What is distinctive about the Matter & Interactions curriculum?
Matter & Interactions emphasizes:
- A modern, atomic view of matter and its interactions
- Solving large problems based on a small number of fundamental concepts and principles
- Using computers to compute and visualize the motion of physical systems
- A textbook (Matter & Interactions) that supports these goals and activities
- Multimode sessions involving experiments, problem-solving, and computer modeling every week
- Click here for more information about Matter & Interactions
What is distinctive about SCALE-UP?
In SCALE-UP classes, students learn to work in collaborative teams on a wide variety of hands-on activities. Very little class time is actually devoted to lecturing.
Do I need to register for a particular lab section?
Yes. You MUST register for and attend PY205L-201, which meets on Fridays in G108 Harrelson (the regular classroom) from 9:10-10 AM. DO NOT register for any other section of PY205L.
Do I have to go to lab every week?
Yes. The SCALE-UP class hops back and forth between "lecture" and "lab" during each class meeting, and your participation is required. In addition to hands-on activities, you will develop computer models, and will work in groups on large, challenging problems.
What if I've never done computer modeling before?
That's fine - most students haven't. We'll teach you what you need to know to do the work in this course.
Do I need a lab manual?
No. Bring your textbook to lab. Some experiments are in the book; others will be on the web.
How can I work on VPython outside of class?
VPython is available in Unity clusters, in the Math, Statistics, and Physics folder. Double-click on "Python 2.3 GUI (IDLE) >Go to http://vpython.org to download VPython onto your own computer.
Where is Harrelson Hall?
It is a big round building near the Brickyard- see map.
Do I have to write large lab reports?
Sometimes. Most activities will be like "mini-labs", which will involve both prediction and analysis. For a few of the longer activities you will need to work with your group to produce a detailed lab report. You can find a LOT of help about writing labs online.
Do I have to do the labs if I have lab credit from a previous semester?
Yes. Previous lab credit does not count. The activities in SCALE-UP Matter & Interactions labs are different from the activities in other lab sections.
How are the SCALE-UP sections different from other Matter & Interactions sections?
Rather than sitting at round tables to work in cooperative teams, students in the traditional sections listen to three 50-minute lectures per week in an ordinary lecture hall. In addition, students in the traditional class meet weekly for lab in a mixed-mode studio-like format somewhat like a mini-SCALE-UP class.
How do I get help on this course?
- Ask a question in the WebAssign On-Line Discussion Forum
- Come talk to or e-mail your instructor or TA.
- Come to the TA's office hours, or make an appointment.
- Take advantage of the NC State Library. The reference desk is on the 1st floor, East Wing. You can e-mail a question, call a librarian at 515-2935, or even try a web chat. (Click on Ask a Librarian LIVE)
How are grades computed?
See the course Syllabus for this and other information.
This page last updated 2008-08-25 8:02