Fall 2007
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| Lecturers |
Prof. Paul Avery |
Prof. Yasu
Takano 2356 New Physics Bldg. Phone: 392-8499, 392-9326 Email: takano@phys.ufl.edu |
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| Class lecture |
MWF Period 6 (12:50 - 1:40) 1001 NPB |
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Textbook |
Fundamentals of Physics, Parts 3 & 4, 7th edition |
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| Recommended review book | Physics
for Engineering and Science (Schaum's Outlines) Michael Browne (1999) $16.95, 464 pages ISBN 0-07-008498-X (McGraw-Hill) |
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About the course: PHY2049 provides a basic introduction to the physics of electricity and magnetism (E&M). Topics covered include electrostatics, electric current and circuits, capacitance, magnetism, induction, electromagnetic waves, reflection and refraction, mirror and lens optics, interference and diffraction, and optical instruments.
Our goal at all times is helping you understand the basic physical principles governing E&M phenomena so that you can apply them to real situations. In addition to providing the basic theoretical underpinnings to the subject, we use many examples, "concept problems", physical demonstrations and virtual demonstrations (Java applets). We also show many examples of everyday tools and advanced instruments that utilize these principles.
Required work:
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You must read the links under "Course information" on the menu on the left navigation bar. These describe overall course procedures, course registration, grading system, cheating policy, discussion sections and where to go for help.
- You are responsible for ongoing course work, which is described in the links under "Weekly work" on the left navigation bar. (Chapter problems are not required but should be done.) The schedule link shows what material is covered in each lecture, exam schedule, discussion quiz schedule, and when WebAssign assignments are due. WebAssign assignments are described in more detail under the WebAssign link.
Teaching innovations: We are pleased to offer some innovations that we believe will significantly improve the learning process.
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WebAssign online homework: The WebAssign online problem solving environment provides weekly homework assignments that we will monitor and grade. The instant feedback on the homework is very useful.
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Applets: Java applets simulate a wide variety of physics concepts on your browser. We will use some applets in class, but we expect you to use them while you are studying.
Tutoring Center: The Teaching Center in Broward Hall has a number of resources for students in introductory Physics courses. Please check the web page for resources and schedules.
Supplementary Instruction: The Teaching Center is offering for the second time Supplementary Instruction, described further on the SI website. Supplemental Instruction (sometimes referred to as study groups) can be simply described as facilitator-led group study that is offered in conjunction with certain courses each semester. A trained peer who is very knowledgeable about the subject area attends the class and then leads a group session to focus on the difficult concepts and problems in the course. Supplemental Instruction is voluntary; you can attend as often as you like, provided there is space (this is a first-come, first-served program). The sessions are collaborative (so you will be working with classmates to better understand the material), they will show you effective strategies for studying the course material (which you will have a chance to practice together), and they will give you a chance to ask questions or pose your own concerns.
Effective strategies for learning physics: We have found from interviewing students that A and B+ students have better habits and spend more time on this course than B and C students. In particular, they rarely miss class, do all the recommended homework problems and more, read ahead and study the material for several hours a week (not just before exams). Developing good habits at the start of the semester, before things get busy and you fall behind, will help you succeed.
A large fraction of your study time should be devoted to problem solving, which is essential to learning and cannot be replaced by mere listening and reading. This is the reason we provide you a significant number of end-of-chapter questions and problems, web-based problems, quizzes and Java applets.
The following strategies will help you to do well in the course:
- Keep up with the course. The best strategy for success is to stay up to date with the readings, homework, WebAssign and applets. In particular, solving problems will improve your performance on exams and quizzes far better than memorizing formulas or cramming. A good rule of thumb is that you should be spending about 6-9 hours on the material outside of class.
- Attend lectures and discussions regularly. We cannot stress enough the importance of coming to class. Although you might not understand everything presented in lecture and discussion, you are unconsciously processing information that will serve you well later. Frequent class skipping contributes strongly to poor student performance.
- Read ahead before lecture. Even though you may not understand the chapter material, 1-2 advance readings "primes" your brain to be receptive to the material when it is discussed in lecture or discussion.
- Ask questions. Your question is not stupid and is probably widely shared.
- Use office hours. If you don't understand something, ask someone during office hours. Office hours are spread across many hours of the week for your convenience. There is also a Tutoring Center with a number of people and resources for students in Physics courses.