A survey of computers, programming, and computational techniques for the natural sciences. Physical foundations of computation, binary arithmetic, computer architecture, programming languages, operating systems, UNIX shell and filesystems. Programming tools, variables and data structures, expressions, control flow, files, functions and scoping, objects, error handling, debugging, graphics, text processing, networking, data acquisition and transfer. Mathematics and algorithms for data processing and analysis, numerical methods, random numbers and simulation.

Prerequisites: Physics 5 or 25 with a grade of C- or better, and Mathematics 6B with a grade of C- or better; Physics 29 with a grade of C- or better.

4

Units

Letter

Grading

1, 2

Passtime

Undergraduate students only

Level Limit

Letters and science

College
These majors only phys phycs
CARATELLI D
David Caratelli
4.8
18 reviews
AI predicted, based on past grading trends of the course and instructor, class info, and 127 other factors
SSMS 1301&
M W
17:00 PM - 18:15 PM
0 / 35
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Los Ingenieros
We are the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) here at UCSB, and our vision is to enhance support for all our members throughout their higher education journey. Whether your interests are in engineering, mathematics, biology, or beyond, Los Ingenieros is dedicated to making a positive impact through professional growth and success, academic opportunities, community involvement, and networking for both our members and the local community. And most importantly, you don’t have to be an engineer, in STEM, or Hispanic to join; we welcome everyone!
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Spring 2026 . Caratelli D
SSMS 1301&
T R
14:00 PM - 15:15 PM
Winter 2024 . Lipman E A
SSMS 1301&
T R
14:00 PM - 15:15 PM
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PHYS 129L Lipman E A Fall 2025 Total: 20
PHYS 129L Lipman E A Summer 2025 Total: 9
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18
4.8
PHYS22 . Caratelli D 10 Months Ago

Great physics professor but sometimes lectures were hard to follow. Goated curve so if you don't do that hot on the tests, it is okay. He is very accessible for OH and highly recommend showing up.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
PHYS22 . Caratelli D 10 Months Ago

Fair grader, good lectures, good curve. Homework he assigned is not the best for studying for the exams but he did give our some practice exams.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
PHYS22 . Caratelli D 1 Year, 2 Months Ago

Good professor

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
PHYS22 . Caratelli D 1 Year, 4 Months Ago

In hindsight, Caratelli is awesome compared to other physics professors. He's extremely smart, tries his best in lectures, and prepares you well for exams with practice tests. Although a tad bit unapproachable at times (ask properly thought-out questions, he likes to see effort), he is still very helpful. Very reasonable grader as well.

1 helpful 0 unhelpful
PHYS22 . Caratelli D 1 Year, 4 Months Ago

Goated. Don't complain.

2 helpful 0 unhelpful
PHYS22 . Caratelli D 1 Year, 5 Months Ago

nice professor

2 helpful 0 unhelpful
See all 18 reviews
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