Overview
PHYS 6B at UCSC is a second-semester introductory physics course that focuses on electricity and magnetism. It is designed for students majoring in physics, engineering, or a related field. The course covers a wide range of topics, including electric fields, magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, and circuits.
Course Objectives
Upon completing PHYS 6B, students will be able to:
- Understand the fundamental concepts of electricity and magnetism.
- Apply these concepts to solve problems in electromagnetism.
- Design and build simple electrical circuits.
- Communicate their understanding of electromagnetism through written and oral presentations.
Course Content
The topics covered in PHYS 6B include:
- Electric Fields
- Magnetic Fields
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Circuits
- Maxwell’s Equations
Instructor and Contact Information
The instructor for PHYS 6B is currently Professor David Kestenbaum. His office is located in the Science and Engineering Building, Room 333. His office hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. He can be reached by email at [email protected].
Course Schedule
PHYS 6B is a three-unit course that meets three times per week for 50 minutes each. The course schedule is as follows:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 to 10:50 AM in Science and Engineering Building, Room 131
Grading
The final grade for PHYS 6B is determined by the following factors:
- Midterm Exam (30%)
- Final Exam (30%)
- Homework Assignments (15%)
- Quizzes (10%)
- Participation (15%)
Textbook
The required textbook for PHYS 6B is “Electricity and Magnetism” by David Griffiths.
Course Resources
The following resources are available to help students succeed in PHYS 6B:
- Office Hours: The instructor’s office hours are a great opportunity to get help with homework, review material, or ask questions about the course.
- SI Sessions: Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions are free peer-led review sessions that are offered for PHYS 6B. SI sessions are a great way to review the material, get help with homework, and prepare for exams.
- Tutoring Center: The Tutoring Center offers free tutoring for PHYS 6B. Tutors are available on a walk-in basis or by appointment.
- Online Resources: There are a number of online resources available to help students with PHYS 6B, including lecture notes, practice problems, and simulations.
Student Feedback
Students who have taken PHYS 6B have generally had positive feedback. They report that the course is challenging but rewarding, and that they have learned a lot about electricity and magnetism. Some students have also mentioned that the workload is heavy, so it is important to stay on top of the material.
Conclusion
PHYS 6B is a challenging but rewarding course that is essential for students majoring in physics, engineering, or a related field. The course covers a wide range of topics, and students who successfully complete the course will have a strong foundation in electricity and magnetism.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the prerequisites for PHYS 6B?
The prerequisites for PHYS 6B are PHYS 6A and MATH 23A.
- How much time should I expect to spend on PHYS 6B each week?
Students should expect to spend approximately 6-9 hours per week on PHYS 6B, including time spent in lecture, discussion, and homework.
- Is PHYS 6B a difficult course?
PHYS 6B is a challenging course, but it is also manageable with hard work and dedication.
- What are some tips for succeeding in PHYS 6B?
Some tips for succeeding in PHYS 6B include:
- Attend all lectures and discussions.
- Read the textbook before each lecture.
- Do the homework assignments regularly.
- Get help from the instructor, SI leaders, or tutors when needed.
- Form a study group with other students.
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Take practice exams to prepare for the midterm and final exams.
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What are some of the careers that I can pursue with a degree in physics?
Some of the careers that you can pursue with a degree in physics include:
- Physicist
- Engineer
- Teacher
- Researcher
- Data Scientist
- Financial Analyst
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Consultant
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What are some of the research opportunities that are available to undergraduate students in physics?
There are a number of research opportunities that are available to undergraduate students in physics at UCSC. These opportunities include working with faculty members on their research projects, participating in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), and conducting independent research projects.
- What are some of the physics clubs and organizations that are available to undergraduate students at UCSC?
There are a number of physics clubs and organizations that are available