Basic Physics

PHYS 118/6.0

Overview

This is an algebra-based course dealing with basic Physics concepts, including dynamics, fluids, waves, electromagnetism and basic optics. Emphasis is placed on the development of problem-solving skills through the use of Mastery based course delivery. 

PHYS 118 may be taken as an elective or in place of PHYS 115 + 116 in the following programs: BSCH MAJ BIOL, GEOL, PSYC and ENSC, and in the BSC General in Geology and Life Sciences.

PHYS 118 does not include a physical lab component and will not substitute for PHYS 117 in the following BSCH programs: Physics, Chemistry.

For more information, please consult the Undergraduate Chair in your department, or an academic advisor.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course students will be able to: 

  1. Students will be able to identify and interpret the laws of nature as summarized by the fundamental concepts that constitute the foundations of classical physics.
  2. Students will apply nature’s basic laws describing forces and motion, energy and momentum, and the conservation rules that constrain these laws to real world applications.
  3. Students will be able to analyze the information contained in various problem scenarios within the context of recognizable physics laws and utilize systematic problem-solving strategies to solve for unknown quantities.