An introduction to programming and data analysis for the physical sciences. Topics include syntax, good coding practice, basic algorithmic structure, plotting, basic data analysis, numerical root-finding and integration.

Prerequisites: Mathematics 2B or 3B or Physics 8 or AP Calculus BC Exam with a score of 5

2

Units

Optional

Grading

1, 2, 3

Passtime

None

Level Limit

Letters and science

College
Unlocks PHYS 129L PHYS 20AL
These majors only phys phycs
PATTERSON D S
David Patterson
2.8
17 reviews
AI predicted, based on past grading trends of the course and instructor, class info, and 127 other factors
PHELP1445
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14:00 PM - 14:50 PM
0 / 35

PHELP1445
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15:00 PM - 15:50 PM
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PHELP1444
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16:00 PM - 16:50 PM
0 / 35

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Winter 2024 . Hennawi J F
ARTS 1356
T
14:00 PM - 15:15 PM
Winter 2024 . Hennawi J F
ARTS 1356
R
14:00 PM - 15:15 PM
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PHYS 29 Chaderjian A Winter 2026 Total: 141
PHYS 29 Hennawi J F Spring 2025 Total: 78
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17
2.8
PHYSICS115B . Patterson D S 5 Months Ago

Fun lectures, seems like a professor who cares; go to his office hours early and he explains stuff really well if you show up!

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
PHYS115B . Patterson D S 1 Year, 2 Months Ago

Professor Patterson is passionate and caring, but he doesn't explain concepts well and the examples are confusing. I usually get lost easily during lectures and need to read textbooks to catch up.

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PHYS115B . Patterson D S 4 Years Ago

Although his lecture is somehow disorganized and kind confusing. He gives extremely useful practice test and you can really learn something from them. And remember do them carefully before the test. You will be thankful. Also, unlike other Professors, Patterson doesn't really focus on math, so don't worry about calculation . Understand concepts.

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PHYS115A . Patterson D S 5 Years Ago

Very intuitive lectures for quantum mechanics, with hard homework and section problems that did prepare me for exams. TA were great as well!

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PHYS115A . Patterson D S 5 Years Ago

Patterson is one of the best professors in the physics department. Although the homework is pretty difficult and long, he makes office hours accessible for anyone (so many TAs). Great guy and tries to make QM understandable, you can tell he really loves the subject. Make sure to understand all the homework and you'll be fine on the exams.

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115A . Patterson D S 5 Years Ago

My favorite prof at UCSB. Go to office hours.

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PHYS 29
0 / 75 Enrolled
Introduction to Computer Programming for the Physical Sciences
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