May 02, 2026  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

PHY 101 Physical Science in the Arts [GEKN]


This course is designed to give students a general background in the basic principles of physics, as applied to art, music and dance, with an emphasis on exploring the nature of music and its production. Laboratory experiments complement the lecture by providing hands-on experiences to verify and demonstrate those principles.

Credit 4 hrs May not be repeated for additional credit
Grade Mode Normal (A-F) Course Rotation Fall and Winter

Prerequisites -
Other Restrictions -
Restriction by Major -
Restriction by Class - Undergraduate standing

Additional Information - This course does not count toward a physics major or minor.


Rationale for Knowledge of the Disciplines - Few of us would ever suspect that underlying much of what we experience in our world can be attributed to a handful of basic physical principles. The reason why an ice skater can spin faster when drawing in his arms at the end of a routine is the same reason why the planets orbiting the sun will have different speeds along their orbital paths. This course is a general introduction to the basic physical principles that scientists use to describe the world around you. The purpose of this course is to explore, test and apply the laws, governing many practical aspects of architecture, dance, sounds and musical instruments, light and color, and even planetary motion. This course is a journey to a much fuller understanding of our world through an eclectic approach to science.

Keywords: physics , Knowledge of the Disciplines - Natural Sciences (GEKN) 
Updates: Course Rotation added 10/2018


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