Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Cal State East Bay Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Cal State East Bay Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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PHYS 137 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers III


Units: 4
A calculus-based introduction to modern physics, thermodynamics, and waves that emphasizes both conceptual understanding and the ability to solve quantitative problems. Topics of study include thermodynamics, entropy, heat engines, waves, diffraction and interference, optics, special relativity, quantum mechanics, and atomic/nuclear physics. Lecture Units: 3; Lab Units: 1.

Prerequisites: MATH 130 and PHYS 136.
Equivalent Quarter Course: The three semester sequence PHYS 135 and PHYS 136 and PHYS 137 is equivalent to the four quarter sequence PHYS 1001 and PHYS 1002 and PHYS 1003 and PHYS 2004.
Possible Instructional Methods: Entirely On-ground.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Course Typically Offered: Fall ONLY


Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
  1. Students will be able to explain a variety of physical phenomena in the fields of modern physics, thermodynamics, and waves using models developed in class.
  2. Students will apply the principles of physics to solve basic problems, often very similar to those demonstrated in class and in lecture, learning the techniques and systematic approach which is the required groundwork for solving novel and complex problems.  Order-of-magnitude estimates, dimensional analysis, and scaling behavior are emphasized.  Being able to evaluate if a solution makes intuitive physical sense is stressed.
  3. Students will develop strategies for learning technical subjects and practice active reading and listening skills.
  4. The Laboratory component of the course has the following student learning outcomes: Students taking the Physics 137 Lab component will develop the ability to: Devise and assemble an experiment to test a physical principle or specific hypothesis using the Scientific Method.
  5. Maintain a professional quality laboratory notebook recording their experimental work, data, and observations in a clear and organized format
  6. Analyze and plot the data from their experiments and properly apply rigorous error analysis techniques.
  7. Effectively use common experimental tools and equipment.
  8. Formulate a reasonable and meaningful conclusion or summary based on the experimental evidence they have collected.  A “Claim-Evidence-Reasoning” based summary strategy will be emphasized.




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