PHYS 1303 – Introduction to Mechanics

Course Information

I am very pleased to be teaching Introductory Mechanics in Spring 2022. I foster an active learning environment, in which students take direct ownership of the learning process. You will be immersed in physics learning: outside the classroom in readings, videos, and problem-solving; inside the classroom by learning how to setup and solve problems and engagement in the principles and implications of physics through experience with physical phenomena and inquiry-based learning, both at the individual and the group level.

Spring 2022 was the last time I taught this class before I departed the faculty at SMU to pursue a new opportunity at SNOLAB in Canada. I am forever grateful to the students in this course; I am so fortunate to have worked with you in what turned out to be my last semester at SMU.

Instructors

Coordinates

• Fondren Science Building Room 123 – Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 10:00-10:50am

Textbook and Learning Systems

Required: Halliday, Resnick, Walker. “Fundamentals of Physics Volume I” (12th edition with WileyPLUS).

Lecture Notes

The lecture notes from this course are compiled into a single (long) PDF document. These include the slides accompanying the online lecture videos and the problem-solving activities associated with each topic and class period.

• Lecture Notes for Spring 2019 PHYS 1303 (Sekula)

Syllabus

Spring 2022 Teaser Trailer

The theme of the Spring 2022 course was “Star Trek.” Enjoy the teaser!

Lecture Videos

These would be assigned before class, so you have been briefed on the new material and are ready to learn to solve problems using that material.

Past Course Media

I create media to add some fun, levity, and even thematic elements to the class. Please find below the media created for past iterations of the course.

Spring 2019: SMU Physics Marvel-Inspired Opening Title Roll

Remember that time Andrew (“Thor”) broke the hammer during the bed of nails demonstration?

Course Marvel-Inspired End-Credits Roll

Marvel films are famous for teaser scenes at the end of credits. Here is an “Avengers”-inspired end-of-class scene, credit roll, and teaser scene for the next course I taught after PHYS 1303.

Outtakes from Shooting the End Credits Teaser Scene

We had a fun Saturday shooting the “PHYS 3305: Introduction to Modern Physics” class teaser at the end of the credit roll above. We are NOT filmmakers (and it shows!). Here are some of the goofs, pranks, and laughter we had while trying to get 1 minute of actual film.

The Making of the Original Semester of PHYS 1303 – a Mockumentary

There was a lot of cutting-room-floor demonstration and lecture video from the first semester I taught PHYS 1303. I decided to use this to pick on myself and make a “mockumentary” about the course. Enjoy!