Last revised 2000/04/26 |
There should be three people per group, although a few exceptions for adequate reasons are acceptable. Two-person groups are discouraged so that we will have time for in-class reports from all groups. We will set up the groups in class on April 28, and I would like for each group to have chosen a project to work on by May 1.
No more than two groups should be working on the same project, and they should work separately except for sharing useful references. Carry the project as far as you can in a reasonable amount of time and then write a joint report. I will want to talk briefly with groups that do not give classroom reports. I am most impressed by projects that show that you have integrated material from more than one source or have worked out something on your own; mere book reviews are unimpressive. You should properly document information you get from books or other people. Projects are due Wednesday of the last week of classes, and groups who wish to present a report to the class on their project are encouraged to do so. These reports will be given either at a lecture hour or during the recitation hour of the last week of classes.
You may do a project of your own invention after talking to me
about it. I will veto suggestions only with extreme reluctance, but
if you do an experimental project, you must convince me that the
project is feasible before making any measurements. Finding a
situation in your own major where physics is used is one source of
good ideas, and some suggestions follow. In any project worth doing
you are likely to have to talk to me more or less frequently for
suggestions and comments.