Physics 104 "Advanced Mechanics"

Winter 2014

Calculus of variations. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics. Non-inertial reference frames. Coupled oscillations. Strings. Waves. Topics from: Dynamics of rigid bodies, continuum mechanics, fluid mechanics.

Physics 120 "Physics of California"

Fall 2013

Why do the waves hit the beach every five seconds? This course teaches students the relevant fluid dynamics and allows them to apply it to natural phenomena of California: seismic waves, tsunamis, maximum tree heights, fluid flow around fish.

Physics 131 "Gravitation and Relativity"

Spring 2013

An introduction to Einstein's general relativity, the spacetime of special relativity, the principle of equivalence, gravity as geometry, the description of spacetime geometry, the spacetime of a relativistic star, solar system test of general relativity, gravitational collapse, black holes, cosmology.

Astronomy 1 "Basic Astronomy"

Winter 2013, Fall 2012, Fall 2011

A survey of the development of astronomy with an emphasis on understanding the observable properties of the solar system, the sun and other stars, ourown and other galaxies, and the entire universe.