Spring 2025
PHYSICS 10 001 - LEC 001
Descriptive Introduction to Physics
From the Quantum Universe to Quantum Technologies
Barbara V Jacak
Jan 21, 2025 - May 09, 2025
Tu, Th
09:30 am - 10:59 am
Physics Building 4
Class #:24258
Units: 3
Instruction Mode:
In-Person Instruction
Offered through
Physics
Current Enrollment
Total Open Seats:
19
Enrolled: 31
Waitlisted: 0
Capacity: 50
Waitlist Max: 10
No Reserved Seats
Hours & Workload
1 hours of the exchange of opinions or questions on course material per week, 5 hours of outside work hours per week, and 3 hours of instructor presentation of course materials per week.
Final Exam
WED, MAY 14TH
11:30 am - 02:30 pm
Social Sciences Building 126
Other classes by Barbara V Jacak
+ 1 Independent Study
Course Catalog Description
The most interesting and important topics in physics, stressing conceptual understanding rather than math, with applications to current events. Topics covered may vary and may include energy and conservation, radioactivity, nuclear physics, the Theory of Relativity, lasers, explosions, earthquakes, superconductors, and quantum physics.
Class Description
This course will provide an introduction to the fascinating mysteries and applications of quantum mechanics, for both nonscience and science majors. We will start with an introduction to particle-wave duality and quantum mechanics. We will discuss our quantum universe of atoms and nuclei, and learn about nuclear fusion and fission, energy production, and how stars work. We will explore novel quantum technologies, particularly quantum information, computing, and quantum sensors, which are all amazing new applications of quantum physics. This course will stress conceptual understanding rather than math, and give you new insights into some of the most modern technologies being developed right now. You will develop your skills in logical, physical reasoning and apply them to some of the issues facing humanity right now.
Prerequisites: none
This course fulfills the Science L&S breadth requisite
Class Notes
This course will provide an introduction to the fascinating mysteries and applications of quantum mechanics, for both nonscience and science majors. We will start with an introduction to particle-wave duality and quantum mechanics. We will discuss our quantum universe of atoms and nuclei, and learn ..
show more
This course will provide an introduction to the fascinating mysteries and applications of quantum mechanics, for both nonscience and science majors. We will start with an introduction to particle-wave duality and quantum mechanics. We will discuss our quantum universe of atoms and nuclei, and learn about nuclear fusion and fission, energy production, and how stars work. We will explore novel quantum technologies, particularly quantum information, computing, and quantum sensors, which are all amazing new applications of quantum physics. This course will stress conceptual understanding rather than math, and give you new insights into some of the most modern technologies being developed right now. You will develop your skills in logical, physical reasoning and apply them to some of the issues facing humanity right now.
Prerequisites: none show less
Prerequisites: none show less
Rules & Requirements
Repeat Rules
Course is not repeatable for credit.
Requirements class fulfills
Meets Physical Science, L&S Breadth
Reserved Seats
Current Enrollment
No Reserved Seats
Textbooks & Materials
See class syllabus or https://calstudentstore.berkeley.edu/textbooks for the most current information.
Guide to Open, Free, & Affordable Course Materials