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PHY 120 — HOW THINGS WORK (CUR-404)

PHY 120 — HOW THINGS WORK is a DePaul University catalog course in College of Science and Health. This course will develop an understanding of the physics of everyday objects, such as electric motors, solar cells (photovoltaics), or heat engines (e.g. car engines or refrigerators). Each course will focus on three different objects, demonstrating principles from different sub-fields of physics.

Summary 🟡 ✓

  • Resource type: course
  • College / school: Physics and Astrophysics
  • College/School: College of Science and Health
  • Curriculum section: Physics and Astrophysics
  • Catalog: PHY 120
  • Last Verified: 2026-07-01

Access (availability): 🟢 Green — open or routine · 🟡 Yellow — appointment or affiliation · 🔴 Red — restricted · ⚪/⚫ White/Black — not yet classified

Verification: ✓ confirmed · ~ likely · ? needs review · ✕ archived

Course access

  • Access: 🟡 Yellow — Needs an appointment or affiliation
  • Rationale: Catalog lists formal prerequisites, co-requisites, or program-status requirements.
  • Prerequisites:
  • Instructor permission or consent

Verification

Catalog description

This course will develop an understanding of the physics of everyday objects, such as electric motors, solar cells (photovoltaics), or heat engines (e.g. car engines or refrigerators) . Each course will focus on three different objects, demonstrating principles from different sub-fields of physics. In addition to conceptual understanding, students will learn how scientific discoveries were necessary to make these devices, and how continued scientific exploration is related to their further development. MAT 120 or HON 180 or ( MAT 130 or above) or consent of instructor is a prerequisite for this course.

Resource relevance

Catalog course linked to map themes/programs: electronics.

Notes

Catalog course key: PHY 120.

Catalog context

  • Themes: electronics
  • Recent schedule: Not offered in the queried registrar terms