2019 Winter Classes & Info
2018-19 Caltech Academic Calendar
Winter 2019 Caltech Core Science/Math:
Course + Website, Lectures, Recitations, Chandler Group Study, Problem Sets & Quizzes
Ma 1b practical, MWF, R (Thurs), F 8-11 pm, Pr: M 2pm (sets)
Ma 1b analytical, MWF, R (Thurs), F 8-11 pm, An: M 4 pm (sets)
Ph 1b practical, Pr: F, Pr: MWR, Pr: F 4 pm (sets)
Pb 1b analytical, An: WF, An: MRM 8-11 pm, An: W 4 pm (sets); 4 quizzes
Ch 1b Moodle; (pdf syllabus), MTRW, T 8-11 pm, F 4 pm
*Group study sessions in Chandler, organized by the Undergraduate Dean's Office, give students an opportunity to find others and collaborate/discuss course material, with tutors in attendance to answer questions and assist.
Approximate Weekly Topics:
Note: timing may change or vary as the term progresses - check course website or ask faculty/TAs.
| Winter 2019 | Ma 1b practical | Ph 1b practical | Ph 1b analytical | Ch1b |
| Wk 1: 1/7-13 | Systems of linear equations, Gaussian elimination, homogeneous equations; Vectors, geometric interpretation; Matrices, matrix operations, square matrices. | Electric Fields | Principles of Relativity and TimeDilation; Length Contraction & Simultaneity | Potential Energy Surfaces; Nuclear quantum states; Diatomic vibrations; Polyatomic Vibrational Spectra |
| Wk 2: 1/14-20 | Inverses of matrices, determinants, cofactor expansions, product rule. | Gauss's Law, Electric Potential | Invariant Interval, LorentzTransformation; Causality, Relativistic Mechanics | Rotational spectroscopy; Microscopic vs. Macroscopic Ensemble averages; Boltzmann distribution; Ideal gas law; Non-ideal equations of state |
| Wk 3: 1/21-27 | Computing inverses of matrices, Cramer's Rule; Vector spaces, subspaces, null space of a matrix. | Current and Resistance | Relativistic Collisions & Decays; Mass/Energy Conversion, Nuclear Fission | Thermo: 1st Law;Reversible & Irreversible processes |
| Wk 4: 1/28-2/3 | Span, linear independence, bases, dimension. | DC Circuits | Special Relativity in Astrophysics; Vector Fields and Vector Calculus | Entropy & the 2nd Law; Free Energies; Chemical Kinetics Part 1 |
| Wk 5: 2/4-2/10(Midterms begin 2/6) | Rank and nullity of matrices; Linear transformations;Midterm review. | Electric Potential | Electric Fields; Gauss' Law | Chemical Kinetics Part 2-3; Chemical Reactions/Equilibria |
| Wk 6: 2/11-2/17(Midterms) | Linear transformations, matrix representation, change of basis.Midter due: 2/11/2019 | Capacitors | Electric Potential; Divergence | Chemical Equilibria; Electrochemistry |
| Wk 7: 2/18-2/24 | Kernel and range, algebra of linear transformations. | RC Circuits and Magnetic Force | Curl, Stokes' Theorem; Electrostatics with Conductors | Acid/Base Chemistry |
| Wk 8: 2/25-3/3 | Inner and cross products, orthonormal bases,Gram-Schmidt process, projections. | Magnetic Force and Magnetic Field | Laplace's Eqn; Capacitance | OrganicFunctional Groups and Polar Covalent Bonds; Reactivity of Organic Molecules; Nucleophiles and Electrophiles |
| Wk 9: 3/4-3/10 | Orthogonal operators, diagonalization, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. | Magnetic Field | Electric currents; DC Circuits | Carbonyl Chemistry; Structure and synthesis of Amides: Substitution at the Carbonyl |
| Wk 10: 3/11-3/17(Last class 3/13) | Diagonalization of symmetric matrices; Final review. | Review | Conduction in materials | Peptides and Proteins; Synthetic Polymers |
| Finals | Final due: 3/18/2019 | Final due: 3/20/2019 | Final due: 3/20/2019 | Final due: 3/20/2019 |