NAS 236 - Environmental Physics

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): MAT 135.
This course provides a critical foundation for understanding and appreciating the principles of physics and their application to the natural environment. Students gain insight and understanding of concepts such as forces and Newton’s Laws, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, gas laws, the behavior of waves, the behavior of light, electricity and magnetism, radioactivity, and nuclear energy. These concepts are highlighted with particular attention to how these concepts relate to both terrestrial and aquatic environments. A working knowledge of using algebra to solve equations and problems is required. The class structure consists primarily of lectures, laboratory experiments, and demonstrations. Weekly laboratory work and some field trips can be expected.