Textbook

We are using the Custom Edition of Giancoli's Physics, but the 6th edition is equivalent. The 7th edition is not much different (just costs more) The 5th edition is not much different either - it will work ok. (Just be sure chapter numbers match up)
We will have 2 desk copies on short (2 hr) reserve in the Gemmill Library of Engineering, Mathematics & Physics (located in the math building, 2 buildings East of Duane)

CHECK THIS OUT! Giancoli 5th Edition Website (It has nice links chapter by chapter to more sample problems which might be helpful for studying! See "Practice Problems" and "MCAT Study", both!)

Thinkwell website

The textbook for this course is Physics: Principles with Applications by D. Giancoli. It's a good book, and we will regularly assign reading from it. It has been used with Phys 2010 (and 2020) for many years at CU, so most likely there are good deals on used copies to be had. Using an older edition is not likely to be a problem. There will also be a couple of copies on 2-hr reserve in the Gemmill Library of Engineering, Mathematics & Physics (located in the math building, 2 buildings East of Duane) There's a 3rd copy over in Norlin.

A textbook can be a really valuable resource, as it contains many worked out example problems, detailed explanations, and practice problems. However, we will also do our best to present material you are responsible for in class, in lab, homework, and lecture notes.

Another possibility (also available at the CU Bookstore) is Thinkwell Physics. This is optional. It is a video-based/multimedia "next generation" text, providing about 120 short (<10 min) "mini-lectures" (with Prof. Pollock), along with extensive notes and animations. Although designed for a calculus-based course, there is very little calculus in these lectures, and they track Phys 2010 pretty closely! It could be a substitute for Giancoli if you want, or a nice supplement. (Unfortunately, the library does not have a copy of this. If you purchase it at the bookstore, you get 1 year access to streaming video online).

I believe that a physics textbook must be approached with the correct expectation. Most people find it challenging to read a physics textbook and completely understand the material from the textbook alone. Even experts in physics do not learn the material simply by reading a book, we still have to engage with the material by working out problems, discussing with colleagues, and seeking out additional resources. Consider the textbook as one of many resources at your disposal. The Thinkwell video text is nice for those of you who prefer to watch rather than read!