Students may fill distribution requirements with less-technical courses that require no math or physics prerequisites. These include: Introduction to Frontier Physics 172.114:
A one credit seminar introducing students to the questions physicists are unraveling today. Stars and the Universe: Cosmic Evolution 171.118:
An introduction to astronomy. Subatomic World 171.113:
An introduction to the concepts of symmetries, relativity, quanta, neutrinos, particles and field that focuses on concepts instead of math. Physics of the Everyday World 171.115:
An introduction to the concepts of physics and their implications for the natural world around us.
The department offers three two-semester introductory physics sequences, designed to meet the needs of a variety of students:General Physics for Physical Science Majors 171.101-102:
A comprehensive one-year course in general physics, intended for physical science and engineering majors who do not plan to pursue further studies in the department. This sequence can be started in either semester and is offered in the summer. General Physics for Biological Science Majors 171.103-104:
Similar to 171.101-102, but is tailored to students with a biological science or engineering major. Introduction to Classical Physics 171.105-106:
Intended for students who plan to take more than one year of physics, perhaps as a minor. It is less comprehensive than 171.101-102 or 171.103-104, but it covers the material in greater depth. Students should be aware that the 171.105-106 sequence alone is not adequate preparation for the physics portion of the MCAT exam. *While the two General Physics Courses are aimed at students with different interests, either may fulfill the requirements for premed or engineering students. They are also accepted in place of 171.105-106 as pre-requisites for 171.201.
Two intermediate sequences are available:Special Relativity and Waves 171.201 and Modern Physics 171.202:
Complete an integrated four-semester introduction to both classical and modern physics. The sequence 171.105-106 is the preferred prerequisite for 171.201, although 171.101-102 or 171.103-104 acceptable. Intermediate General Physics for Biological Sciences (171.319-320):
Provides a deeper is aimed at students in biophysics, biomedical engineeringcovers material of interest fall term covers key physical concepts from statistical physics, fluid mechanics, and electricity and magnetism that are relevant to understanding biological systems. The spring term covers wave phenomena and biological probes that depend on the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter. | 
