Physics 111A

Physics 111A is the electronics lab class.

Overview

Physics 111A, previously 111BSC (basic semiconductor circuits), has a notorious reputation for the vast amount of time it requires. With (or without) a partner, students learn the basic theory behind increasingly complicated circuits while heading into the Donald A. Glaser laboratory on the second floor to put those theoretical ideas to practice. While in the class, students will learn to produce and readout signal parameters. It is impossible to come away from the course without a reasonable understanding of diodes (which “pump” current in one direction), JFET and BJT transistors (the basis of switches), op amps (which magnify voltages insanely), and analog/digital logic. The course also introduces students to the National Instruments software LabVIEW, which is used in countless physics labs across the world. The course culminates in a final project where students’ creativity and circuit-building prowess are put to the test. As a rite of passage of the physics major, one should heed the warning/advocacy: tread wisely.

Prerequisites

None listed, Physics 5A, Physics 5B, and Physics 5C (and corresponding lab classes) or Physics 7A, Physics 7B, and Physics 7C would be a good idea.

Student Comments

“Physics 111A: The key in this class is to be ON TOP OF YOUR GAME for the first three labs or so, then the rest will still be hard and unpleasant but at least you won’t be extraordinarily stressed out about being behind schedule. It’s helpful to have some basic clue about how circuit elements work but beyond that just follow the directions. If you are able, taking this over the summer will require a very concentrated effort over that one summer, but will free you up to concentrate more effectively on coursework over the year (I did 111A and research over the summer at the sacrifice of any semblance of social life or really free time at all and in retrospect am glad I made the decision).” – Katie Latimer, undergraduate physics