Catalog 2023-2024

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PHYS 004C: Engineering Physics - Light, Heat, and Waves

Course Description

This is the third semester of a three-semester physics course, intended for students majoring in physical sciences and engineering. PHYS 004C is composed of topics that, together with PHYS 004A and PHYS 004B, constitute all of the topics included in the calculus based physics sequence. Topics to be studied include wave motion, heat, the first and second laws of thermodynamics, the concept of entropy, the nature and propagation of light, the laws of reflection and refraction for plane and spherical waves, interference, diffraction, and modern physics including wave-particle duality, matter waves, and special relativity. Instructors emphasize problem solutions using calculus.

Units: 5

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Transferable to both UC and CSU

Course Details

  • Grade Options: Letter Grade
  • In-Class Lecture Hours: 64 – 72
  • In-Class Lab Hours: 48 – 54

Requisites and Advisories

  • Prerequisites: MATH 003B, PHYS 004A
  • Co-Requisites: None
  • Advisory: None
  • Additional Requisite Information:
    The honors version of the same course may be used to satisfy a requisite requirement.

Transfer Details

  • CSU/UC: Transferable to both UC and CSU
  • WVC GE: B. Natural Sciences
  • CSU GE: Area B - Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning: B1- Physical Sciences
    Area B - Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning: B3- Laboratory Activity: Lab course used from B1 or B2
  • UC/IGETC GE: Area 5 - Physical and Biological Sciences: 5A- Physical Sciences
    Area 5 - Physical and Biological Sciences: 5C \u2013 Laboratory
  • C-ID: PHYS 215 - Calculus-Based Physics for Scientists and Engineers: C
Last Updated 7/19/23