FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions	Physical Systems TESC 2002-03
	Syllabi weekly work Web-X Research  InQsit Links updated 12.Aug 2002 - thanks to Don Middendorf for some questions

Q:  I can't decide whether to take Physical Systems or Math Methods?

A: You can take both - in part.  Zita and Middendorf have agreed to make Differential Equations a shared part of both programs.  We will combine classes on Tuesdays and co-teach DiffEq, and we will probably do some seminaring together, and possibly other activities.  There are also other days when only one program meets, so you might sit in on the other if you really want to.  But honestly, you will be busy enough with just one program.

Absolutely.  Most of the material will be new, and the modern physics and quantum mechanics will be more advanced and mathematical.

Q:  Would I have the equivalent of a physics degree by the end of the year?

A:  Yes, if you have also completed Matter & Motion and Energy Systems (or Astronomy & Energies) or the equivalent.  You would then be prepared for grad school or other advanced work in physics.  Many successful scientists and thinkers also start with a degree in physics - it can lead to careers in medicine, law, anywhere where you need a sharp mind.

Q: What are the prerequisites again?

A: You should have had at least two solid quarters of calculus-based physics, such as Matter and Motion. You should be able to integrate and differentiate polynomials, exponentials, and trig functions, and, of course, you should be completely fluent with algebra.

If you do not have these prerequisites, this program will probably be too hard, and you might take Matter and Motion instead. Otherwise it would be like taking German literature before you can read German, which would not be fair to your more fluent classmates who do have the prerequisites.
 

This is it.  Next year Energy Systems or an equivalent program will be offered.

Q:  Will I fulfill the requirements for an endorsement teaching high school physics by taking this program?

A:  You will fulfill many of the requirements for your endorsement.  Share your list of requirements with Zita so we can see.

Q:  Can I get out of part of this program to take something else for 2-4 credits?

A: No, this is a full-time integrated program.  You can take an overload if you really want to, say to take piano lessons or French, but not to take more physics/math.

Q: What should I do to get ready for Physical Systems?

A: Review your calculus and physics. Remember the integration and differentiation techniques that you have already learned. Reread your familiar old calculus textbook. Mathematics is the language of physics - regain your fluency. If your calculus skills have become a bit rusty from disuse, do drill problems until integration and differentiation are second nature to you.  Take your text out under a tree with a blank notebook and remember the joy of doing math.

You bet, on both counts!  You will learn some of the most beautiful and powerful thinking and problem-solving methods known to humans.  It will take about 50 hours per week including in-class time.  Some reduction in work load is possible in spring.  Details available at the first class.

Q: Where and when do we meet on the first day?

A: Monday 30 Sept.2002 at 1:00 in the CAL (not 16 Sept!)

A: Come to Academic Fair in spring or summer.  Dr. Zita is on leave doing research.  Or email her at zita@evergreen.edu.  Start the subject header with "PS" or your mail might not get read.

A: None, but all the texts need to be purchased by the second day of class, so come with money to buy books.  They will be expensive, totaling several hundred dollars, and you will use them all year (and perhaps the rest of your life).  Winter and Spring texts will be cheaper.  Do not count on financial aid to be available!  Experience has shown that students who are unable to buy required texts during the first week have a very difficult time catching up.

Here are our texts, but don't feel you have to read them over the summer!  The best way to prepare over the summer is to review your familiar old physics and calculus textbooks and work plenty of problems.  Read something fun about science - biographies or even pop science - and remember not to believe everything you read.  If you find a good candidate seminar text, please suggest it.  We might have room for one more.

Q: Can I take this program for less than 16 credits?

A: No - it's a full-time program.

A: All of them, for high quality, complete work.  It is possible to earn 48 upper division credits in this program, depending on excellent performance.   Upper division performance includes being present at virtually all classes, turning in all homework on time with substantial writing, doing well on exams, giving good presentations, etc.

Q: Can I get out of seminar?

A: No - seminar will be integrated into lecture/discussion times.

A: Yes, certainly to Science News, probably Physics Today and possibly American Journal of Physics.  We're working with the publisher to get you a discount.  Details will be available at the first class.

Q: Will you cover the special topic I'm interested in?

A: Yes - we can learn about it together, via your research project.

Q: Do I need a calculator?

A: Not really, but you do need an Evergreen email account  I think every registered student gets one automatically.  Please learn to use it before class starts - ask the nice folks in the Computer Center.

A: Your program fee will cover some equipment that we'll use in class.
Consider purchasing Mathematica if you have your own computer.  You do not need a calculator.
Consider buying a good pair of 10x50 binoculars in spring if you're interested in astronomy (you should be able to get a good pair for $200-300). With a tripod, you can see the moons of Jupiter and some details of nearby clusters and galaxies.
Neither of these is required! We have Mathematica on campus computers, and binocs and telescopes can be borrowed from Lab Stores.