Physics in a Broader Context

Here we list (in the left column) the broad topics that are typically covered in a first year introductory physics sequence. In the right column, we list a selection of other fields of study. The arrows are meant to indicate the interconnections and ways that basic physics concepts enter other fields of study. The list in the right column is by no means complete; other can be added easily, but it should give you a taste of how widely physics concepts are applied in all fields of science, engineering, and medicine.

So what does a physics course for non-physics-majors hope to accomplish in this context?

Show how physics enters and lays the foundation for other areas of intellectual pursuit.
Teach a general way of analytical thinking.
Show how a few fundamental concepts penetrate all physical phenomena and lay the foundation for all sciences.
Teach, train, and apply problem solving techniques.
Demonstrate how the universe is actually constructed

Occasionally, we will also try to show how physics principle have an immediate and direct influence on technology we use in our everyday lives; and we will try to put physics into a historical and philosophical context, where appropriate.