Lower-Division

Explores some of the great topics in classical and modern physics, including relativity, and the connections to a broad range of inquiry, from daily life to cosmology. Math, mainly algebra, is used in a way that is completely accessible to everyone. No previous knowledge of physics is necessary.

Explores some of the great topics in classical and modern physics, including thermal physics, quantum mechanics, and the constituents of matter, and their connections to a broad range of inquiry, from daily life to particle physics and cosmology. Probabilistic evidence, backgrounds, statistical fluctuations and systematic uncertainties, discovery significance, what we infer, and what can go wrong, are illustrated in some depth. Math is used in a way that is completely accessible to everyone. No previous knowledge of physics or statistics is necessary.

Prepares students for success in subsequent classes in physics and astrophysics. Course is designed for students majoring or considering majoring in physics, applied physics, or astrophysics. Includes overview of physics and astrophysics, and their major tools: experiment, theory, observation, and computation. Provides conceptual overview of the top-level theoretical approaches including classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics. Also reviews problem-solving skills for work in subsequent classes, including the physicist's approach to calculus, working intuitively with graphs, solving simultaneous equations, and understanding equations conceptually. Examines the educational path to different physics careers, physics as a collaborative discipline, and effective methods for group work as well as individual study.

Elementary mechanics. Vectors, Newton's laws, inverse square force laws, work and energy, conservation of momentum and energy, and oscillations.

A continuation of PHYS 5A. Wave motion in matter, including sound waves. Geometrical optics, interference and polarization, statics and dynamics of fluids.

Introduction to electricity and magnetism. Electromagnetic radiation, Maxwell's equations.

Introduces temperature, heat, thermal conductivity, diffusion, ideal gases, laws of thermodynamics, heat engines, and kinetic theory. Introduces the special theory of relativity and the equivalence principle. Includes the photoelectric effect, the Compton effect, matter waves, atomic spectra, and the Bohr model.

 

Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in PHYS 5A. One three-hour laboratory session per week.

 

Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in PHYS 5B. One three-hour laboratory session per week.

Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in PHYS 5C. One three-hour laboratory session per week.

Elementary mechanics. Vectors, Newton's laws, inverse square force laws, work and energy, conservation of momentum and energy, and oscillations.

A continuation of PHYS 6A. Geometric optics; statics and dynamics of fluids; introduction to thermodynamics, including temperature, heat, thermal conductivity, and molecular motion; wave motion in matter, including sound waves.

Introduction to electricity and magnetism. Elementary circuits; Maxwell's equations; electromagnetic radiation; interference and polarization of light.

Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in PHYS 6A. One two-hour laboratory session per week.

Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in PHYS 6B. One two-hour laboratory session per week.

Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in PHYS 6C. One two-hour laboratory session per week.

Examines elementary mechanics, including vectors, kinematics, Newton's laws, work and energy, conservation of momentum and energy, fluid motion, and temperature and heat.

Examines elementary wave motion, light polarization, reflection and refraction; elementary electricity, including electric charge, Coulomb's Law,and electric field and potential; electrostatic energy, currents, conductors, resistance, and Ohm's Law; and magnetic fields, inductors, and circuits.

Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in PHYS 7A. One three-hour laboratory session per week.

One two-hour meeting per week. Subjects include roles of the physicist in industry, the business environment in a technical company, economic considerations, job hunting, and discussions with physicists with industrial experience. Enrollment by permission of instructor. Priority given to applied physics upper-division students; other majors if space available.

Covers similar material to PHYS 5A (Mechanics, vectors, Newton’s laws, inverse square force laws, work and energy, conservation of momentum and energy, oscillations, and rotational motion), but in greater depth and with more sophisticated techniques. These include kinematics in polar coordinates, and associated descriptions of motion in rotating coordinate systems; information encoded in potential energy functions; the use and importance of symmetry; handling of complications due to real-world effects; and connections between position and momentum in simple harmonic oscillators. Students are expected to be fluent with precalculus and to be familiar with integration, and are encouraged to contact the instructor if they are uncertain about their preparation.

Covers similar material to PHYS 5C (electricity and magnetism, electromagnetism and Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic radiation), but in greater depth and with more sophisticated techniques. These include the development and frequent use of Maxwell’s equations in both integral and differential form, the use of electric and magnetic potentials, gauge invariance and connection to modern electrodynamics, generalized impedance in ac circuits, and how accelerating charges produce electromagnetic radiation. Students who are uncertain about their preparation are encouraged to contact the instructor.

The physics of energy developed in a course accessible to non-science majors as well as science majors. Fundamental principles and elementary calculations, at the level of basic algebra, developed and applied to the understanding of the physics of energy. Topics include fossil fuels, renewable energy, solar cells and waste energy, waste-energy recovery, nuclear power, and global greenhouse effects. (Formerly offered as PHYS 2.)

Fundamental theory of vibration, sound waves, sound propagation, diffraction, and interference. Free, coupled, and driven oscillations. Resonance phenomena and modes of oscillation. Fourier's theorem. Anatomy and psychophysics of the ear. Musical scales and intervals. Nature of plucked and bowed strings; guitar, violin, piano. Woodwind and brass instruments. Architectural acoustics. High school algebra and basic knowledge of musical notation recommended.

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.