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-.

4

Units

Optional

Grading

1, 2, 3

Passtime

None

Level Limit

Letters and science

College
Unlocks PHYS 139 PHYS 138
David Weld
10 reviews

Lecture

ARTS 1349
M W
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
50 / 50 Full

Sections

HSSB 2251
F
15:00 PM - 15:50 PM
25 / 25 Full
LSB 1101
F
16:00 PM - 16:50 PM
25 / 25 Full
Winter 2024 . Brown F L
NH 1105
M W
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
See All
PHYS 119B Weld D M Spring 2024 Total: 42
PHYS 119B Weld D M Winter 2017 Total: 31
See All
PHYS119B . 8 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
110B . 9 Months 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 . 9 Months 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 . 1 Year, 30 Days 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
110B . 2 Years Ago

One of the best professor in the physics department in teaching. He knows the content pretty well and can provide great physical intuition and many real-life examples. Have taken his 115C in the fall, which was also delightful. Homework and exams are not hard. This means this course is relatively less stressful. In general, I strongly recommend.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
110B . 3 Years Ago

His classes are very thorough and he explains the material very well but his exams are a bit difficult and he doesn't provide any practice exams so, get ready to study hard ... on your own.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
See all 10 reviews
PHYS 110A
40 / 50 Enrolled
Electromagnetism
David Weld 4.5
T R
12:30 PM - 13:45 PM
PHYS 115C
51 / 50 Full
Quantum Mechanics
Chenhao Jin 2.0
T R
09:30 AM - 10:45 AM
PHYS 115B
64 / 75 Enrolled
Quantum Mechanics
Andrea Young 2.8
T R
09:30 AM - 10:45 AM
PHYS 125
32 / 50 Enrolled
Elementary Particle Physics
Jeff Richman 3.0
M W
09:30 AM - 10:45 AM
PHYS 127AL
46 / 56 Enrolled
Analog Electronics
El-Soussi M H
T R
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
PHYS 128AL
18 / 24 Enrolled
Advanced Experimental Physics
Benjamin Mazin 2.8
M W
13:00 PM - 17:50 PM