PHYS 4C - General Physics

    Recent Professors
    Guillermo Enrique Castilla, Yiyun Huang
    Recent Semesters
    Spring 2026
    Class Size
    28 students
    Difficulty
    6.6Demandingout of 10
    Credits
    5
    Prerequisite
    PHYS 004A , MATH 071 , and MATH 072 ; all with a C or better.
    Spring 2026 Sections
    View Spring 2026 sections of PHYS 4C
    Transfers To
    Not transferable
    Description
    Students are introduced to general principles of optics and thermodynamics at a calculus-based level. This is one of three courses in calculus-based general physics, serving students majoring in engineering, chemistry, physics, mathematics and other sciences. Several technological applications of these principles are discussed. Topics include waves, geometric optics, wave optics (including interference, diffraction, and polarization), heat, thermal properties of matter, thermodynamics and its laws. Other topics include special relativity and modern physics. A problem solving approach is used, emphasizing both conceptual understanding and basic mathematical modeling. (C-ID PHYS 215 and PHYS 200S when combined with PHYS 004A & PHYS 004B )
    Usually Held
    Mon 5:30pm–9:20pm, Wed 5:30pm–8:35pm