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1 - 10 of 120 results for: PHYSICS

PHYSICS 13N: A Taste of Quantum Physics (APPPHYS 13N)

What is quantum physics and what makes it so weird? We'll introduce key aspects of quantum physics with an aim to explain why it differs from everyday 'classical' physics. Quantum-enabled devices like the laser and atomic clocks for GPS will be explained. We will also discuss the breakthroughs driving the 2nd quantum technology revolution surrounding quantum simulators, sensors, and computers. Seminar discussions and a laser lab will help illustrate core principles, including the atomic clock mechanism. Visits to campus laboratories will introduce cutting-edge quantum experiments. This IntroSem is designed for those likely to go on to major in the humanities or in a STEM program outside of the natural sciences. (Likely STEM majors are instead encouraged to take 100-level quantum courses upon completion of pre-requirements.) While basic familiarity with high school physics is recommended, qualitative explanations will be emphasized. By the end of the quarter, you will be able to explain the key tenets of quantum physics, how it has enabled current technology, and what new technologies might emerge from the 2nd quantum revolution.
Terms: Aut | Units: 3 | UG Reqs: WAY-SMA
Instructors: Lev, B. (PI)

PHYSICS 14N: Quantum Information: Visions and Emerging Technologies

What sets quantum information apart from its classical counterpart is that it can be encoded non-locally, woven into correlations among multiple qubits in a phenomenon known as entanglement. We will discuss paradigms for harnessing entanglement to solve hitherto intractable computational problems or to push the precision of sensors to their fundamental quantum mechanical limits. We will also examine challenges that physicists and engineers are tackling in the laboratory today to enable the quantum technologies of the future.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3 | UG Reqs: WAY-FR, WAY-SMA

PHYSICS 15: Stars and Planets in a Habitable Universe

How do stars form from the gas in galaxies? How do stars and galaxies evolve, and how can these processes give rise to planets and the conditions suitable for life? How do we, from our little corner of the cosmos, collect and decipher information about the Universe? This course covers the solar system and celestial motions, the life cycle of stars, the structure of our Milky Way galaxy, and the discovery of exoplanets: planets orbiting stars beyond our Sun. Intended to be accessible to non-science majors, the material is explored quantitatively with problem sets using basic algebra and numerical estimates. Sky observing and observatory field trips supplement the coursework.
Terms: Aut, Sum | Units: 3 | UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA

PHYSICS 16: The Origin and Development of the Cosmos

How did the present Universe come to be? The last few decades have seen remarkable progress in understanding this age-old question. Course will cover the history of the Universe from its earliest moments to the present day, and the physical laws that govern its evolution. The early Universe including inflation and the creation of matter and the elements. Recent discoveries in our understanding of the makeup of the cosmos, including dark matter and dark energy. Evolution of galaxies, clusters, and quasars, and the Universe as a whole. Implications of dark matter and dark energy for the future evolution of the cosmos. Intended to be accessible to non-science majors, material is explored quantitatively with problem sets using basic algebra and numerical estimates.
Terms: Spr, Sum | Units: 3 | UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
Instructors: Romani, R. (PI)

PHYSICS 17: Black Holes and Extreme Astrophysics

Black holes represent an extreme frontier of astrophysics. Course will explore the most fundamental and universal force -- gravity -- and how it controls the fate of astrophysical objects, leading in some cases to black holes. How we discover and determine the properties of black holes and their environment. How black holes and their event horizons are used to guide thinking about mysterious phenomena such as Hawking radiation, wormholes, and quantum entanglement. How black holes generate gravitational waves and powerful jets of particles and radiation. Other extreme objects such as pulsars. Relevant physics, including relativity, is introduced and treated at the algebraic level. No prior physics or calculus is required, although some deep thinking about space, time, and matter is important in working through assigned problems.
Last offered: Autumn 2020 | UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA

PHYSICS 18N: Frontiers in Theoretical Physics and Cosmology

Preference to freshmen. The course will begin with a description of the current standard models of gravitation, cosmology, and elementary particle physics. We will then focus on frontiers of current understanding including investigations of very early universe cosmology, string theory, and the physics of black holes.
Last offered: Winter 2020 | UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA

PHYSICS 21: Mechanics and Fluids

How are the motions of solids and liquids determined by the laws of physics? Students learn to describe the motion of objects (kinematics) and understand why objects move as they do (dynamics). Emphasis on applying Newton's laws to solids and liquids to describe diverse phenomena. Everyday examples are analyzed using tools of algebra and trigonometry. Problem-solving skills are developed, including verifying that derived results satisfy criteria for correctness, such as dimensional consistency and expected behavior in limiting cases. Physical understanding fostered by peer interaction and interactive group problem solving. Prerequisite: high school algebra and trigonometry; calculus not required.
Terms: Aut | Units: 4 | UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA

PHYSICS 21S: Mechanics and Heat

How are the motions of objects and the behavior of fluids and gases determined by the laws of physics? Students learn to describe the motion of objects (kinematics) and understand why objects move as they do (dynamics). Emphasis on how Newton's three laws of motion are applied to solids, liquids, and gases to describe phenomena as diverse as spinning gymnasts, blood flow, and sound waves. Understanding many-particle systems requires connecting macroscopic properties (e.g., temperature and pressure) to microscopic dynamics (collisions of particles). Laws of thermodynamics provide understanding of real-world phenomena such as energy conversion and performance limits of heat engines. Everyday examples are analyzed using tools of algebra and trigonometry. Problem-solving skills are developed, including verifying that derived results satisfy criteria for correctness, such as dimensional consistency and expected behavior in limiting cases. Physical understanding fostered by peer interaction and demonstrations in lecture, and interactive group problem solving in discussion sections. Prerequisite: high school algebra and trigonometry; calculus not required.
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA

PHYSICS 22: Mechanics, Fluids, and Heat Laboratory

Guided hands-on exploration of concepts in classical mechanics, fluids, and thermodynamics with an emphasis on student predictions, observations and explanations. Pre- or corequisite: PHYSICS 21.
Terms: Aut | Units: 1

PHYSICS 23: Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics

How are electric and magnetic fields generated by static and moving charges, and what are their applications? How is light related to electromagnetic waves? Students learn to represent and analyze electric and magnetic fields to understand electric circuits, motors, and generators. The wave nature of light is used to explain interference, diffraction, and polarization phenomena. Geometric optics is employed to understand how lenses and mirrors form images. These descriptions are combined to understand the workings and limitations of optical systems such as the eye, corrective vision, cameras, telescopes, and microscopes. Discussions based on the language of algebra and trigonometry. Physical understanding fostered by peer interaction and demonstrations in lecture, and interactive group problem solving in discussion sections. Prerequisite: PHYSICS 21 or PHYSICS 21S.
Terms: Win | Units: 4 | UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
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