Changes are coming this Fall 2022. Physics 231 and Physics 232 will no longer be offered. They will be replaced by Physics 241 and Physics 242.

So what is new and what stays the same?

The curriculum and transferability remain. In fact, Physics 241 and Physics 242 align better with our transfer partners.

The difference is that they will appear as 4-credit classes each and will cost you less. If you plan to transfer out-of-state to an institution that requires you 10-credits of physics, you might have to take Physics 243 to make up for the missing hours.

For all other students who need 8 credits of physics, Physics 241 and Physics 242 will be sufficient.

Just because the new format is 4 credits, do not expect to work less! The contact hours remain at 6 just as for Physics 231 and Physics 232. The difference is that one lecture hour dedicated to problem solving in Physics 231/232 is being changed to one hour of lab work.

Given that problem solving is the hardest skill for students to master, brace yourself for a lot of individual work on your own. Or, enroll in a class taught by an instructor who offers help with problem solving in and outside class.

At the end of last semester, I asked the students in my Physics 231 what would have they done differently at the beginning of the class if they could. I wanted them to share their thoughts so that future students can benefit. Here is what I got.

Question. If you could have a do-over, what would you have done differently at the beginning of our class?

Physics 231 Student Answers:

• Did the lab more carefully
• I would have accessed the class notes and started watching the videos a whole lot sooner.
• Paid more attention to the syllabus because I wasn’t aware quizzes were on a P/F grading scale based on getting 60% or higher.
• Complete Assignment early as possible.
• Other than applying my self to the class a little more, I don’t think I’d do anything differently.
• Turn in my assignments on time.
• If I could start over, I would have done my assignments on time and ask a lot of questions.
• I would pay more attention to the details and making sure to get everything on the first couple of labs.
• If I could have a do over, I would be less scared about the weekly quizzes and focus more on the exams and more of whether I understand the topic.
• the problem is my lab i will (reserve) more time for that
• Keep up with all the assignments

And here is what PHY 232 students had to say to the same question:

• Ask questions when I’m lost
• Take notes regularly. Practice Socrative questions again before test.
• Actually bought a multimeter and not tried to use my own.
• Try to make more friends and use the break out rooms wiser. I think that there was progress here and there but in the end I did not make full use of it.
• Made appointments with the professor and asked more questions.

Physics and Biology

PUP 2017 presentation in .ppptx  and in  .pdf

mon-oct-31

Thu., Nov. 4

phy231_1102