This course (Physics 1X00) is a zero-credit enrichment course for 1st year physics. In it we push some of the topics met in the 1st year curriculum a bit further, making connections to wider physics themes. It is also possible to discuss science topics of general interest should these arise.
COURSE INFORMATION
Lectures
There is a single weekly lecture, Wednesdays from 15:30 to 16:20 in ABB 272. Attendance to the lectures is not compulsory, but if you come I ask you to pay attention and not disrupt the class with personal conversation or social media. I will do what I can to ensure that you do not have to gnaw your own arm off to stay awake.
Lecture Notes
I will try to work up lecture notes about what I cover so you do not have to choose between listening / asking questions and writing notes yourself. They can be reached by clicking on the topic below:
- Topic 1: Centre of mass and recursiveness
- Topic 2: Kepler’s Laws from Newton, ellipses and all
- Topic 3: Special relativity: faster than light/back in time
- Topic 4: Harmonic oscillators: they’re everywhere
There is no course textbook.
Office Hours
Because I spend half my time at Perimeter Institute I may be hard to find in my office, so it is worth setting up any appointments in advance. I am happy to chat with any comers right after class. Otherwise, feel free to arrange another time with me on an individual basis. (I will make a point of being in my office for scheduled appointments, so if you do set up an appointment, please show up!)
Marking Scheme
The course is given on a pass-fail basis, with the mark largely based on attendance plus (possibly) a short (two-page) essay.
Reading you your rights:
The Centre for Student Development offers free academic skill support.
Although hopefully it does not need saying, be warned that the University does not tolerate cheating, plagiarism and the like:
THE UNIVERSITY VALUES ACADEMIC INTEGRITY. THEREFORE ALL STUDENTS MUST UNDERSTAND THE MEANING AND CONSEQUENCES OF CHEATING, PLAGIARISM AND OTHER ACADEMIC OFFENCES UNDER THE CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
(see http://www.mcmaster.ca/academicintegrity for more information).