Introduction

Introduction to the Course

Here is a quick summary of the course:

  1. There are three types of assignments. These are not directly part of the grade; however, 25% of the exam questions will come from the following assignments:

  • The homework assignments are available on Google Forms; the link is on the homework page. The suggested due dates are listed on the course calendar at the bottom of this page.

  • The Activities are available on the Activities page. There are class sessions dedicated to the Activities; these, as well as the suggested due dates, are on the calendar below.

  • The Weekly Pondering (WP) assignment are open-ended assignments associated with long-form class discussions, called Weekly Pondering sessions. Please see the Weekly Ponderings page. This is also my blog.

  • We will discuss the Weekly Pondering assignments and the Activities during class. Please see the below section on "Class Logistics and Information".

  1. There are three exams. They are scheduled on the course calendar.

  2. You grade will consist of

Exam I: 1/3 of final grade

Exam II: 1/3 of final grade

Final Exam: 1/3 of final grade


Please click here for more information about grades.


  • Classes are held virtually and synchronously for the Sunday section. For the T/Th section, they are held in person for the Activities and online for the Weekly Ponderings. The Lectures are delivered via Youtube (the link are near the bottom of this page), but we will discuss the Lecture material during class as well.

  • Please see the Blackboard course homepage for the Zoom link; it is also here.

  • We will also have time during class for any questions you have, particularly regarding the homework assignments.

  • My office hours are listed on the calendar. You can get points back on any homework question by attending my office hours; we'll discuss the question there and I will then grant you credit.

  • Please bear in mind that there is no credit for late work.


Book: Free Download


Textbook-Lecture (rough) equivalents:


Lecture 1: sections 4.1 to 4.3; Lecture 2: sections 5.1 to 5.5; Lecture 3: sections 3.1 to 3.4; Lecture 4: sections 8.1 to 8.3, and 4.5;

Lecture 5: chapters 15 and 16; Lecture 6: chapter 17; Lecture 7: chapter 7; Lecture 8: chapter 10, Mars discussion only;

Lecture 9: chapter 13; Lecture 10: chapter 14; Lecture 11: sections 21.1, 22.1, 22.4, 22.5; Lecture 12: chapter 24

Lecture 13: chapter 26; Lecture 14: chapter 29


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