Physics 98
The Physics 98 Course, aka “Cultivating Your Inner Physicist,” is an extension of the Summer Program into the fall semester (although the Summer Program is not technically a prerequisite). If you’re a student considering a major in the physical sciences, this is a great class to bring you into a strong community of peers and give you a sense of what it’s like to do research in physics, astronomy, or earth and planetary science (EPS).
During the first half of the semester, we will explore different physics models (the ray model of light, earthquake waves, etc.) and the art of problem-solving. After sampling many interesting areas of physics, each student will get to pick an in-depth research project of their own to accomplish for the second half of the semester with the support of the instructors.
Along the way, we will also take a look at what is involved in being a physical science major: a student panel will discuss research opportunities, guest graduate students will discuss their research, and we will examine how introductory physics courses TA’s (or GSI’s) grade midterms and what grades actually mean in these courses. Students will get a sense of the resources available to them for classes, research, and advising.
Those Physics 98 students who did not attend the Summer Program will be paired with a student “mentor” in the class. This mentor will give them a sense of what happened during the Summer Program and help bring them into the classroom community.
As for the time commitment, Physics 98 is two-credit course, which means two hour of class and no more than four hours of homework each week (we really will try to keep homework at a reasonable level). The class is pass/not-pass. Instructors will provide feedback on final projects and other aspects of classroom activities as the semester progresses.
