Lecture on Electricity and Magnetism (802 Course)

Overview

• Focus: Electricity and Magnetism
• Key Component: Maxwell's Equations

Course Structure

• 802 is the second course in Physics, mandatory for students
• Two options: 802 or a higher-level course (802-2)
• Foundation built on 801 (Newtonian Mechanics)

Teaching Approach

• Connect theories with real-world phenomena
  • Examples include:
    • Lightning
    • Electrocardiograms
    • Metal detectors
    • Musical instruments
    • Magnetic levitation
    • Northern Lights
    • Red sunsets and blue skies
    • Rainbows, halos, glories, and color perception
    • Doppler effect and Big Bang cosmology
• Personal research example: X-ray observations from high altitudes

Instructional Methods

• Traditional exams for evaluation
• Main lectures in large hall followed by recitation sessions in small groups for problem-solving
• Each lecture is designed to be an event
• Not a traditional lecturer; aims for engagement and excitement in learning

Hands-On Learning

• Popular contest: Design an electric motor using basic materials (wood, copper wire, paper clips, magnets)
• Students gain credit based on motor speed; some exceed 5000 revolutions per minute

Educator Philosophy

• Focus on uncovering knowledge rather than just covering material
• Important to aim for memorable moments in education
• Goal: Instill a lasting love for physics in students
  • Students remember and connect experiences, e.g., rainbows and lectures
• Encouraged by feedback from former students decades later, demonstrating engagement with the subject

Conclusion

• Aim of every educator should be to inspire a love for physics
• Strive to create memorable, impactful learning experiences.