PHYS 224 Basic Physics III (2006 Fall) Jump to Quick Reference, PHYS224-Home

Tips & Techniques

Below are suggestions and links to various aspects of the course. See all General Rules to be Followed.

Time Requirements: In the past successful students have reported that during an average (non exam) week they spend at least 10 hrs (outside of lectures) studying for the course, and doing homework.

Read Ahead! You will get far more out of the lectures if you read ahead, are at least somewhat familiar with the material, and ready to ask for clarification.

Review your Notes after class! You should at least read through your notes shortly after class, adding/rewriting them as necessary. Make sure that your notes are arranged in a manner such that you will easily be able to review them prior to exams. Try to work out & indicate

• the underlying physical concepts in each (sub)section,
• what questions could be asked in each (sub)section,
• the skills needed and techniques used to most easily solve such problems
• how any questions already set (Homeork, Quizzes) might be 'turned around' so that they might at first appear to be different,
• how this (sub)section relates to the previous parts of the course.

Do the Homework! Do not leave it until the last minute! Try the questions alone early in the week, leaving plenty of time for you to seek advice should you encounter difficulties. See also Homework Rules. Although your lowest Homework score will be dropped from the calculation of your final grade, try your best not to miss a Homework deadline early on in the semester. Late Homework will only be accepted under extremely exceptional circumstances, thus its best to keep your "freebie" in reserve, just in case... In addition, some questions on Quizzes and Exams are often very similar, or even identical to Homework questions, thus if you dont even attempt a question, you're shooting yourself in the foot twice...

Do the Quizzes! Why throw away points, and practices at exam questions by missing quizzes?! Although your lowest Quiz score will be dropped from the calculation of your final grade, try your best not to miss a Quiz (especially early on in the semester). There will be no make-up Quizzes. 'Waivers' may be given under extremely exceptional circumstances, thus its best to keep your "freebie" in reserve (in case, say your car breaks down).