Physics 141A

Physics 141A is the first course in solid state physics. It is a four unit course.

Overview

Physics 5A explores basic tenets of classical mechanics, espousing fundamental principles about how things move, collide, turn, wave, and flow. The end of the course also features discussion of special relativity, the theory governing the behavior of objects moving at close to the speed of light. While oft-described by students as more mathematically strenuous than Physics 7A, it is also an excellent preparation course for upper division physics courses.

Prerequisites

Physics 137A, Physics 137B may be taken concurrently.

Student Comments

“Curriculum will be highly dependent on the professor. Qiu was great in my own opinion (it’s his area of expertise). Generally regarded as an easier elective but probably want to have at least one of (if not both) 137A or 112.” – Katie Latimer, physics/chemistry alumna

“141a: This class is a really good introduction to the field of condensed matter physics and is crucial if you are interested in pursuing that field. Depending on the professor different topics will have heavier emphasis, but you will learn all the basics to crystals, electric properties of materials, among other important basics to understanding condensed matter physics. Having taken it with Analytis, he was a fantastic lecturer that cared about helping the students understand the topics and graded the class very fair, as well as going into the right amount of depth in each topic. In terms of prerequisite courses, 137B can be taken concurrently, but some points in the course will be more difficult if done. 112 is not a prerequisite, but it will make the class easier. There are a couple weeks of the class that heavily use 112 topics and if you have not taken 112 you will need work harder to better understand these sections, but it is definitely possible to do. Overall, a great class if you are interested in the subject and in general a fair course.” – Jake Byron, physics alumnus