Physics 2B: Fluids, Thermodynamics, SHM, and Waves – Course Syllabus and Structure

Course Overview

Physics 2B is a college-level physics course focusing on the principles of fluids, thermodynamics, simple harmonic motion (SHM), and waves. The course is designed for students in the life sciences and emphasizes both conceptual understanding and quantitative problem-solving using calculus and trigonometry.

Course Structure and Policies

Instructor and Contact Information

• Instructor: Dr. Michael G. Anderson ([e-mail])

• Office: Physics 3013

• Office Hours: Tuesday 1:00–2:00 p.m., Wednesday 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Class Meetings

• Lectures: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 12:00–12:50 p.m., Physics 2000

• Discussion Sections: Weekly, focused on collaborative problem-solving

• Laboratory (Corequisite): Physics 2LB, meets weekly

Textbook

• Required Text: University Physics for the Life Sciences, 1st Edition, Knight/Jones/Field, Pearson (ISBN 978-0-135-82218-0)

Prerequisites and Corequisites

• Prerequisites: Physics 2A; Math 9B or 9HB (may be taken concurrently)

• Corequisite: Physics 2LB (General Physics Laboratory)

• Mathematical Tools: Trigonometry, vectors, and calculus are used throughout the course.

Assessment and Grading Policy

• Exams: Two midterm exams (30% total), no make-up exams

• Final Exam: Cumulative, 35%

• Poll Everywhere (In-class participation): 10% (lowest six questions dropped)

• Lecture Participation: 5% (lowest two days dropped)

• Mastering Physics Homework: 10%

• Discussion Section: 10%

Homework and Assignments

• Homework Platform: Mastering Physics (online system)

• Frequency: Three assignments per week, each with 3–5 problems

• Submission: Due by 11:59 p.m. on the assigned day; no extensions

• Grading: Numerical answers must be within 1% of the correct value (3 significant digits); up to 6 attempts per problem with small penalties for incorrect submissions

• Assistance: Available from TA, instructor, or Academic Resource Center (ARC)

Laboratory and Discussion

• Laboratory: Weekly meetings, culminating in a Lab Skills Assessment

• Discussion Sections: Group problem-solving, graded primarily on participation

Lecture Participation and Pre-Lecture Preparation

• Pre-Lecture Reading: Slides posted before each lecture; Poll Everywhere questions at the start of class

• In-Class Activities: Collaborative exercises; credit for reasonable attempts

Academic Integrity

• Students are expected to adhere to the university's academic integrity policies. See: Academic Integrity Policies & Procedures

Academic Support

• Academic Resource Center (ARC): Offers tutoring, supplemental instruction, workshops, and peer mentoring for all students. Visit arc.ucr.edu or call 951-827-3721 for more information.

Course Schedule and Topics

The following table outlines the tentative weekly schedule, including lecture topics and associated textbook chapters. This schedule is subject to change at the instructor's discretion.

Week	Date	Lecture Topics	Textbook Sections
1	Jan. 5, 7, 9	Introduction; Density & Pressure; Bernoulli’s Equation	0A, 9A, 9B
2	Jan. 12, 14, 16	Thermal Energy & Heat; First Law of Thermodynamics; Specific Heat	12A, 12B, 12C
3	Jan. 19, 21, 23	UNIVERSITY HOLIDAY; Calorimetry; Degrees of Freedom	12D, 13A
4	Jan. 26, 28, 30	Second Law of Thermodynamics; Cyclic Processes; Sine & Cosine Functions	14A, 14B, 15A
5	Feb. 2, 4, 6	Exam 1 (Ch. 9, 12, 13, 14); Simple Harmonic Motion; Period & Energy of SHM	15B, 15C
6	Feb. 9, 11, 13	Waves; Sound; Superposition of Waves	16A, 16B, 17A
7	Feb. 16, 18, 20	UNIVERSITY HOLIDAY; Standing Waves; Musical Instruments	17B, 17C
8	Feb. 23, 25, 27	Double Slit Interference; Thin Film Interference; Reflection & Refraction	18A, 18B, 19A
9	Mar. 2, 4, 6	Exam 2 (Ch. 15, 16, 17, 18); Mirrors & Images; Lenses	19B, 19C
10	Mar. 9, 11, 13	Optical Instruments; Telescopes & Microscopes; Class Review	20A, 20B

Major Topics Covered

• Fluids: Density, pressure, Bernoulli’s equation

• Thermodynamics: Thermal energy, heat, first and second laws, specific heat, calorimetry, degrees of freedom, cyclic processes

• Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM): Sine and cosine functions, period, energy

• Waves and Sound: Wave properties, sound, superposition, standing waves, musical instruments

• Wave Optics: Double slit and thin film interference

• Ray Optics: Reflection, refraction, mirrors, lenses, optical instruments

Examinations

• Midterm Exams: Feb. 2 and Mar. 2 (covering specified chapters)

• Final Exam: Mar. 16, 7:00–10:00 p.m., Physics 2000 (cumulative)

• Exam Content: All material covered in lectures, homework, and labs

Additional Information

• Students are encouraged to prepare before lectures, participate actively, and seek help as needed.

• All course policies, schedules, and resources are available on the course eLearn page.