the student. All aspects of the course are covered by these rules, including quizzes, homework, iclickers, exams and labs.