The course topics that we will cover in Physics 2020 are among the greatest intellectual achievements of humans. Don't be surprised if you have to think hard and work hard to master the material. You can perform very well in this class if you follow this time-tested system:

• Read the chapter material before lecture and recitation/lab. If you read it first, it'll sink in faster during lecture. We won't repeat what's in the book - especially definitions. Class is for making sense of what's in the text!
• Take notes on your reading and try to write down questions you may have. If you ask those questions in class, we will try to answer them.
• Come to class. Stay involved in class and labs. Participate, engage! Come to office hours at the Physics Help Room.
• Start the homeworks early. Give yourself the time to work and understand. Remember that it's possible to have a perfect homework score by putting in the time and effort. But first: Do the reading. Don't try the homework until you finish the reading.
• Work together. Physicists often work in groups. You need to do your own thinking, but talking to others is a great way to sort out your thoughts.
• Check out our general guide to Problem Solving Strategies.
• Keep up! It's very hard to catch up.
• Don't skip anything. Every stone rests on another, and the whole building will collapse if any are missing.
• Please, get help early if you feel you are struggling with any aspect of the course (from your TA/Prof. Pollock or Prof. Martins/Help Room/study group/tutor...). We're here to help!
• Never give up! You can make total sense of all this stuff - it just may take some effort.