Courses
Overview
The concepts and methods of physics impact nearly all areas of human endeavor. The Department of Physics offers courses in physics for the entire Cornell community. There are general education courses for non-scientists, well-designed introductory sequences for science and engineering majors, more advanced courses for physics majors, and rigorous programs of graduate study, up to doctoral-level independent research.
About our Courses for Non-Physics Majors
- General education courses include PHYS 1201, Why the Sky is Blue: Aspects of the Physical World, PHYS 1202, How Physics Works, PHYS 1203, Physics of the Heavens and Earth, PHYS 1204, The Physics of Musical Sound, and PHYS 2206, Weapons of Mass Destruction
- PHYS 1101-1102 is a self-paced auto-tutorial course sequence designed for students who recognize the need for a basic understanding of physics, but who do not have preparation in calculus and who do not intend to take further physics courses. Note that we typically do not allow freshmen to take our auto-tutorial classes.
- PHYS 2207- 2208 and 1112-2213-2214 are introductory physics courses for students who want a solid grounding in physics and a chance to develop their calculus-based problem solving skills. Non-majors considering more advanced work in physics are encouraged to take 1112-2213-2214 or 2207-2213-2214.
- Courses beyond the introductory level that may be of interest to non-majors include PHYS 3316 Modern Physics I, PHYS 3330 Modern Experimental Optics, and PHYS 3360 Electronic Circuits.
Students interested in Health Careers often take PHYS 1101-1102 or PHYS 2207-2208. The biggest difference between these courses is that PHYS 1101-1102 uses an auto-tutorial format, while PHYS 2207-2208 is lecture based. A second, typically less significant difference, is that PHYS 2207-2208 uses calculus.
Courses for Physics Majors
Physics majors should see our information about the major, and consult with an advisor before choosing courses.
Courses with Overlapping Content
The grouped courses listed in the chart below have largely similar content. Students should select courses for their academic program carefully, as they may receive credit for only one course in each group.
PHYS 1101, 1112, 1116, 2207
PHYS 1102, 2208, 2213, 2217
PHYS 2214, 2218
PHYS 3314, 3318
PHYS 3323, 3327
PHYS 1116, 2216
Physics 1201, 1202, 1203, and 1204 are primarily designed for non-science students. If a student with credit for PHYS 1101, 1112, 1116, or 2207 (or an advanced placement equivalent) wishes to enroll in these courses, they require written permission from the instructor and the Physics Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Related Links:
Fall 2009 Evening Prelim Schedule
CoursEnroll (online course registration)