Syllabus

Schedule

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AP50 & Covid

Exceptions

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This public Canvas page mirrors the one for the course I'm currently teaching. Please note that assignments and links to Slack are disabled.

AP50 is a one-year, calculus-based introduction to physics focusing on the application of physics to real-world problems to teach scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills. Each semester you will work in teams on two month-long projects, each culminating in a project fair. The projects involve a combination of construction of devices, measurements and simulations, and optionally include a microprocessor. Besides mastering course content, the course goals include developing self-directed learning and collaborative skills.

The first part of this course, AP50a is taught in the Fall semester. The second part, AP50b, is taught in the Spring semester. We recommend taking both parts in sequence.

The teaching team is excited to meet you. Last year, despite the challenges of the pandemic and remote learning, we were able to accomplish amazing results in terms of learning and satisfaction. By rethinking our approach to AP50, we doubled the learning gains and the gains in self-efficacy — people’s personal judgement on being able to do well in physics. In addition, we greatly increased students’ sense of growth, autonomy, and relatedness among students — yes, even though we were fully online, there was a far greater sense of community! We are hard at work to make it even better this year.

The key criterion in the design of this course is flexibility — flexibility in how and when to participate in the activities, and flexibility in how and when you are assessed. You will carry out many activities asynchronously at your own convenience. Most of the face-to-face time with me and the teaching team (Tu/Th 9:00 am or 1:30 pm) will be spent addressing specific difficulties and individual needs of the various teams through programmed course activities. You and your team can choose to attend in person or remotely; see the course-format section of the syllabus for details.

Instructors: Eric Mazur and Prineha Narang (a note from the instructors)

Is AP50 a good match for you?

Based on our experience teaching AP50 over the years and feedback obtained from students who took the course, this course is for you if you…

are motivated by learning, not just by grades
like to learn by doing rather than by listening to lectures
are comfortable studying the material from a textbook
enjoy learning with and from peers and developing interpersonal skills
like to be in control of your own learning (and your grade)
are willing to tackle problems you haven't seen before and not succeeding at first
are comfortable with calculus at the level of Math 1a (AP50a) or Math 1b (AP50b)

This course might not work well for you if you…

value earning a high grade and meeting a requirement more than being intellectually challenged and learning and developing new skills
prefer working on your own
believe lectures are the best way for you to learn the material
want the instructors to present all facts so you know what to learn
need the prospect of exams to get yourself to studying
would rather not be pushed out of your comfort zone in a physics class
approach your science classes by memorizing information
often postpone work until the deadline and/or the end of the semester

Meet Eric and find out more about some of the features of AP50

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Questions? If you have any questions during shopping week that are not addressed by the Syllabus and the Course Orientation pages (or you need help with an assignment or with physics later in the semester), please know I am here to help. Reach out any time so I can support your success. You can contact me directly via the course Slack workspace or call or text me at +1-978-394-1042. I look forward to hearing from you!