1. Attend classes. It is imperative that you attend ALL classes: course lectures and project classes. Not only will this help you keep on track with the material and skills, but it will also help you learn.
2. Start your reading and assignments early. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of having enough time to think about the assigned exercise and "digest" the information necessary to solve the problem(s). Starting early will also give you enough time to get help if you encounter difficulties.
3. Avoid memorization without understanding. As a team, we will be seeking a deep understanding of the material. Memorization of formulae will help you only when you do easy practice problems. The homework problems will challenge you to think, applying your knowledge from various topics. Project assignments will help you develop skills that you will find useful in later projects and courses.
4. Come to Office Hours. Don't be shy! We're here to help you and in most cases nothing beats a face-to-face conversation in helping to clarify difficult issues.
5. Read the textbook AND class notes. Also, don't be afraid to look at other sources of information (i.e. a quick web search.) To grasp the concepts, you are encouraged to read the materials several times and study the examples presented in the class.
6. Don't work alone. This is the greatest mistake. People think in different ways: what might be unclear in the classroom can become very easy after your friend explains it to you. Working on assignments together will also help you see how different people approach their tasks differently. You will learn better and faster if you learn in a team-like environment. Remember that you don't know the material until you are able to explain it to your friends.
7. Strap your seat belts and have fun!!!

There will be three areas of assessment: Class Presentations, Class Participation, and the Final Research Paper. Each of these three areas will be assessed individually by first evaluating each assignment/work and giving it a letter-grade equivalent, and then averaging these letter-grade equivalents to determine the grade in each particular area. Please note that all of your work is subject to the Olin College Honor Code and any violation of this code could result in disciplinary measures from the College.

Class Presentations:	40%
Each student will give a short 10 - 15 minute presentation once a week. The specific topics of the presentations will be selected by students but will need to be within the realm of the theme discussed in class at the time of the presentation. The topics of presentations must be cleared with the instructor at least 36 hours before the class time. Students will be assessed on the depth of their understanding of the pertinent material, ability to answer questions, and the quality of the presentation.
Class Participation	30%
Students will be assessed on their class participation in the discussion of pertinent material, group in-class problem solving, participation in the discussion of student and guest presentations. Students must read pertinent material before the class time and/or guest lectures to be able to be active in the class discussions.
Quizzes/Exams:	30%
The Final Research Paper will be due on the last day of classes, 4/29/2004. The topic for the paper must be selected by each student and approved by instructor no later than 4/15/2004. The paper will be assessed on student understanding and ability to discuss pertinent material.

• use cell phones at your own risk;
• no laptopping due to Surgeon General's Warning: neighbors of laptop users develop esotropia (or cross-eye);
• feet are allowed on tables and desks only if you are ready to use these objects to dance;
• don't bring food to class unless you are ready to share it with your instructors and maybe your classmates;
• respect for all: when I am speaking - I am speaking; when you are speaking - I am speaking;
• start your email messages to ALL of your colleagues with "Dear ...";
• partying is healthy! (especially if it involves some physics homeworks, physics discussion groups, or simply celebration of physics!!!);
• let me know whom you are partying with (translation: always cite your collaborators, whether they are Frodo, Sam, Arwen, Legolas, or Dr. Wolfson with his body Dr. Pasachoff). Note: partying alone is also welcome (although not always recommended), in which case you are to cite yourself as party-study-body!

[Students with disabilities who are taking this course and who need disability-related accommodations are encouraged to speak with me about their needs. Rod Crafts, Dean of Student Life, Ellen Cooney and Nick Tatar, Assistant Deans for Student Life, are available to assist students in arranging these accommodations.]