Bart asked 3 years ago
I’m planning on taking physics labs 141 and 236 (took 140 and 235 physics ) but it has been about a year and half since I took the classes. Will the labs be much harder as it requires knowledge of the core physics courses or do they not align much? Thank you
Caitlin Alindogan answered 3 years ago
Hey Bart!
Thanks for the question,
The class and lab do align somewhat for 140/141, but for 235/236 the schedule was a little off (at least for the past semester after classes were moved online, the lab was ahead of the class in terms of content). You should do just fine taking the labs after the class, however make sure to thoroughly understand the provided lab manual for each experiment. The pre-lab quizzes and worksheets are heavily based on the lab manual, so if something in the manual appears confusing definitely consult past lecture notes. Remember that the quizzes only test your knowledge on the manual. Therefore, it won’t be necessary to relearn the class material, but it would be a very good idea to familiarize yourself with the topic of that weeks lab using prior class notes in order to fully understand what’s going on in the lab. This will make it easier to answer the worksheet that goes along with the lab.
In short, the labs won’t be difficult as long as you are comfortable with the lab manual, and refresh yourself with the topic of that weeks lab using the class lecture notes.
Also, you will have the opportunity to ask questions to your GSI during the lab if anything is confusing, and if labs are in person, you will work in groups so your peers can assist you. With these resources you will do fine!
Good luck and let us know if you have any further questions!
Caitlin, PMH advisor