PHYS 102 :: Physics Illinois :: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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Announcements

As we prepare for the semester to begin, please take some time to review the Getting Started page. This page will help you make sure you are ready for each component of the class. We look forward to getting to know you this semester.

Here is a summary of our schedule and deadlines for Week 1 (beginning August 24, 2026):

Class meetings:
- Lecture 1 will be held on Monday, August 24. We will not use iclickers in Lecture 1.
- Set up your iclicker for Lecture 2 on Wednesday, August 26.
- Discussion sections meet in Week 1. Check your course schedule to make sure you know where to be and when.
- There is no lab in Week 1 or Week 2.
Online (smartPhysics) assignments
- The first prelecture and checkpoint assignments are due at 8am on August 24, i.e., they are due the morning of the first lecture.
- The Week 1 Prelab is due on Friday, August 28 at 8am.
- There is no Homework assignment this week. Homework 1 will be due Friday, September 4 at 8am.
Action items
- You may choose whether you will use a physical iClicker or the iClicker Cloud app. Sign up for an account and add yourself to the Physics 101 class at iclicker.com before Lecture 2.
- If you need DRES accommodations please follow the instructions here. We will not be able to make accommodations unless we have your LOA.
- If the Fall semester includes a religious holiday that you observe that will prevent you from attending class, please contact our course team in advance so we can be proactive about accommodating your needs.
Other announcements
- Office hours begin in Week 2.

Course Technology Summary

Course Component Summary: In Class Activities

Lecture

Occurs twice weekly, except University Holidays (Schedule).
Will be based on the corresponding prelecture and checkpoint. Complete these before lecture.

Discussion

There are two components:
- A group problem set, submitted as a group assignment (GradeScope)
- A skills check taken individually (PrairieTest)
Students must be on time and prepared for discussion (Course Description, Discussion).
Students should have the required materials for Discussion at each meeting (Required Materials)

Laboratory

There are three components, worked on in small student teams:
- A pre-lab activity to help you prepare for the experimental question (smartPhysics).
- A group activity to help you build a proposal for the day's experimental question.
- A final team lab report (G radeScope).
Students must be on time and prepared for discussion (Course Description, Lab).
Students should have the required materials for Lab at each meeting (Required Materials).

Course Component Summary: Exams and Homework

Exams

Exams will be given at the Computer Based Testing Facility.
View the formula sheet.
Review the exam information page for details.

Homework

Online weekly homework accessed through smartPhysics.
Access is free for the first two weeks of classes.
Sometime in the first two weeks you will need to pay for access by purchasing a code through the UIUC bookstore
- Details of how to pay for access are available via pdf.

Excused Absences

Please submit your excused absence no later than 12 business days after your absence via the Excused Absences application.
For more information regarding this course's excuses policy, please refer to the Attendance Policy page.

Registering After the First Day of Classes

If you registered after the first day of classes but before the 10th day of classes:

It is your responsibility to contact your lecturer and organize a plan for make-up work.
You must do this before the 8th week of classes.

Academic Integrity

All activities in this course, including

in-lecture voting
documentation submitted for petition for an excused absence,
quizzes
exams
labs
homework

are subject to the Academic Integrity rules as described in Article 1, Part 4, Academic Integrity, of the Student Code.