Physics 220: General Physics with Calculus I, SFSU, Fall 2011, Fall 2010, Fall 2009, Spring 2009, Fall 2008, Fall 2007
Undergraduate, lower division. Introduction to Newtonian mechanics (with calculus): vectors, kinematics, forces and Newton's Laws, linear momentum and impulse, work and kinetic energy, potential energy and conservation of energy, inelastic and elastic collisions, torque and angular momentum, rigid body statics & dynamics, oscillatory motion.
Prerequisites: Math 226 (Calculus I) with a grade of at least C, concurrent enrollment in lab (Physics 222), concurrent enrollment in Math 227 (Calculus II), passing score (70%) on Math Qualifying Test in first week.
Syllabus for Physics 220 (PDF)
Online resources: http://ilearn.sfsu.edu
Physics 330: Analytic Mechanics I, SFSU, Fall 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.
Undergraduate, upper division. Intermediate course in Newtonian mechanics: kinematics in 3D, motion caused by non-constant forces (e.g. linear and quadratic air resistance), numerical methods to solve equations of motion, oscillations (e.g. damped and forced oscillations, resonance, coupled oscillations), conservation of linear momentum and momentum flow problems (e.g. the rocket equation), work by non-constant forces and conservation of energy, central force motion and Keplerian orbits, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics.
Prerequisites: Math 228 (Calculus III: multivariable calculus), Math 245 (intro linear algebra and ordinary differential equations), Physics 220 & 230 (intro mechanics and electricity/magnetism).
Syllabus for Physics 330 (PDF)
Online resources: http://ilearn.sfsu.edu
Classes taught in previous semesters:
Astronomy 400/700: Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics, SFSU, Spring 2011
Graduate & Undergraduate (upper division). Introduction to stellar astrophysics: Stellar atmospheres & spectra, stellar structure (hydrostatic equilibrium & equations of state), stellar energy sources & transport (thermonuclear reactions, radiative transport, convective transport), stellar evolution & death (white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes). Course will consist of lectures and a laboratory component (e.g. analysis of real spectral data, computational modeling of stellar interiors).
Prerequisites: Physics 320 (Modern Physics I), Physics 385 (Mathematical Methods for Physics I), Math 245 (Ordinary Differential Equations & Linear Algebra), Astronomy 300/301 (Stars, Planets & the Milky Way & Lab)
Syllabus for Astronomy 400/700 (PDF)
Physics 712: Plasma Physics, SFSU, Spring 2011, 2009
Graduate level. Introduction to the physics of plasmas, often called the fourth state of matter. A plasma is an ionized gas, a "soup" of positive and negative ions. Particles are accelerated by electric and magnetic fields; in turn, the motion of ions generates currents and magnetic fields. Because of the long-range nature of electromagnetic forces, plasmas exhibit "collective" effects. Topics include: what are plasmas, single-particle motion, plasmas as fluids (magnetohydrodynamics), waves in plasmas, diffusion & resistivity, equilibrium & stability, kinetic theory, and nonlinear effects in plasmas. Applications include both laboratory (fusion research, laser produced plasmas, propulsion systems) & geophysical/astrophysical plasmas (geodynamo, solar wind/magnetosphere interactions, star formation, pulsars, intergalactic medium).
Prerequisites: Physics 320 (Modern Physics I), Physics 360 & 460 (Electromagnetism I & II), Physics 370 (Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics), Physics 385 (Mathematical Methods for Physics I), Math 245 (Ordinary Differential Equations & Linear Algebra)
Syllabus for Physics 712 (PDF)
Physics 722: Astrophysics, SFSU, Spring 2008
Graduate level. Introduction to theoretical astrophysics. Topics: Radiative processes in astrophysics (radiative transfer, blackbody radiation, Bremsstrahlung radiation, synchrotron radiation, Comptom scattering); accretion power in astrophysics (spherical accretion & the Eddington limit, Bondi accretion, accretion dusks and angular momentum transport, applications for accretion onto stellar black holes, neutron stars, white dwarks, galactic supermassive black holes, protstars. Syllabus for Physics 722 (PDF)
Physics 3: Basic Physics , U. California, Santa Barbara, Summer 2004
Topics: Mechanical waves, wave interference and normal modes, sound and hearing,electrical field, Gauss's law, electric potential, capacitance and dielectrics,current, resistance, electromotive force, DC circuits.
Astronomy 7b: Introduction to Astrophysics II, U. California, Berkeley, Spring 1998
Topics: Telescopes, the interstellar medium (dust, gas, star formation),
the Milky Way Galaxy (morphology, kinematics, spiral structure),
the nature of galaxies (classification, regular and active galaxies, interactions,
extragalactic distance scale), and an introduction to cosmology (expansion
of the universe, Newtonian cosmology, general relativity, the Big Bang,
dark matter, inflation, nucleosynthesis).
