Physics I + Lab

Mechanics, Heat, and Sound introduces big ideas in physics, such as Newtonian mechanics (including motion, force, energy, and rotation), as well as solid and fluid mechanics, oscillations, waves, sound, and heat. Taken together, the topics reinforce the general idea that the behavior of many systems in the world can be described precisely with simple mathematics.

This is an algebra-based (non-calculus) course in mechanics that fulfills a general physics requirement. Proficiency in algebra and geometry is assumed. This course lays the conceptual groundwork for STEM majors. Students will experience a high-quality curriculum designed by the faculty at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). Students can earn up to four hours of UT Austin credit, with feedback and assessment provided by UT Austin course staff.

General Physics Laboratory I—the course’s lab component—engages students in both guided and open inquiry investigations of physical principles. It is designed to instill foundational scientific reasoning, data collection, and analytical skills.