PHYSICS 1740
Physics I
The first course in a two-semester, calculus-based introduction to the concepts, laws, and structure of physics. Topics include kinematics, Newton's laws, energy, linear momentum, angular momentum, the conservation laws, gravitational force, fluids, harmonic motion, wave motion and interference, sound, and special relativity. Small-group problem-solving exercises and active class participation are integral parts of the course. This course has evening exams, at which attendance is required. Previous or concurrent enrollment in Calculus I is required for this course, although previous or concurrent enrollment in Calculus II strongly recommended. Taking Introductory Physics as a first-year student is compatible with on-time completion of all pre-health requirements.
Instructors
Augusto Medeiros da Rosa, Craig Lincoln, Hynes, Jonathan Morris, Karthik Ramanathan, Lincoln, Mairin Hynes, Medeiros da Rosa, Morris, Mukherji, Ran, Shankar Mukherji, Sheng Ran
Reviews
4-6 hrs/week
Pretty hard class. I excelled in high school physics so I was expecting to get it pretty easily but I had to do a lot of work outside of class to understand. Attendance is mandatory and graded but Medeiros is an entertaining lecturer so you'd be best off going to his lectures anyway. Recitations are kind of annoying. You get 50 minutes to do a (usually 5-6 page) group packet and your grade on that entirely depends on the quality of your group. Group members change every week so one week you'll be put with people who understand and fly through the packet and then the next week you'll have to leave half the packet blank because you spent the entire time explaining to some guy why gravity points downwards (true story)
12/11/2024
4-6 hrs/week
Honestly super tough class for me with no Physics background. While it was super tough, I thought it was pretty freaking interesting. The pace is FAST and I had to do a lot of self-study outside of class. Exams are rough, do ALL of the practice exams and I would definitely recommend watching the Pearson videos if you're confused. Overall, he's an amazing/caring lecturer, but the class is pretty stressful.
10/25/2024
2-4 hrs/week
Pretty much a parallel to AP Physics 1. Definitely banked on previous knowledge but it should be a manageable course load regardless. Great professors.
7/9/2024
2-4 hrs/week
Super interesting content. It's not THE most difficult class (esp. in pre-med) but it's tough. I've found that a lot of it is whether or not you 'get physics' or not, which is terrible advice but its real. So, just know yourself and seak supplemental help if you're someone not great at math and physics.
5/28/2024
4-6 hrs/week
I'm a very anti-sciences person and so this class was a bit difficult for me so idk about all these only-1-star-difficulty ratings. But I did do well in it bc I had to spend a lot of time going back through material. PLTL helps sm and there are some good buffer grades to help your grade a bit. Medeiros is the goat and he's so helpful but also be prepared to answer questions along with your colleagues ;)
5/23/2024
6-8 hrs/week
Very intellectually stimulating class. Medeiros is so funny without even trying. Only downside is Canvas doesn't show your grade.
5/21/2024
2 or less hrs/week
Lectures can be dry, and Ran's accent is hard to decipher sometimes, but honestly not that bad. Ended with an A. nNote: I took it when exams were online, so definitely a skewed perspective
5/18/2024
2-4 hrs/week
First semester isnt too bad, and kinimetics is pretty easy. Hines explained everything super clearly, but attendance is mandatory and part of your grade. Tests in this class are very long, but the material isn't too bad.
5/17/2024
When I had him as a professor he had a lot of enthusiasm and energy and clearly cared a lot about the subject. Would highly recommend his lectures.
1/18/2024
hynes is an amazing professor that is passionate and prepared. she cares about her students. id recommend going to office hours, they're right after class and the homework is hard, and there's a lot of it. would recommend
1/11/2024
Professor Hynes is a deeply caring and sweet professor who often stayed 30 mins extra every office hour. Her handwriting is super neat and color coded! Lectures were easy to follow but sometimes slow paced. Exams were similar to past exams and lots of extra credit is given! Pro tips: do the weekly quizzes in office hours.
1/9/2024
Clear lectures, Sending lots of love to physics department bc of the generous grading and clear instructions
12/27/2023
Solid professor that was available for his students, whether that was through Piazza or office hours. Could've done more practice problems in class on the last exam's material rather than doing demos for every single concept, which I found was a little unnecessary. Had a strong understanding of the material.
12/22/2023
I've never liked physics that much but Hynes brings lots of fun energy to class making it surprisingly enjoyable. She is an engaging lecturer and takes time to answer questions and make things as clear as possible. She is very accessible outside of class and very accommodating. She cares a lot about students and is one of the better profs I've had.
12/20/2023
Love Dr. Hynes! She really made physics dynamic and interesting, even to a physics skeptic. She clearly has a lot of passion for teaching and it shows in the lectures -- always prepared and welcomes questions. Her in-class demonstrations were fun and memorable. Overall 10/10
12/19/2023
Professor Medeiros presents lecture material clearly and concisely and always answers questions with detail and clarity. He creates a great classroom environment where he engages students with eye-opening demos related to physics concepts and encourages everyone to participate in discussions and ask questions.
12/13/2023
Professor Hynes is very caring, clear, and prepared. She engages with the class and does her best to make sure everyone understands each concept. Would highly recommend taking her class.
12/9/2023