PHYSICS 1980
Physics II
Continuation of Physics 197. An advanced, calculus-based introduction to central concepts in physics for students who desire to major in physics or another physical science, or who have a special interest in physics. The course is structured around three themes that are treated in depth: electricity and magnetism, quantum physics, and statistical and thermal physics. A daily regimen of homework and reading as well as active class participation are integral parts of the course. Prerequisites: Physics 197 and Calculus II. Students who have not taken Physics 197 may not register for Physics 198. Concurrent registration in a Physics 198 lab section is required. Credit may not be obtained for both Physics 118 and Physics 198.
Instructors
Alford, Augusto Medeiros da Rosa, Chong Zu, Hynes, Mairin Hynes, Mark Alford, Medeiros da Rosa, Xi Wang
Reviews
Hynes is an amazing professor. Her lectures were very clear and she does a great job of explaining difficult content. Definitely take Hynes if you can for physics.
8/25/2024
4-6 hrs/week
Kinda mid. Lectures were boring as heck but the structure of the class and its weekly assignments made studying a lot more feasible. Don't be like me and start studying the day of exams and you should be fine.
7/9/2024
6-8 hrs/week
Lots of work outside of class but Medeiros is super passionate and helpful. PLTL is helpful depending on leader
6/21/2024
2-4 hrs/week
As with 191, the course is less Physics and more Problem Solving
6/4/2024
4-6 hrs/week
Really hard compared to Physics 191 and the calculus coming in play started to mess me up a bit. Wished I had stuck to Medeiros (I took 191 with him) instead of switching to Hynes for 192 after hearing the hype about her because he explained stuff so much better and in a more engaging manner than Hynes did. I ended up skipping way too many of her lectures and watching all of Medeiros's online instead.
5/23/2024
6-8 hrs/week
E&M (192) is definitely much for challenging than mechanics (191) but Medeiros makes it manageable. In-class demonstrations are always a classic. Put some time outside of class into the homework assignments and you'll be fine.
5/21/2024
2-4 hrs/week
Not necessarily easy, but totally reasonable and approachable. I spent like 2 hours outside of class on a normal week, and maybe like 10 on an exam week.
5/18/2024
Although this class is extremely challenging, he keeps his lectures engaging by incorporating relevant and hilarious jokes and making sure students are involved with the material. Also extremely helpful and accessible after class, and responds to emails quickly. Can be strict with grading.
5/17/2024
4-6 hrs/week
so much harder than physics I. The professor is great (very loud which keeps you awake), but the content really picks up and the tests are very long and hard. Calculus is involved and it is much more confusing and less straightforward then first semester physics.
5/17/2024
He is a very interesting teacher, but he doesn't always include many practice problems during his lectures which would help, especially for more difficult topics.
5/10/2024
Professor Alford is an extremely engaging lecturer. He is hilarious and is generally good at explaining concepts. Warning, he does randomly pick on people to answer questions, but that is part of what makes his class fun.
5/7/2024
Dr. Medeiros is an amazing lecturer who really makes you appreciate physics. Electricity and magnetism is very challenging without a doubt, but Dr. Medeiros made it manageable. He can teach in a way that holds your attention for an entire 80 minutes, which is really hard to do. In-lecture demonstrations are always a classic.
4/28/2024
Alford rarely does any practice problems in class. When he does, he often confuses himself and does not track well with writing things on the board for students to see. Prepares students poorly for exams/homework bc of lack of in-class practice.\nFunny guy and he seems nice, but not great for Physics II. Avoid Alford, take Hynes or Medeiros instead.
3/1/2024
Passionate in teaching, caring for students, one of the best professors I've ever had.
10/24/2023
Medeiros does a really good job of making lectures engaging & interesting. The course is really well-structured and grading expectations are fairly straightforward. There were 3 online tests, each 4 hours long (no cumulative final) but I heard tests might be moving to in person next semester. There are several opportunities to pad/boost your grade.
5/27/2023
Queen. Her lectures are very straight forward and she walks you through how to solve each problem.
4/27/2023
One of the best professors I've ever had. Kind, caring and always responsive to students' questions. His enthusiasm in teaching makes this class whole lot easier.
4/27/2023
Hynes is no-questions-asked one of the best professors at WashU. Take her. Her lectures are amazing and she's a genuinely kind person who is helpful during office hours. Lectures walk you through problems and show you exactly how to solve them. She makes sure everybody understands.
4/21/2023