How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This course provides a beginner-friendly introduction to physics by exploring the science behind everyday phenomena. Through a combination of theory and real-world applications, learners will gain a foundational understanding of key physical principles. The course is structured into six modules, each requiring approximately 14 hours of study, for a total commitment of about 84 hours. With lifetime access, learners can progress at their own pace and complete the final project to demonstrate their understanding.
Module 1: Newton’s Laws of Motion
Estimated time: 14 hours
- Overview of Newton's First Law: Inertia
- Newton's Second Law: Force and Acceleration
- Newton's Third Law: Action and Reaction
- Real-world applications of Newton’s Laws
Module 2: Inertia and Momentum
Estimated time: 14 hours
- Concept of inertia in stationary and moving objects
- Linear momentum and its conservation
- Collisions and momentum transfer
- Everyday examples of inertia and momentum
Module 3: Projectile Motion
Estimated time: 14 hours
- Understanding motion under gravity
- Horizontal and vertical components of projectile motion
- Calculating speed, distance, and time of flight
- Factors affecting projectile trajectories
Module 4: Energy and Work
Estimated time: 14 hours
- Definition and types of energy
- Work and its relationship to force and displacement
- Power and energy transfer
- Conservation of energy in mechanical systems
Module 5: Mechanical Systems
Estimated time: 14 hours
- Principles of simple machines
- Levers, pulleys, and inclined planes
- Complex mechanical systems and efficiency
- Applying physics to real-world engineering designs
Module 6: Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics
Estimated time: 28 hours
- Behavior of fluids in motion and at rest
- Pressure, flow, and resistance in fluid systems
- Heat, temperature, and thermal energy transfer
- The laws of thermodynamics and their applications
Prerequisites
- Basic high school mathematics (algebra)
- Familiarity with scientific concepts
- No prior physics knowledge required
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Explain the physics behind everyday objects and phenomena
- Apply Newton’s laws to real-world motion problems
- Analyze energy transfer and mechanical efficiency
- Understand fluid behavior and thermal systems
- Solve practical physics problems in engineering contexts