Physics 2211 A & B Spring 2020

How to Earn an A in Physics

For the past few terms, all students earning an A in PHYS 2211 were invited to pass on any advice they might have for students in subsequent semesters. Here are the responses from last Spring, in the order they were received. We hope that you will benefit from their suggestions. The only editing of these remarks has been for spelling, and to remove material that was not advice to students (advice to instructors, for example). At the bottom of the page, you will find links to similar advice from earlier semesters.

Bonus Homework is now called Practice Homework, to emphasize that its importance is in the practice, not in the bonus. PRS refers to an old in-class polling system, like the current TurningPoint system.

Do well on the beginning tests so you have a cushion for the later ones. When you come to a particularly hard problem, analyze it forwards and backwards. Analyze all the forces acting on an object, all principles about it, and how any change to it affects all those. From there, you can figure out everything asked of you. Don't be intimidated by a large problem with multiple steps, they're easier than you expect. Memorizing the formulas is quite possibly one of the biggest wastes of time. Some are essential, but don't base your studying off of that. You should be able to derive the later ones even based on the concepts.
-BA

My only advice is to study the challenge problems at the end of the chapters. They seem to pop up on the tests every once in a while.
-HC

I would recommend that they do their homework, and be sure to do the previous tests and stop to think questions in the book. Finally, not sleeping well before a test often results in a poor grade, as shown [on] my final.
-WS

I found that doing the assigned reading before class and the bonus homework really helped. Also purchasing the student answer book and working all of the problems it lists for each chapter was a good way to study for the tests.
-KS

I would the say the best strategy to get an A in PHYS 2211 is to come to class, do all the homework, including the bonus, and understand all of it. Going over the example problems in the textbook before the quiz also helps.
-MP

To get an A in this class I tried reading the section that we will be quizzed (PRS) on, before I went to class. Doing the homework is really helpful especially if you figure out how to do it without help. This helps on tests since the thought process is very similar. I usually reviewed all the mastering physics before each test.
-KH

In my opinion i did not do anything over-the-top in order to achieve an "A". I went to every Lab Breakout, worked diligently on every problem in Lab Breakout not only to get it right, but to fully understand the concepts. I completed every homework assignment with little to no help and did almost every bonus. In all honesty if the students would complete the work that is suggested in a way that isn't simply to "get the answer," then there is no reason why they should not get at least a "B" in the course.
-TB

I can't think of anything better for advice than "if you are having trouble with the material, do practice problems until you get it". It has yet to fail me.
-NS

I can't stress enough how helpful the bonus assignments were. Aside from getting extra points just for doing them, it is further practice which really helps when it comes down to test time.
-RM

Possibly the most important thing about Phys 2211 was not class attendance, nor was it doing the homework, and nor was it studying incessantly. Sure, those things all contributed, but the most important thing was making sure that I UNDERSTOOD the concept as thoroughly as possible. A concept well understood (through asking questions in class if something is unclear, or through looking at the textbook) is a concept that is impossible to forget, whereas a memorized formula is temporary; it slips in for a day then falls right out, and is impossible to find by the time of the final exam. If you COMPLETELY understand a concept, by that point, studying is redundant, homework is a breeze, and PRS questions in class take but a second to answer. Learn every concept in its entirety and do not bother to memorize things, because if you learn the basics, you can derive the complex from what you know, not from what you have memorized.
-AL

Always read the book BEFORE the lecture on the corresponding material. Doing so makes the lectures easier to follow, the PRS questions easier, and the homework less time consuming. Also, do the bonus problems because you get bonus points AND extra practice which helps you understand the material better for the test. Finally, go to class!! While there, take legible, understandable notes that you can refer to later, such as the PRS questions (and correct answers) and notes or problems written on the board. The way problems are solved in class is similar to what you will be expected to do on a test and having good examples will only make solving problems on your own easier. Good luck!
-MH

I think the best way to really learn the material and to make sure that you know it for the test is to make sure to do all of the homework and to do it by yourself. The harder you work on getting your own answers, the more you learn about that particular kind of problem in the process.
-CN

Thoughtfully take advantage of all of your resources--homework, workbook, textbook, notes, old tests, professor additions on the website, and office hours. If you cover all of your bases and master the material, you will be able to complete tests confidently and rapidly enough to check your calculations and algorithms before turning in your work. Also, the bonus is a great way to try different kinds of more in-depth exercises that also help in preparation for exams. Go to class.
-JE

Getting an A in this class is easy if you are willing to work hard and study every day, especially if you were weak in physics in your high school. Attendance is essential. If you miss one class you miss the whole topic. Doing the bonus HW really helps clarify the topics. That's about it.
-PS