READING You will be asked to read roughly one chapter per week. It is important that you scan through the chapter before lecture, and reread afterwards. When you read, I recommend you calculate along with the examples using pencil and paper.
HOMEWORK There will be two types of homework: written problems to be turned in, and online problems which are graded automatically and
immediately. I realize that the amount of homework might seem overwhelming. Physics is not an easy subject to learn, and the only way to learn it is to do a lot!
of it. That is the reason for having such long assignments. Don't wait until the day before the assignment is due to start the problems!
Homework will be assigned on Tuesdays by being posted on this link and online using Mastering Physics.
WRITTEN HOMEWORK -
- The most important part of solving a physics problem is figuring out how to start. Even if you are working with a group, it is critical to personally suffer through the problem solving steps. Numerical answers without physical units are incomplete, and points will be deducted.
- Written homework is due the following Tuesday (a week after it has been assigned) by noon. Late written homework is not accepted except where an extension is approved in advance.
- Written homework makes up for 70 % of your homework grade.
ONLINE HOMEWORK -
- Mastering Physics is the online homework system.
- Link to register
- The MP Course ID is ZFPHYS121.
- I have set up the online homework system to allow up to 6 tries for each question (with only a three percent penalty for each wrong answer given). The system offers hints (with NO PENALTY) if needed.
- Online homework is due at 23:59 the following Tuesday evening (a week after it has been assigned). Late online homework is not accepted.
- Online homework makes up for 30 % of your homework grade.
Extra credit assignments
An essay on something related to our work, 10 challenging problems correctly solved from various chapters or in class presentation. Come and see me for more information – DUE ON DECEMBER 1.