Course Descriptions, Lower Division

1A. Mechanics (Lecture and Lab) (5)

First quarter of a three-quarter calculus-based lecture and laboratory introductory physics course, geared toward life-science majors. Equilibrium and motion of particles in Newtonian mechanics, examples from astronomy, biology and sports, motion of particles subject to random forces, examples from biology. Prerequisites: Mathematics 10A and concurrent enrollment in Mathematics 10B; or concurrent enrollment in Mathematics 20A. (W,S) Effective winter 1998.

Second quarter of a three-quarter calculus-based lecture and laboratory introductory physics course geared toward life-science majors. Thermal physics, electric fields, and magnetic fields. Behavior of systems under combined thermal and electric forces, examples from chemistry and biology. Prerequisites: Physics 1A and concurrent enrollment in Mathematics 10C or Mathematics 20B. (S) Effective spring 1998.

Third quarter of a three-quarter calculus-based lecture and laboratory introductory physics course geared toward life-science majors. Electromagnetic waves, acoustic waves, the interaction of light with matter as illustrated through optics and quantum mechanics. Examples from biology and instrumentation. Prerequisites: Physics 1B and Mathematics 10C or Mathematics 20B. (F) Effective fall 1998.

A calculus-based science-engineering general physics course covering vectors, motion in one and two dimensions, Newton's first and second laws, work and energy, conserva tion of energy, linear momentum, collisions, rotational kinematics, rotational dynamics, equilibrium of rigid bodies, oscillations, gravitation. Prerequisites: Math. 20A, and concurrent enrollment in Math. 20B. (F,W,S)

Same as Physics 2A except that it is offered as a self-paced (Keller plan) course. Prerequisites: Math. 20A and concurrent enrollment in Math. 20B. (Not offered in Summer Session 1999)

Continuation of Physics 2A covering charge and matter, the electric field, Gauss's law, electric potential, capacitors and dielectrics, current and resistance, electromotive force and circuits, the magnetic field, Ampere's law, Faraday's law, inductance, electromag netic oscillations, alternating currents and Maxwell's equations. Prerequisites: Phys. 2A, Math. 20B, and concurrent enrollment in Math. 20C or 21C. (F,W,S)

One hour lecture and three hours' laboratory. Experiments include gravitational force, linear and rotational motion, conservation of energy and momentum, collisions, oscilla tions and springs, gyroscopes. Experiments on electrostatics involve charge, electric field, potential, and capacitance. Data reduction and error analysis are required for written laboratory reports. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Phys. 2B, 2BS, or 4C. (F,W,S)

Same as Physics 2B, except that it is offered as a self-paced (Keller plan) course. Prerequisites: Phys. 2A, Math. 20B, and concurrent enrollment in Math. 20C or 21C. (Not offered in Summer Session 1999)

Continuation of Physics 2B covering fluid mechanics, waves in elastic media, sound waves, temperature, heat and the first law of thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, entropy and the second law of thermodynamics, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, geometric optics, interference and diffraction. Prerequisites: Phys. 2B, Math. 20C or 21C, and concurrent enrollment in Math. 20D or 21D. (F,W,S)

Same as Physics 2C, except that it is offered as a self-paced (Keller plan) course. Prerequisites: Phys. 2B, Math. 20C or 21C, and concurrent enrollment in Math. 20D or 21D. (Not offered in Summer Session 1999 )

One hour lecture and three hours' laboratory. Experiments on refraction, interference /diffraction using lasers and microwaves; lenses and the eye; acoustics; oscilloscope and L-R-C circuits; oscillations, resonance and damping, measurement of magnetic fields; and the mechanical equivalence of heat. (Students may not receive credit for both Physics 1CL and Physics 2CL.) Prerequisites: Prior or concurrent enrollment in Physics 1C, 2C, 2CS, or 4D. (F,W,S)

A modern physics course covering atomic view of matter, electricity and radiation, atomic models of Rutherford and Bohr, relativity, X-rays, wave and particle duality, mat ter waves, Schrödinger's equation, atomic view of solids, natural radioactivity. Prerequisites: Phys. 2B and Math. 20D or 21D. (F,W)

Same as Physics 2D except that it is offered as a self-paced (Keller plan) course. Prerequisites: Phys. 2B and Math. 20D or 21D. (Not offered in Summer Session 1999.)

