Physics 6c: Getting Started (2 websites...)

There are 2 different web sites associated with this course. They serve different purposes, which are complementary.

The first web site is this one, which you have found already. The purpose and function of this site is to communicate essential information about the class. That includes discussion of physics issues which come up in lecture, questions about the homework, information about what will be covered on the midterm and final, practive problems, etc..  Anything that might have traditionally been a hand-out, will appear here as a post. This is an interactive site, which facilitates discussion and follow-up; you can post your comments and questions here and get a response fairly quickly.

If you are stuck on a homework problem, it is okay, and encouraged, to ask about it at this blog. Then I, one of the TAs, or one of the other students in the class will answer your question. You are encouraged to become a "follower"; if you do that with a recognizable name (or send me an email letting me know the real name associated with your blog name), then you may get extra credit for your participation. In the past, I have found that interactive blog-type web pages (like this) can be useful for clarifying subject matter raised in lecture, for clarifying issues related to specific homework problems, and for preparing for the midterm and final. After lectures


The second web site is the Mastering Physics site at:
http://www.masteringphysics.com/
       That is where you actually do your homework assignment. As in physics 6a and 6b, you will submit your homework problem results online at that site.  

The course ID is: physics6c

The first homework is due on September 30th. (You will find it at the mastering physics site.)
http://www.masteringphysics.com/

The midterm will be no sooner than October 22 and no later than Nov 5.

The final is on Monday, December 6th at 8:00 AM.

15% of your grade will come from your homework score (online).
35% of your grade will come from your midterm.
50% of your grade will come from your final.

The midterm and final will emphasize problem solving.  The homework will help you develop your problem solving abilities, as applied to problems on electricity and magnetism. Although both are relevant, in my experience working problems tends to be a more effective than reading in preparing for tests. I would suggest solving the HW problems on paper, as you would for the midterm or final, and then entering your results online.  That way you will tend to become more prepared for the tests that you will be taking later in the course.