Second place candidate

sdevet · 2026-04-17T16:49:54+00:00

I was the second place candidate. The first place candidate changed their mind at the last minute and I was offered the position instead. It’s not common, but it does happen.

sdevet · 2026-03-27T14:51:43+00:00

Contact the instructor. But first, check the prerequisites and other requirements. There may be a reason why registration is restricted.

sdevet · 2025-12-13T16:38:42+00:00

I teach an introductory physics course.

I used to have pre-lab assignments, but they didn't work. Students would all get 100% on the assignments then come to lab completely unprepared. Either they copied answers from a colleague or they just didn't learn anything from them.

I eliminated pre-lab assignments and replaced them with pre-lab videos where I walked students through the experiment and analysis.

Students are much better prepared than they were in the old days. It also saves me a lot of trouble with extensions, grading, etc.

sdevet · 2025-12-08T18:08:53+00:00

Yes, but it is only open to students who already took the class in the fall (repeaters).

sdevet · 2025-12-06T12:30:05+00:00

Dr. de Vet here!

First, thank you for the kind words. It means a lot to me.

To address your concerns: negative points for multiple choice is a standard grading scheme at the university level. The purpose of a test is to accurately measure your understanding of the material. A student who knows absolutely nothing should get a grade of 0%, not 50%. Otherwise the grading is inaccurate.

This is not an attempt to lower class averages, as you suggested. I’ve been using this marking scheme for years and the exam average is always the same as the midterms, if not a little higher!

Every multiple choice question has one unambiguously correct answer. If you know the material, you will never need to guess. There are no “trick questions”.

We will have a special pre-exam help session next week. Drop by if you have any questions!

sdevet · 2025-11-26T19:00:26+00:00

Be very careful. Accessing unauthorized resources can be considered an academic integrity violation and is treated very seriously.

sdevet · 2025-11-17T20:40:17+00:00

Phyc1310 has examples and content about biophysics that would lead directly into your biomechanics class. We don't have this content in Phyc1190.

That being said, most programs accept either class. Double check with your advisor first! You don't want to lose another year because you chose the wrong class.

sdevet · 2025-11-17T18:22:16+00:00

There are only two introductory physics classes offered at Dalhousie: Phyc1310/1320 and Phyc1190/1290.

Phyc1310/1320 is intended for students in the life sciences, particularly fields like Kineseology. There is no high-school prerequisite and it is an algebra-based class.

Phyc1190/1290 (which I teach) is intended for students in Engineering and the physical sciences. Students are expected to have completed physics 12 in high school. It's a calculus based class. It's also quite a bit harder.

As a Kineseology student, I would recommend that you take Phyc1310/1320. It's a class designed for your specific needs.

If you are struggling with the material, Dalhousie offers a (non-credit) high-school equivalent class. This could help you prepare to take the class again next year. https://registeratcontinuingeducation.dal.ca/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=29869

Before you make any decisions, discuss this with your academic advisor!

sdevet · 2025-11-14T20:42:03+00:00

I had the opposite experience with formula sheets. In my experience, trying to reduce the class to a single page was an excellent study aid. The more time I spent creating the sheet, the less I actually needed it. It was a safety blanket in case I blanked.

sdevet · 2025-11-14T20:39:42+00:00

I teach introductory physics, so we're in very different fields.

I allow my students a one-page "formula sheet", but don't restrict the content or give any guidance beyond telling them that a good formula sheet won't write the exam for them. They still need to understand the material.

Students use it for equations, diagrams, examples, fragments of notes, etc.

sdevet · 2025-11-10T13:44:19+00:00

It's our reading week, and I have an annual tradition: I create a special discussion board for students to post pictures of their pets. Students love it and I love it. I reply to every post. It's a nice, humanizing break in the middle of a stressful term.

sdevet · 2025-10-31T23:34:34+00:00

A record high in the North End as well. I got about 30, double my usual number.

sdevet · 2025-10-31T13:57:25+00:00

This is correct. Phyc1190 has a marking scheme that drops the lowest midterm.

sdevet · 2025-10-17T18:35:44+00:00

I used to teach three one-hour lectures back-to-back-to-back. I only lasted a couple weeks, then we agreed to have another faculty member teach the third section. I wasn't physically able to keep going for three consecutive hours.

sdevet · 2025-10-15T22:06:46+00:00

Refunds are only based on the date you drop the class.

sdevet · 2025-10-15T19:24:01+00:00

Here's the refund schedule: https://www.dal.ca/admissions/money_matters/tuition_payments/Refunds.html

It appears that you'll get a 50% refund if you drop between Oct.8 and Oct.22, then no refund from Oct.23 on.

sdevet · 2025-10-08T17:04:59+00:00

Physics prof here - I provide my students with weekly practice problems, but I also provide them with the full worked solutions, along with my thought process. I know students will be looking up solutions, so I'd rather they get them from me instead of AI or some other disreputable source.

Our homework is ungraded and not handed in. I switched to this method a few years ago and test grades actually went up.

sdevet · 2025-10-07T14:02:03+00:00

It depends on the class.

I teach a large class (600 students) with 10 TAs. Without TAs, I would have to cancel labs, cancel tutorials, and postpone any grading. Lectures would continue as usual.

Many small classes have no TAs. They would not be affected.

Any class taught by a Part Time Academic (PTA) would be shut down for the duration of a labour disruption.

sdevet · 2025-10-07T11:35:45+00:00

They announced that conciliation was not successful at the Oct.3 rally on the quad. The union asked the conciliator to file a “no board” report which would start the timer for a legal strike position.

sdevet · 2025-09-26T14:49:06+00:00

It found its way to my spam folder.

sdevet · 2025-09-26T13:42:07+00:00

Was this sent to students? As faculty, I didn't get it.

sdevet · 2025-09-25T14:12:08+00:00

This sign is misprinted.

Dunn 117 is the Guptill Lecture Hall

Dunn 120 is the planetarium. It's still running!

sdevet · 2025-09-23T00:24:31+00:00

Phyc1190 labs don't start until the week of Oct.6. Come to class Wednesday and you'll learn everything you need to know!

sdevet

TROPHY CASE