One hour of lecture and three hours of laboratory. Experiments to be chosen from re fraction, diffraction and interference of microwaves, Hall effect, thermal band gap, optical spectra, coherence of light, photoelectric effect, e/m ratio of particles, radioactive decays, and plasma physics. Prerequisites: 2BL or 2CL, prior or concurrent enrollment in Phys. 2D, 2DS, or 4E. (W,S)

The first quarter of a five-quarter calculus-based physics sequence for physics majors and students with a serious interest in physics. The topics covered are vectors, particle kinematics and dynamics, work and energy, conservation of energy, conservation of momentum, collisions, rotational kinematics and dynamics, equilibrium of rigid bodies. Prerequisites: Math. 20A and concurrent enrollment in Math. 20B. (W)

Continuation of Physics 4A covering oscillations, gravity, fluid statics and dynamics, waves in elastic media, sound waves, heat and the first law of thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, second law of thermodynamics, gaseous mixtures and chemical reac tions. Prerequisites: Phys. 4A, Math. 20B and concurrent enrollment in Math. 20C or 21C. (S)

Continuation of Physics 4B covering charge and Coulomb's law, electric field, Gauss's law, electric potential, capacitors and dielectrics, current and resistance, magnetic field, Ampere's law, Faraday's law, inductance, magnetic properties of matter, LRC circuits, Maxwell's equations. Prerequisites: Phys. 4B, Math. 20C or 21C and concurrent enroll ment in Math. 20D or 21D. (F)

Continuation of Physics 4C covering electromagnetic waves and the nature of light, cavities and wave guides, electromagnetic radiation, reflection and refraction with appli cations to geometrical optics, interference, diffraction, holography, special relativity. Prerequisites: Phys. 4C, Math. 20D or 21D and concurrent enrollment in Math. 20E. (W)

Continuation of Physics 4D covering experimental basis of quantum mechanics: Schrödinger equation and simple applications; spin; structure of atoms and molecules; selected topics from solid state, nuclear, and elementary particle physics. Prerequisites: Phys. 4D, Math. 20E, and concurrent enrollment in Math. 20F. (S)

Introduction to astronomy. Topics include the earth's place in the universe; the atom and light; the birth, life, and death of stars; the Milky Way galaxy; normal and active galax ies; and cosmology. Physics 5 or 7, and Earth Sciences 10 and 30 form a three-quarter sequence. Students may not receive credit for both Physics 5 and Physics 7. (F,S)

Descriptive introduction to basic physics concepts relevant to space science and explo ration. Topics include gravity; orbits, weightlessness, and Kepler's laws; the Earth's physical environment (including its atmosphere, its magnetic field, and radiation from the sun); and light as an electromagnetic wave. These topics form the basis for an intro duction to the space program and discussion of the scientific reasons for performing experiments or observations in space. (W)

Introduction to astronomy and astrophysics. Topics same as Physics 5. This course uses basic pre-calculus level mathematics (algebra, proportions, logs, similar triangles). Physics 5 or 7 and Earth Sciences 10 and 30 form a three-quarter sequence. Students may not receive credit for both Physics 5 and Physics 7. (W)

8. Physics of Everyday Life (4)

Examines phenomena and technology encountered in daily life from a physics perspective. Topics include waves, musical instruments, telecommunication, sports, appliances, transportation, computers, and energy sources. Physics concepts will be introduced and discussed as needed employing some algebra. No prior physics knowledge is required. Restricted to P/NP grading option if taken after Physics 1A, 2A or 4A. (S)

A non-mathematical exploration of our Solar System and other planetary systems for non-science majors. The Sun, terrestrial and giant planets, satellites, asteroids, comets and meteors. The formation of planetary systems, space exploration, the development and search for life. Prerequisite: none (A companion to Physics 5 - The Universe. Both may be taken for credit.)

This is a one-quarter general physics course for nonscience majors. Topics covered are motion, energy, heat, waves, electric current, radiation, light, atoms and molecules, nuclear fission and fusion. This course emphasizes concepts with minimal mathematical formulation. Prerequisites: college algebra or equivalent. (F,S)

First quarter of a two-quarter introductory physics course for non-science majors cover ing selected topics in classical and modern physics. The course gives a quantitative treatment of physical phenomena, introducing basic physics concepts and using calcu lus and other mathematics where applicable. Topics are taken from mechanics, waves, thermodynamics, and electricity. A laboratory requirement consists of two experiments of the student's choice. Prerequisites: Math. 1A or 20A and concurrent enrollment in Math 1B or 20B. (F)

Second quarter of a two-quarter introductory physics course for non-science majors covering topics in classical and modern physics. Topics are taken from magnetism, electromagnetic radiation, relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, and cosmology. The laboratory requirement consists of two experiments of the student's choice. Prerequisites: Physics 11A and Math.1B or 20B. (W)

Undergraduate seminars organized around the research interests of various faculty members. Prerequisites: none. (F,W,S)

Undergraduate seminars organized around the research interests of various faculty members. (F,W,S)