Online Class: Physics 101 — Beginner to Intermediate Concepts

This course focuses on some of the critical mathematical tools required for studying physics and is geared toward students with a basic knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

Self-Paced, Online Class
Library Subscription
 
  • 15
    Lessons
  • 24
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 24
    Hours
    average time
  • 2.4
    CEUs
  •  
    Video Audit
    Available
 
 

Course Description

Physics Unveiled: Bridging Concepts with Comprehensive Mathematical Tools

In the realm of natural sciences, Physics reigns supreme as the cornerstone upon which disciplines like chemistry, geology, and biology find their footing. Often touted as the language of the universe, Physics unravels the mysteries of the cosmos, making sense of the world we inhabit. However, this fascinating subject is intertwined with mathematics, which can sometimes act as a barrier for enthusiasts wanting to explore the depths of Physics.

This meticulously curated course is designed to bridge this gap, emphasizing the indispensable mathematical tools that breathe life into the principles of Physics. It's perfectly tailored for those with a foundational understanding of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Instead of delving deep into intimidating calculus, we ensure that the mathematical framework presented is both approachable and robust enough for an in-depth exploration of classical Newtonian mechanics and foundational electromagnetism.

Journey Through the Course: Highlights and In-depth Analysis

1. Introduction and Mathematical Foundations: Kickstart the journey by getting acquainted with the mathematical pillars of Physics. Delve into the world of vectors, understanding their significance in representing quantities with both magnitude and direction. For instance, consider the flight of a bird; the speed of its flight and the direction in which it's flying can be represented succinctly using vectors.

2-3. Force and Newton's Laws: Newton's Laws are at the heart of classical mechanics. Explore the intrinsic relationship between force and motion, understanding phenomena from the simple push of a door to the thrust of a rocket propelling into space.

4. Uniform Circular Motion: Have you ever wondered why the planets revolve around the sun in elliptical orbits? Dive into the intriguing world of objects moving in circles and understand the forces acting upon them.

5. Momentum: Picture a game of pool. The way balls move and interact upon collision is governed by the principles of momentum. Grasp the intricacies of this crucial concept.

6-7. Work and Energy: Energy is a concept that is pivotal to understanding various physical phenomena. From the energy stored in a stretched rubber band to the work done by a crane in lifting heavy objects, unravel the concepts of work, kinetic energy, and their interrelationships.

8. Mechanical Energy and Power: Delve deeper into the world of energy, understanding its forms and the rate at which work is done, which is power. Consider the power generated by massive dams or the mechanical energy stored in a coiled spring.

9. Electrostatics: Remember the little spark when you sometimes touch an object? That's electrostatics in play! Uncover the mysteries of electric charges, their interactions, and the forces they exert.

10. Currents and Magnetism: Explore the mesmerizing realm of electric currents and magnetism. From the simple compass pointing north to the massive generators producing electricity, understand the synergy between electricity and magnetism.

11-13. Waves: Waves are everywhere! From the ripples in a pond to the radio waves carrying music to our radios. Dive into acoustic waves produced by musical instruments and the electromagnetic waves that power our modern communication devices.

14-15. Rays and Geometrical Optics: Step into the world of light. How do lenses work? How can mirrors form images? Answer these questions and more as you navigate the fundamental principles of optics.

Empowerment Through Knowledge

By the culmination of this course, students will possess a treasure trove of mathematical tools and conceptual knowledge, empowering them to delve deeper into the vast universe of Physics. Whether you aim to pursue advanced studies, embark on a career in scientific research, or simply satiate your curiosity about the world around you, this course acts as your compass, guiding you through the captivating terrains of Physics.

So, are you ready to unravel the mysteries of the universe, one equation at a time? Join us on this enlightening journey, where every lesson unveils a new layer of understanding, bringing the cosmos a step closer!

 

Course Lessons

  • Lesson 1 - Introduction and Mathematical Foundations

    This lesson discusses some simple, but fundamental, mathematical tools that will underlie the principles and methods presented in the remainder of the course.
  • Lesson 2 - Force and Newton's Laws I

    In the previous lesson, we introduced the idea of vectors as quantities with magnitude (or length) and direction. We now take a deeper look at the properties of vectors in the context of forces and Newton's first law of motion.
  • Lesson 3 - Force and Newton's Laws II

    Building on the material we studied in the previous two lessons, we now apply our understanding of vectors and forces to Newton's second and third laws of motion.
  • Lesson 4 - Uniform Circular Motion

    In this lesson, we look at how to apply both vectors and the geometry of circles and triangles to uniform circular motion. Examples of such motion include the orbits of celestial objects, such as planets and stars.
  • Lesson 5 - Momentum

    In this lesson, we define the concept of momentum in the context of physics and use the mathematics of vectors and differences (such as the difference in time, Δt) to derive the law of conservation of linear momentum
  • Lesson 6 - Work

    In this lesson, we turn from momentum to work, which is the amount of energy required to perform a given task (such as moving an object from one point to another).
  • Lesson 7 - Work and Kinetic Energy

    This lesson takes the concept of work developed in the previous lesson and applies it to the concept of kinetic energy, or energy of motion.
  • Lesson 8 - Mechanical Energy and Power

    This lesson concludes our look at basic Newtonian mechanics (motion) by considering potential energy and its relationship to kinetic energy through the concept of mechanical energy.
  • Lesson 9 - Electrostatics

    The course now turns from an examination of the mechanics of motion resulting from applied forces to an overview of a specific type of force: the electric force.
  • Lesson 10 - Currents and Magnetism

    In this lesson, we turn from stationary charges to charges in motion. Charged particles in motion exert a magnetic force on each other.
  • Lesson 11 - Waves

    This lesson considers some of the mathematical aspects of waves that we will need to briefly study sound and light in later lessons.
  • Lesson 12 - Acoustic Waves

    In this lesson, we begin to apply our knowledge of waves gained in the previous lesson to the topic of sound (acoustic waves).
  • Lesson 13 - Electromagnetic Waves

    In this lesson, we consider electromagnetic waves, including the ways in which they compare and contrast with acoustic waves.
  • Lesson 14 - Rays: Geometrical Optics I

    Although the mathematics associated with waves can be extremely complicated, we can in some cases approximate waves as "rays" (geometrical optics).
  • Lesson 15 - Rays: Geometrical Optics II

    In this lesson, we briefly look at how geometrical optics can be used to analyze images created by mirrors and lenses.
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Summarize mathematical foundations of physics.
  • Describe force and Newton's Laws.
  • Define uniform circular motion.
  • Solve problems involving Momentum.
  • Solve problems involving Work.
  • Solve problems involving Work and Kinetic Energy.
  • Solve problems involving Mechanical Energy and Power
  • Summarize electrostatics.
  • Solve problems involving Currents and Magnetism
  • Summarize waves.
  • Summarize acoustic waves.
  • Summarize electromagnetic waves.
  • Describe Geometrical Optics.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Physics 101: Beginner to Intermediate Concepts
Course Number: 9770457
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas.
Last Updated: October 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 2.4 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams

Student Testimonials

  • "Awesome course, I appreciated the feedback." -- Shayana M.
  • "Everything was great, thank you!" -- Seth H.
  • "Instructor was very prompt in correcting assignments and exams, with details given of mistakes" -- Colleen M.