Canonical ensemble and partition functions, grand canonical ensemble, quantum statistics, Fermi-Dirac, Bose-Einstein distribution laws. Topics from: Brownian motion, Langevin equation, dissipation and fluctuations, elementary kinetic theory, weakly interacting gases or mean field theory of magnetism, other topics illustrative of the breadth of the subject and/or selected applications.

Prerequisites: Physics 115A and Physics 119A with a minimum grade of C-.

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Letters and science

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Unlocks PHYS 138 PHYS 219 PHYS 139
WELD D M
David Weld
4.2
12 reviews
AI predicted, based on past grading trends of the course and instructor, class info, and 127 other factors
HSSB 2251
F
15:00 PM - 15:50 PM
25 / 25 Full

LSB 1101
F
16:00 PM - 16:50 PM
25 / 25 Full

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Winter 2024 . Brown F L
NH 1105
M W
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Winter 2025 . Morrison D R
ARTS 1353
T R
12:30 PM - 13:45 PM
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PHYS 119B Weld D M Spring 2024 Total: 42
PHYS 119B Weld D M Winter 2017 Total: 31
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12
4.2
PHYS119B . Weld D M 9 Years Ago

I took the class since he got good reviews. But the class was dry and boring, and Prof. Weld often makes mistakes. It is better not to attend the lecture and just study by myself.

0 helpful 7 unhelpful
PHYS119A . Weld D M 3 Months Ago

Professor Weld sticks to the textbook and the lectures are all right. The final covers everything over the quarter so it is overwhelming. He would put some harder versions of the typical problems which is fine. But there are always a few thinking problems that make his exams unpredictable and hard if you don't know all of the material indepth.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
PHYS119A . Weld D M 4 Months Ago

He can be very dry but very funny during his lectures. He is very passionate about physics so lectures can be very interesting but he can be monotone at times which can make them boring too. There are very few homework assignments and he doesn't provide study guides or practice for exams. Be ready to study on your own. Otherwise, he is great.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
110B . Weld D M 2 Years Ago

One of the hidden gems in the physics department. Can be dull at times in lecture, but makes up for it with his jokes. His homework is challenging but exams are straightforward, especially since he allows a cheat sheet. He has a strong understanding of EM, which is exemplified by his clear lectures and adeptness at responding to student questions.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
110B . Weld D M 2 Years Ago

Overall the lectures are easy to follow and well prepared. However, the inconsistencies between homeworks and exams are frustrating. In the homework that was due a day before the midterm, there are ~5 questions on stress tensor, but there were none on the midterm. Similar things goes for the final.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
PHYS110A . Weld D M 2 Years Ago

As far as physics profs go, he's pretty good. Lectures are clear and we follow the chapters in the book pretty closely. The material is difficult, so definitely go to office hours when you can, sometimes he will help you get started on a HW problem. You are allowed a cheat sheet on exams which is a lifesaver!

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
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