Special relativity, blackbody radiation, Compton scattering, photoelectric effect, Bohr model, quantum mechanics, molecules, condensed matter, nuclear physics, elementary particles.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeNone
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeOne 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.