Nov 25, 2024  
2021-2022 Cal State East Bay Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Cal State East Bay Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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PHYS 126 - Principles of Physics II


Units: 4 ; Breadth Area: GE-B1, GE-B3
The second semester of the year-long, algebra based, introductory Physics sequence. A major focus is the study of Electricity and Magnetism and the nature of light. Other topics include standing waves, optics, electrical circuits and Modern Physics. Lecture Units: 3; Lab Units: 1.

Prerequisites: PHYS 125.
Equivalent Quarter Course: The two semester sequence PHYS 125 and PHYS 126 is equivalent to the three quarter sequence PHYS 2701 and PHYS 2702 and 2703.
Possible Instructional Methods: Entirely On-ground.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-B1 - Lower Division Physical Science, GE-B3 - Lower Division Laboratory Activity
Course Typically Offered: Fall & Spring


Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of Physics by applying these core ideas to analyze physical processes.  In this course these fundamental principles include: Electricity and Magnetism, Optics (including both wave and ray optics), Superposition and Standing Waves, Electric Circuits, Relativity, Quantum Physics; wave particle duality and particle in a box Atoms and Molecules; spectroscopy and band theory of solids Nuclear Physics; radioactivity and half-life dating
  2. Students will apply quantitative reasoning and critical thinking to solve complex problems, both theoretical and experimental in nature. Students will apply the physical principles introduced to solve basic problems, often very similar to those demonstrated in class and in lecture, learning the techniques and systematic approaches forming the required groundwork for solving novel and complex problems.
  3. Students will develop strategies for learning technical subjects, e.g.,  practice active reading/listening skills.
  4. The Laboratory component of the course has the following student learning outcomes; Students taking the 125 Lab component shall develop the ability to:
  5. ab component shall develop the ability to: 5. Devise or create a lab experiment designed to test a physic
  6. Maintain a professional quality laboratory notebook or other record of their experimental work including proper format, ability to record data and observations appropriately etc.
  7. Use computer software to plot and analyze their data.   The current implementation is to have students learn to use Microsoft Excel to plot and analyze their data.
  8. Properly use common experimental tools of experimental Physics.
  9. 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


B1. Physical Science Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate knowledge of scientific theories, concepts, and data about the physical sciences;
  2. demonstrate an understanding of scientific practices, including the scientific method; and
  3. describe the potential limits of scientific endeavors, including the accepted standards and ethics associated with scientific inquiry.
B3. Laboratory Activity Learning Outcomes
  1. Apply their knowledge of scientific theories, concepts, and data about the physical and sciences through laboratory activities;
  2. apply their understanding of scientific practices, including the scientific method in a laboratory setting; and
  3. demonstrate accepted standards and ethics associated with scientific inquiry, while completing laboratory activities.



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