Lower-Division

Explores some of the great topics in classical and modern physics, including quantum mechanics and 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. (Formerly Conceptual Physics).

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.

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 three-hour laboratory session per week.

 

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

Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in PHYS 6C. One three-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.

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.

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