Syllabus for PHY 2049 & 2049L – U31 (Spring 2019)
c 2019 Geoff Potvin
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PHY 2049 & 2049L – U31: Physics with Calculus II
Geoff Potvin, PhD (Instructor of Record)
Department of Physics, CP 206
STEM Transformation Institute, VH 144
Florida International University
Miami, FL, 33199
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[email protected]
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(305) 348-7614
Office Hours: Wednesday 3:00 – 4:30 in CP 206 or by appointment
Miguel Rodriguez (Teaching Assistant)
Department of Physics, VH 160
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[email protected]
Course Description
PHYS 2049 Physics with Calculus II: Electricity, Magnetism and Optics.
This course is the second course in introductory physics. It comprises both
the “lecture” and “lab” components of introductory college physics; both
have been integrated into a single studio-format course. The topics covered
include electricity and magnetism, field theory, and optics.
The learning
goals of this course are to (1) develop a model-centered, constructivist under-
standing of electricity & magnetism and optics, (2) learn strong laboratory
skills using computer-based data acquisition and analysis tools, (3) develop
self-directed learning skills, and (4) learn to think clearly and simply about
the physical world.
Class Schedule and Attendance Policy
The regular class time will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:05 – 12:15 in AHC5 - 201/203, starting January 08,
2018 and running until April 18, 2018, with the exceptions of March 12 & 14 (Spring Break). Punctual attendance
is required.
There is a 15-minute grace period in the event the instructors and Teaching Assistant is late for
class. Because of the highly interactive nature of the course and the cumulative nature of the material it is strongly
recommended that students not miss any classes, as it will be very difficult to make up later. Students are responsible
for all materials, assignments, and announcements made in class.
Course Structure & Content
This is a studio-format, integrated physics course in which the artificial distinction between “lecture” and “labora-
tory” does not exist. Because of this, you
must
be enrolled in both 2049-U31 and 2049L-U31 and you will receive
the same final grade for both courses based on your entire performance.
This course is organized in a way that
is significantly different from a traditional physics course.
It is activity-based and requires the sharing of ideas
and working in groups. The activities in this class include “thought” experiments, open-ended question activities,
problem-solving, and experiments. There will be little, if any, traditional lecturing during the entire semester.
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PHY 2049 & 2049L – U31 SYLLABUS (SPRING 2019)
2
The nature of introductory physics is such that a small number of mathematical/physical models can be
usefully applied to a wide variety of situation and systems. Thus, in this semester, you will engage in the study of
