PHYS 126 - Science In Art & Arch

2 Credit Hours
In the course, students explore both the science of art and architecture and the science depicted in art and architecture. The first part of the course focuses on engineering. Specifically, engineering principles will be explored through a study of structures such as the Pantheon, aqueducts, the Colosseum, and Brunelleschi’s dome. The second part of the course focuses on astronomy. In particular, the astronomical observations that informed the Copernican revolution and the Gregorian calendar will be explored though the use of the meridian line in the Church or Santa Maria degli Angeli (in Rome), and enriched through a visit to Giordano Bruno’s statue in the Campo de’ Fiori and Michelangelo’s The Last Judgement in the Sistine Chapel. The last part of the course will focuses on physics. Basic physics principles will be used to understand numerous topics including the properties of marble that make it ideal for sculpting figures, the principles of siphons used in Roman aqueducts, and how particle accelerators can be used to uncover “hidden text” in ancient writings and renaissance paintings.

Co-requisites: PHYS127

Course Attributes: Nat Science Elect Lecture Core, Quantitative Reason Flag Pt. 1, Scientific Perspectives Lect

Levels: Undergraduate

College of Arts & Sciences Physics & Engineering