Introduction

Class structure

Spaced learning:

There are 10 modules.  Each module is divided into two parts.

• Carefully study the class material for the sub-module before or on the day shown on the schedule.

Self study: (Read and Think)
You have to study the material linked on the schedule.  This is the material the assignments and tests refer to. 

• Read it slowly.  It is not an extremely large amount of material.  Ask yourself if you understand the concepts and how to apply them.  Study the solved problems.  Could you now solve them without looking at the solutions?  Use the discussion forum to ask questions and help other students.  Explaining something to others is the best way to learn it.  (Read the corresponding chapters in the textbook to review the material. You may prefer the presentation in the textbook.)

Retrieval practice

• A lab is associated with every module.  Complete the lab after you studied the material for this module.  In the lab you apply what you have learned in the module.  You have to recall the important concepts to complete the lab.
• Submit each lab before its due date.  The lab instructors will monitor the discussion forum for lab questions.
  Do not copy lab reports from cheating sites on the web.  All labs have been modified from previous semesters, so that it is easy to spot a copy.  If you submit a lab report with a plagiarized section, you will get zero points for the lab and may be reported for plagiarism.

Practice testing

• A homework assignment associated with each sub-module lets you check your understanding of the material.  Submit all assignments associated with the sub-module before their due date.  Again, use the discussion forum to ask and answer questions.

Leveraging AI for Mastery

• In this course, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is integrated as a foundational study tool.  Physics can be challenging because it requires both abstract mathematical skills and physical intuition.  Modern AI tools, when used correctly, can act as a 24/7 personalized tutor to bridge these gaps.
• How to Use AI in This Course
  • Instead of asking an AI for the "answer" to a quiz question, you should use it to interrogate your own understanding.
  • Ask the AI to walk you through the logic of a concept without giving you the final answer.
  • If a concept feels too abstract, ask the AI to explain it using a real-world scenario relevant to your interests.
  • If you get a numeric answer wrong on a quiz, paste your reasoning into the AI and ask it to find the flaw in your logic.
• Designing Your Own Prompts
  To get the most out of AI, you need to provide context.  A "Good Prompt" defines the AI's role and the specific learning goal.
  Example prompts are embedded in the class material.
• The AI "Honor Code"
  Using AI to bypass thinking is a disservice to your education.  Using AI to deepen your thinking is the hallmark of a modern scientist.  All work submitted must ultimately be your own, and you are responsible for verifying the accuracy of any AI-generated explanation.

After you have completed a module, review the summary slides for this module under "Modules" on Canvas.  They offer some additional problems to test your understanding.

Note: I strongly recommend submitting earlier than midnight on the due date and not waiting until the last minute.  You can submit all homework assignment multiple times.  Submitting early allows you to ask questions and get feedback if your first answer was incorrect, and it allows you to help other students once you have arrived at the correct answer.
If you need more help, attend the office/tutoring hours of the instructors.  They are offered at various time throughout the week.  You can attend the office/tutoring hours of any instructor.