Meetings

This class meets once a week on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm for one hour in SSC 319.

Academic Credit

This class carries one unit of academic credit. It is graded on a CR/NC basis.

Operation

Each week a different professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy will discuss a different area of physics. Some will speak on some aspect of their research program, some will speak on current topical issues in physics, and some will speak about more general scientific questions.

Schedule

When available, the schedule of talks for the semester will be posted to the course Web site at http://physics.usc.edu/Classes/190/Schedule.html. You will be given a copy of this schedule during the second week of classes.

Purpose

This class has two entirely different purposes. The first is to introduce you to the Department of Physics & Astronomy, as well as the field of physics as a potential life’s work.

            The second purpose is to provide a home during your first semester at USC in which you can find help and advice in an informal environment. You will also, we hope, make friends with some of your compatriots in study for the next four years.

Homework

There is no homework.

You will, however, be expected to report on your evaluation of the value of each and every presentation. This evaluation can be done on the schedule of talks which will be given to you. The evaluations are due at the last lecture.

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory, unlike most lecture courses. Here the learning is only done in class, not in outside work directed by lecture material or assigned readings.

Grading

As noted above, this course is graded CR/NC. Your grade is based upon attendance. No stress. No fuss. You show up, you pass.