Fall 2008

(Last update: October 20, 2008 by Matthew C. Sullivan)

Physics 217: Principles of Physics III
Fall 2007
MWF 10:00 - 11:00 AM and Th 10:50 - 12:05
Room: CNS 204

Professor:

Matthew C. Sullivan
Office: CNS 262 or CNS 275 (lab)
Phone: 274-3964
email: mcsullivan@ithaca.edu
Office Hours: M,T,F 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
and by appointment

Course Philosophy:
Physics 217 is the catch-all for essential physics topics not covered in your previous courses (mechanics and E&M) and not covered next semester (modern physics). You will also get an introduction to error propagation. We will learn about the fascinating subjects of waves, light, and thermodynamics. We will use these topics in problem-solving and critical thinking exercises, context rich problems, and in laboratory experiments.

My goals for this course (and the focus of my exams!) are:

To introduce students to waves, light, thermodynamics, and error propagation.
To help students become better and more organized problem solvers using the physical concepts we cover as a tool to that end.
To help students become better abstract and critical thinkers, using mechanics as a tool to that end.
To help students become better experimentalists in preparation for their advanced laboratory courses.

Click here to find the full syllabus and schedule.

Links:

Syllabus and Schedule

Exams

Homeworks

Labs/CRPs