PHYS 110 - The Physics of Science Fiction

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of physics, in the context of exploring ideas in science fiction such as space travel. Reading and discussing selected science fiction literature will be an integral part of the course. To understand and evaluate the plausibility of the speculations about future physics in science fiction, knowledge of some modern physics and some cutting edge physical ideas will be essential. Therefore students will learn some basic Newtonian mechanics, waves, and electromagnetism, but also some speciall and general relativity and quantum physics. They will also be introduced to more speculative ideas concerning space travel such as wormholes, and some current proposals to advance basic physics such as string theory. Basic algebra and graphing skills are expected.

Credit(s): 3
Course Attribute(s):

STEM Non-Lab Perspectives course for the Dialogues.