This sequence is an algebra based physics course (thus there are no calculus applications). Both courses are offered in either the fall or spring, plus physics 1001 is normally offered in the summer. There is also a two hour lab.
Physics 1001 covers the following topics: motion, forces, energy, rotation, fluids, heat, waves, and sound.
Physics 1002 covers the following topics: electricity, magnetism, optics, relativity, quantum physics, and nuclear physics.
There are many questions & problems which are done in the courses. One can expect to be assigned 15 to 20 problems a week. Many of the problems require mathematical skills such as sine and cosine, pathagorean theorem, algebracially solving using two equations and two unknowns, along with understanding graphs.
Discussion periods consist of (a) understanding concepts using demonstrations and discussing with your neighbors followed by (b) some applications which includes examples using equations. If there is enough time left I will many times have students try to work a problem out on their own.
Throughout the semester there is extra help offered for this course. The tutoring center on campus offers different hours to come in and get help throughout the week. The physics department runs 2 to 4 help sessions per week which are run by graduate TA's. I have 2 or 3 hours worth of office hours a day. I also will run extra sessions for test review and the more difficult assignments.
Link to Physics Courses Home Page (only accesable if you are connected through UMD).
This class studys the main concepts in physics without using any math. The course is completely conceptual. Topics covered include motion, forces, energy, rotation, fluids, waves, sound, optics, and relativity. The class is offered in the fall and spring semester.
Class discussions include many demonstrations and discussion of why certain events happen in nature the way they do. Some examples of things we discuss are rainbows, lightning, space travel, soap bubble colors, satellites, and simulated gravity. We will answer questions such as "Why is the sky blue?"and "Why are sunsets red?" There are also some projects which are assinged. These normally are some type of experiment which can be performed at home.
Link to Physics Courses Home Page (only accesable if you are connected through UMD).
This class is a calculus based physics sequence. It is offered in the fall and spring semester, plus 2013 is normally offered in the summer. Topics covered in 2013 include motion, forces, energy, rotation, and fluids. Topics covered in 2015 include electriciy, magnetism, and optics. There is also a two hour lab which is at different times throughout the week.
Problem solving using the techniques of calculus is the emphasis of these courses. A student can expect to spend many hours outside of classroom discussions solving problems. In the classes which I instruct I usually collect one problem every day and assign four or five other additional problems which are not collected.
In my classes the approach is to first understand the concepts using demonstrations and discussion with your neighbors. After the concepts are understood an example or two is worked out.
Throughout the semester there is extra help offered for this course. The tutoring center on campus offers different hours to come in and get help throughout the week. The physics department runs 3 to 5 help sessions per week which are run by graduate TA's. I also have 2 or 3 hours worth of office hours a day. I also will run extra sessions for test review and the more difficult assignments.
Link to Physics Courses Home Page (only accesable if you are connected through UMD).