PHYS 199REL :: Physics Illinois :: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Course Information

Class meets Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 2:00-250 in 144 Loomis Lab.

Instructor:  Prof. Kevin Pitts (kpitts@illinois.edu), office:  231 Loomis Lab.

Course Description

Project- and lecture-based study of the applicability of physics to modern societal issues. Emphasis on connections to space flight, alternative energy, medical imaging, radiation, nuclear weapons, climate change, and electronics. Incorporates science communication and an exploration of career paths.  

There are two distinct components to this course:

  1. Material covered in the textbook and in class
    • Textbook is:    Richard Muller, Physics and Technology For Future Presidents      ISBN: 978-0-691-13504-5
    • Topics:
      1. Energy
      2. Heat
      3. Gravity
      4. Radioactivity
      5. Nuclear Reactors and Weapons
      6. Electricity and Magnetism
      7. Waves
      8. Light
      9. Invisible Light
      10. Climate Change
      11. Quantum Physics
  2. Projects
    • Small
      1. Career in physics research
      2. Write a letter to an official
    • Medium
      1. Position paper
      2. Make a poster
    • Big
    1. Make a video

Course Grading:

     5% attendance and participation
     5%  lead an in class discussion
    10% weekly quizzes  (throw out lowest quiz score)
    15%  small projects (2)
    30% medium projects (2)
    20% big projects (1)
    15% final exam