PHYSICS 1680
Focused Physics II
Physics 194 is the second part of a two-semester calculus-based introduction to physics, with a co-requisite of Calculus III (Math 233 or its equivalent). The course is an advanced first-year course in electricity and magnetism, taught at a more sophisticated level than Physics 192. The approach is that of an upper-division physics course, with more emphasis on the underlying formal structure, rather than breadth of topics. The main goal is to provide an in-depth coverage of electromagnetism, DC and AC circuits using complex variables, and optics. The course is particularly addressed to students considering a physics or mathematics heavy science/engineering majors. Taking Physics 194 as a first-year student is compatible with on-time completion of all pre-health requirements.
Instructors
Reviews
Shankar is such a nice and down to Earth guy. His class is not always the easiest, but he truly prioritizes students learning the material eventually rather than getting it right on the first try. Homework is graded by completion, with a mix of difficult and easier problems covered in class. No midterms or finals. And all quizzes can be redone!
9/18/2024
8-10 hrs/week
I enjoyed this class a lot more than Focused Physics 1. The class is very difficult, and can definitely be confusing, but the professor was very supportive and willing to help. Retries on quizzes are available, so it definitely possible to do well!
5/21/2024
6-8 hrs/week
Focused physics is a hard class. It is a lot of work and you will need to devote a lot of time to learning outside of class on top of the time it takes to complete the assignments. 194 is set up so that you can do well. There are no exams, only homework that is graded on completion, and take-home quizzes that must be correct, but revisions are allowed. The quizzes are not easy, but doable, and the professors want to help you during revisions. It is totally possible to get an A in this class, but it is also really easy to get lost. You will learn a lot and I feel it is worth the challenge.
5/18/2024
Shankar is a really cool professor. He is understanding, passionate, and very intelligent. Sometime his answers to questions weren't stellar and it was a bit confusing. Nevertheless, if you pay attention, his lectures can be thrilling and you can learn a ton. Recommend!
4/24/2024
Professor Shankar is a great professor who does his upmost to explain the conceptually difficult concepts of electricity and magnetism in an understandable way to a class of freshman with little background experience in the field. He made the class very not stressful, while still providing challenging problems that inspired me to learn. A+ teacher
4/24/2024