Do the readings before class.
We will use our class time to do physics. This means you and your classmates will be building mathematical models, analyzing data, discussing principles, and generally sharing ideas. You can do this best if you're already prepared with the basics before you enter the classroom. To that end, there are assigned readings before each class. The readings are equivalent to about half a chapter in a standard text.
We expect you to have read all the assigned texts (links listed on the Schedule Pages for each instructor) and to make some sense of them. If you are confused by something in the reading, formulate a good question and bring it to class.
If you are reading a paper version of the text, be sure to scan through the online versions to get the links to additional explanations, videos, simulations, and examples.
In our experience, some students have trouble reading scientific text for sense-making rather than for familiarity. But learning to read scientific text is an essential skill both for research scientists and health-care providers. If you find yourself stuck, don't just skip over what you aren't getting and hope it will be clarified in class! Make an appointment with your instructor to help you understand why you're getting stuck and how to get over it.
Do a brief on-line activity associated with the reading before class.
For most sets of readings there is a brief reading assignment on WebAssign. Most of these will involve using an online simulation to explore the ideas discussed in the readings. This should both help you to make sense of the reading and to get familiar with simulations that we will be using in class. These will be due at 11PM the night before class and will be worth a few points.
Attend every class.
This class is about doing, not just about learning facts or equations. In lecture we'll be doing very little lecturing, but a lot of answering questions, group problem solving, and holding class discussions. You will get credit for some of this, but that's not the point -- the point is that the doing is where the real learning takes place.
A major part of doing science is learning to hold a scientific conversation -- how to solve a problem through interaction and exchange of ideas. This class is structured to help you develop this essential skill. And we will be doing it in every class! (As well as in recitation, labs, and homework.)
Whiteboards
To make this happen, you will be often working on tasks together in class. Here's how this works:
- There are several upright whiteboards scattered around the room. The windows across the back of the room also double as whiteboard surfaces (although of course they are clear).
- You'll group into groups of 3 (their are 6 seated at each table).
- When we work in groups at whiteboards, you'll stand up, move to an open whiteboard or window section, and collaborate there.
- Please erase the whiteboards at the end of class
Keep up!
We know that you're busy, and in many other classes you can let
things slide and then catch up for the exam. In this class that will
be difficult. Each class builds on the last, and on the homework
from previous weeks. If you miss too much you may find yourself lost.
In addition, your grade is based on the accumulation
of points in many different categories throughout the semseter. For
details see How is my grade determined?
