Fundamental Physics II applies the basics of physics covered in Fundamental Physics I to the concepts of electricity, magnetism, waves and optics. Trigonometry and algebra is used. No calculus is used. A series of laboratory activities is used in support of the material.

Lecture: The lecture meets three times a week as with any other normal course. You need to be present at the classroom meeting place in order to benefit from the lecture portion of the class, upon which 75% of the grade is based.

Lab: In addition to meeting three times a week (for a total of three hours), this course also has a lab component. On the course schedule, it says the lab is taught via "per sys instr". There is no specified lab time because the lab is run differently. You are expected to work in the lab three hours a week but the exact three hours is left open to each student. The lab will be open for 18-21 hours each week and you choose the hours you would like to work (keeping in mind that some hours will be more crowded than others). When you go to lab, you let the lab workers know which lab you will be doing. You then work at your own pace, moving from one activity to the next when you are ready. The only requirement is that the instructor must okay your progress at various points within an activity in order for you to move forward.

Instructor: Robert A. Cohen
Meeting Place: 118 Gessner Hall

Send e-mail to course instructor (Robert Cohen)

Selected chapters of the textbook (requires Acrobat Reader)

Answers to Checkpoints (requires Acrobat Reader)

In-class Questions

Practice Exam Solutions (PDF; requires Acrobat Reader)

Interesting links

• Videos by ESPN on various physical concepts.
• One resource of applications of physics to biology is given here.
• Information about electricity and magnetism, organized by concept maps.
• History of optics and electromagnetism
• How to avoid Electric Shocks
• For information about modern physics (lasers, microwave ovens, etc.), check out Physics 2000
• Context-Rich Problems

Simulations and Visualizations

• General Sites
  • The MERLOT (Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching) has a search engine you can use to find lots of simulations in science (not just physics)
  • Visualizations
  • PhET simulations (Physics Education Technology Project)
  • Simulations
  • Simulations from Giambattista
  • Visualizations
  • Flash animations by David M. Harrison.
• Virtual Oscilloscope
• PADs has interactive graphs and exercises.
• Ball on Track (with graphing) from U of Pennsylvania.
• Interactive Conceptual Tutoring (Automated Physics Tutor)
• One resource of applications of physics to biology is given here.
• Syllabi of physics courses elsewhere
• How Stuff Works
• Interesting questions
• Powers of 10 video.
• Context-Rich Problems