About the course: PHY2054 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.

This course is primarily for those students who are not majoring in one of the so-called hard sciences. You should have a good working knowledge of algebra, trigonometry and also of Physics 1, which will be required in order to work problems. Problem-solving techniques are emphasized strongly in the discussion classes. The lectures are primarily concerned with developing the concepts of physics and working through a few examples that apply the concepts to physical situations.

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 some virtual demonstrations (Java applets). We also show many examples of everyday tools and advanced instruments that utilize these principles.

Required work: 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.

Contacting us: Because of the large number of students in the class, we request that you send email only when necessary or if there is an obvious error or oversight that should be corrected. All emails should be sent to phy2054 AT phys.ufl.edu with a meaningful subject line. Do not send email to our individual email accounts.

Teaching innovations: We are pleased to offer some innovations that we believe will significantly improve the learning process.

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.