Course FAQ#
What will class actually look like?#
Most class days are not full-on lectures. You’ll work in groups of four on structured problems during class. These problems are designed to look like homework and exams, so class time is where you practice doing the hard part, with help.
What does a “complete” solution look like?#
Every problem you submit should include:
A short problem restatement
A brief strategy (what ideas you’re using and why)
The math, written in sentences—not just equations
A conclusion explaining what the answer means physically
A small Python check (a calculation or a plot)
You’ll have a notebook template to follow.
Why do we have to use Python?#
Python is just a verification tool. You still have to solve the problem analytically first. Python is used to:
check your math
visualize the motion
confirm that the answer makes sense
Simple code is totally fine, where this is not a programming course.
I’m taking calculus at the same time. Is that a problem?#
No. We’ll use calculus in a very limited, practical way:
derivatives as “rates of change”
basic polynomial integrals (power rule only)
When calculus shows up, we’ll connect it directly to the physics. If you want more detail, I’ll link to OpenStax Calculus.
Can I work with other students?#
Yes and you should.
In class: group work is required
Homework: you can talk through ideas, but your writing and code must be your own
Copy-and-paste solutions (from classmates or AI) get zero credit.
Can I use AI tools?#
Limited use is allowed.
OK: syntax help, debugging, quick clarification
Not OK: generating full solutions, explanations, or write-ups
If you use AI, say so in your notebook. Undocumented use counts as academic dishonesty.
Can I use NotebookLM to study with the course notes?#
Yes. NotebookLM is allowed as a study-support tool for this course. You may use it to summarize sections of the course notes, generate review questions, create audio overviews, make study guides, or ask for explanations of course material.
NotebookLM should be used to help you engage with the course notes, not to replace them. The written notes, worked examples, assigned problems, and class discussions are the authoritative course materials. If an AI-generated explanation disagrees with the notes, textbook, or what we discuss in class, rely on the course materials and ask for clarification.
A good way to use NotebookLM is to add the relevant section of the course notes as a source, ask for a short overview, read the section yourself, and then ask it to generate practice questions or explain confusing points.
You may not submit NotebookLM-generated text as your own reasoning in homework, quizzes, reflections, or exams. Submitted work must represent your own understanding and follow the required problem-solving format for the course.
What are good NotebookLM prompts for this course?#
Useful prompts include:
Summarize this section in plain language, but keep the important physics vocabulary.
List the most important equations in this section and explain when each one should be used.
Generate five conceptual questions that would test my understanding of this section.
Create a short quiz on this section, but do not show the answers until after the questions.
Explain the physical model used in this worked example.
What assumptions are being made in this example?
What are common mistakes students make with this topic?
Turn this section into a study guide for an exam.
Use these prompts to check and improve your understanding. Do not use them to generate text that you submit as your own work.
How are grades weighted?#
Discussions: 10%
Participation & labs: 15%
Homework: 15%
Exams (4 total): 60%
The optional final exam can replace your lowest exam score.
What if I start falling behind?#
Start small and start early.
Work a little every week
Ask questions before deadlines
Use office hours, Slack, and your group
This course rewards steady effort, not cramming the night before.