Transcript Introduction - University of Toronto Physics

Welcome to PHY151F:
Foundations of Physics I
Point of this course
• to teach you to think like a physicist
• specific topics studied are examples of how we approach problems
Philosophy of this course
• Physics is not about memorization, its about understanding
• important for you to start asking questions “what, why, how…”
• once you determine what question needs to be asked, can start looking
for an answer
• methods to find answers to these questions (e.g. experimental
techniques, mathematical methods, computational methods…)
• Topics to be covered:
Kinematics, Relativity
Forces, Dynamics
Momentum, Work, Energy
Rigid Body Rotations
Principles & Theory
-lectures
-reading
-tutorials
Experiment
-practicals
-(sometimes) lectures
Computation
-homework
-practicals
Course Information
Website:
http://www.physics.utoronto.ca/~dfvj/PHY151/PHY151.html
OR:
Google: “Daniel James Quantum”
And follow the links
Course Information
Finding me
-office: MP1014,
-email: [email protected] USE utoronto.ca address and PUT
“PHY151 Student” in subject line!
-office hours: immediately after lectures
Textbook
Essential University Physics by Richard Wolfson,
vols.1 & 2
-available at $144.20 in the bookstore
-we will NOT be using Mastering Physics
-PHY152S and PHY131/2 use the same books.
Course Components
• Lectures (3 hrs/week) – new material introduced and discussed.
• Reading (1 hr/week) – reading assignments posted on the
homepage periodically.
• Problem sets (1-2 hrs each week) – three questions; you are
encouraged to work in groups to brainstorm solutions and learn the
material by discussion; but then write your own solutions to the
problems. Drop-in center: TA’s (not your own) available in MP125.
• Practicals (3 hour/week) - ~32 students+2 TA’s per section; work
in small groups and learn physics problem solving techniques
including experimental and computational methods using python;
Jason Harlow to explain on Friday; first practicals Tuesday week.
• Exams –
- 2 hour midterm on 26 October 6-8pm (only academic conflicts will
be entertained)
- 3 hour final date and time TBA (faculty run)
Grades
Final Exam:
Midterm:
Laboratory:
Problem sets:
FCI quizzes:
50% (in December exam period)
24% (Wednesday 26th October, 6-8pm)
15%
10%
1%
• a quick tour of the UofT physics dept
-theoretical astrophysics (CITA) (12-15)
-theoretical particle physics (11)
-quantum optics (theory & expt) (10-11, basement)
-condensed matter (theory & expt) (10, basement)
-experimental particle physics (8-9, CERN, etc.)
-earth, atmospheric and planetary physics (4-7, roof)
-biological physics (5)
-physics education (1)
• history
-Over 100 years old
- superfluids; electron microscopes
-Two nobels (Brockhouse, Scharlow)
• Places for undergraduates to “be”:
-Library (MP211C): quiet study + books
-MP125: tables + drop in center
-MP200: study carrels
-MP257: tables + computers (might be in use for classes)
-PASU Lounge (MP217): hang out
Want more physics?
Physics Colloquium: every Thursday 4:10-5pm in MP102
-international researchers give talks about their work
-cookies & coffee available beforehand (3:45-4) in MP110
-first colloquium this year: Prof. Wolfgang Ketterle MIT (22 Sept)
-many other talks/seminars offered every week. See posters near elevators
or Physics Dept. website “EVENTS” page.
PHY 152S: “Foundations of Physics II”
-follow up to this course, prereq for 2nd year physics courses
-topics include: electricity, special relativity, oscillations and waves
PHY 289S: “Physics at the Cutting Edge”
-small seminar course meant for 1st year physics students (you)
-learn about current research topics in physics
-interact with active researchers who will teach you about what they are
doing in physics
- Enrollment limited; you must apply by 15 November online
Action Items
Bookmark the Web-page: google “Daniel James Quantum”
and follow the links from my home-page
Try out Python: follow link to CompWiki and follow the
instructions
Look up Reading Assignments (and read them!)
See you on Wednesday