Here are the most frequently asked questions about Phys 103. You may find answers to your questions.
I will update this page if a new question is posed.
Q: I am unsure where to view announcements. I know about Brightspace, but when I log in it says, "no courses displayed."
A: The Brightspace shell is ready and waiting. It will be visible one or two days before the course stars, when our administration adds your name to the Brightspace class list. Unfortunately, before that happens, it is just this site for immediate answers.
Q: Hey, so I'm currently on Brightspace reviewing everything I notice that the Quiz 1 I took says that the score was dropped.
A: As explained during our first class, the lowest grade is always dropped. Since you do not have any other grades, that one is the lowest one. When you get more grades, only the lowest will be dropped.
Q: I was wondering if the lecture is virtual or in person?
A: Phys 103 is a hybrid course, which means that it includes both online and in class activities. The lectures are online regardless the pandemic.
Q: What is physics about?
A: In short, physics is about observing, contemplating, and quantifying the natural world phenomena. If you want more details, the whole course is an answer.
Q: What is my weekly workload in your class?
A: This is a 4 credit-hour science course, you should not be surprised that there is work to do. Typically, one credit = three hours of studying per week; do the math and calculate the number of hours for a four-credit course! In order to meet these required hours, I prepared a variety of learning activities for you. The weekly activities comprise:
Reading/learning (the Brightspace modules and textbooks)
Quiz (usually, multiple choice questions based on the readings)
Problem-solving (usually up to six problems)
Individual study assignment (a discussion, a small research project, a short paper, a video, or Kahoot!)
Laboratory and associated assignments, such as a lab report or a graph
Professor's office hours (optional, means if you have questions, need extra help with the assignments, need or want to cheat-chat about physics or whatever else)
Q: I noticed there is no textbook for this course listed in the bookstore. Is there one I need to purchase?
A: The main text for this course is an open-source text, University Physics I by W. Moebs, S. J. Ling, and J. Sanny. The textbook is posted online. You can download a pdf or order a printed copy, the how-to is provided by OpenStax. Links to the respective chapters will be posted in Brightspace modules.
Since the book is open source and may not be the easiest one, a set of recommended textbooks is posted under each module as well. Feel free to open some of those links and check which text is best for you.
And The Book of Nature, which I should probably begin with. It is all around us.