Advanced Physics (Mechanics)

Description of Course Goals and Curriculum

PHY 105 is a fast-paced, calculus-based mechanics course with high expectations. For one, you will encounter new, challenging ways of deriving and applying mechanics topics, even some that may seem familiar from high school physics (like Newton’s Laws, energy, and linear/angular momentum). However, don’t underestimate these units! Lecture will introduce you to complex derivations, and you will be expected synthesize material to solve difficult problems. In addition, PHY 105 will introduce you to higher-level topics, like variational methods. PHY 105 is designed for students who have taken a calculus-based physics class. As such, you will be expected to be familiar with not only mechanics, but also their calculus-based applications. Make sure you know not only derivatives and integrals, but also trigonometric identities and Taylor expansions (something I erroneously thought I’d be done with after surviving AP Calculus BC).

Learning From Classroom Instruction

Lecture) Lectures emphasize derivations behind mechanics concepts. Furthermore, they tend to move at a fast pace and cover a lot of material. That being said, take thorough notes. In addition to what’s written on the board, make sure to jot down Dr. Jones’ explanations (which sometimes do not make it to the board!). More importantly, do not hesitate to ask questions! Efforts to clarify and better your understanding of the material are highly encouraged and appreciated.   Precept) Precepts will review material from lecture and help you learn problem-solving techniques, which are immensely valuable for this class. And just like with lecture, be sure to ask questions when necessary!   Special Relativity Mini Course) During reading period, you will be required to attend lectures to learn special relativity. Don’t forget about this mini course, and make sure you are on campus to attend these lectures.

Learning For and From Assignments

Problem Sets) You will be expected to synthesize and apply material in new, often difficult ways. That being said, here is a list of advice to survive said problem sets:  

1. Work in groups! And don’t forget to cite your collaborators.
2. Never procrastinate on these problem sets. Not only do these take time, but you will also miss out on office hours scheduled throughout the week.
3. Attend office hours!!! They are precious opportunities to not only ask questions about assignments, but also clarify your understanding of the course material. Furthermore, make sure to attend sessions that are earlier in the week. Fewer students attend these office hours as opposed to later ones, meaning you will have the chance to review concepts one-on-one with a TA (which is difficult to do if a lot of students are present, which is very often the case with later office hours sessions).

  Pre-Lab Assignments) Before PHY 105 laboratories, you will be required to complete a brief assignment, called a pre-lab. These assignments don’t take too much time. However, if you tend to have very busy weeks, you may find yourself rushing to complete them, leading to careless mistakes that cost points. Pre-lab assignments tend to be posted during the weekend. As such, scheduling physics labs later in the week may be more advantageous, as that gives you more time.   Readings) Readings tend to be chapters in the textbook. I strongly recommend doing the readings before the lecture to become familiar with the material ahead of time. But do not panic if the material in the textbook is challenging/difficult to understand. You will have opportunities during lecture, precept, and office hours to solidify your understanding (so again, ask questions when necessary!).

External Resources

Doing practice problems is your best bet in learning the material and effectively preparing for the class. Reviewing problem sets, textbook problems, and old quizzes/exams are extremely helpful. And be sure to ask your professor and preceptor for recommended external resources!

What Students Should Know About This Course For Purposes Of Course Selection

PHY 105 is a difficult class, but at the same time, it has been a worthwhile experience. PHY 105 is taught like an upper-level physics class and introduces advanced topics. As such, taking this course will thoroughly develop your understanding of mechanics and be advantageous if you plan on going into the physics major. Additionally, PHY 105 developed my critical thinking skills, which are valuable to basically any major at Princeton.   If you find that PHY 103 may be a more appropriate physics course for you, do not feel bad for switching into that class (especially if you have other rigorous classes along with PHY 105. And taking PHY 103 does NOT exclude the possibility of a physics or physics-related major!). At the same time, however, don’t let the rigor of PHY 105 scare you away from the class. The class, though challenging, was an intellectually fulfilling experience. Furthermore, I made some fantastic friendships through the shared goal of surviving PHY 105. :)