Physics II: What to Expect

Here is some additional info about the class that should give you some info on what to expect from this class, how to enjoy it and do well, and help you decide whether or not this class is for you.

• This class is listed as an intermediate class. However, I don't see it as being a huge step harder than Physics I. We'll be covering some more abstract material than we did in Physics I, and you'll be doing a semi-independent project instead of a final. These are the things that make this more of an intermediate class than an intro class. I expect the work load to be about the same as, or perhaps a little less than Physics I. (Warning: Chapter E2 is quite complex and difficult. Subsequent chapters are nowhere near as confusing.)

• You do not need to have taken Physics I here (or anywhere) to take Physics II. However, I've found that to get a lot out of this course, it's helpful for students to have some experience problem solving using algebra. It's also helpful to have seen vectors and trigonometry before, although if you've forgotten this stuff, that's ok.

• Falling behind in this course is not a good idea. If you're confused about something, it's very important that you seek help sooner rather than later. There are many people around who can offer help. However, we can't offer assistance if we don't know who needs it when. You need to take responsibility to seek help if you need it. On a related note ...

• I do not expect all of the homework assignments to be easy; I don't expect you to be able to sit down and do them easily the first time. Don't let yourself get frustrated -- I strongly suggest working with others and seeking help if you need it.

• In many more traditional physics or math classes the textbook has a ton of examples in them. The books we'll be using don't. The result is that students sometimes find the homework to be challenging, frustrating, and occasionally even annoying. However, I'm convinced that this style of homework -- where there's not an example just like the problem you're trying to do -- is much better pedagogically. You'll learn a lot more this way.

• In labs, you won't always be following a strict recipe. Instead, you'll be led through some exercises, demonstrate some physical principles for yourself, and be asked to draw conclusions. I think this lab set-up is better than the more standard "cookbook" approach. However, it probably requires more active participation on the part of students.

• The exact syllabus for this is somewhat flexible; feedback is encouraged, and will help make the class better.

• You should be aware that this course does not cover exactly the same material that most Physics II courses do. This course is a hybrid between a more standard Physics II course focusing on electricity and magnetism, and a modern physics course covering special relativity. I think this mix is a good compromise for COA students.

• The study of special relativity has a different feel to it than many other areas of physics. It's more abstract, not mechanistic (no springs and levers and such), and occasionally invites philosophizing. In the past, I've found that about 2/3 of the students really enjoy special relativity. However, there are some who miss the more concrete, everyday-relevance of other areas of physics.

• The texts that we use assume that the reader has had some calculus. However, calculus is most definitely not a requirement for this class. In the past, students with no calculus experience has done just fine in Physics II.

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