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**Welcome to the wonderful world of Physics!** In order to help you get the most out of this class, please read and consider the following.  **Some Initial Pointers:** Physics is likely to require that you make a substantial investment of **TIME**. Probably a minimum of two hours outside class for every hour you spend in class. Build this into your life. You should work on it some everyday, whether you have class or not and whether anything is due or not. One of the advantages of physics is that it can be done virtually anywhere, anytime. You can use time when you are in the shower or waiting in line to be thinking about problems or going over new concepts in class. **One of the best ways to learn anything is to explain it to someone else.** Working in groups is a good way to provide yourself with this opportunity. You can also amaze your friends with careful explanations of, say, all of the different interpretations of the concept of a derivative. **Physics is not a spectator sport.** You will need to actively participate, roll up your sleeves and get that pencil moving. You will also need to move your brain. **Expect to have to think about concepts and problems.** Some of the problems you will encounter will teach you new techniques: like playing scales in a musical instrument, or running laps around a track. **You might not see the point immediately**, but they are strengthening you so everything will come together when it counts. Think of them as **push-ups for the brain** and practice them often. Some problems will require you to think hard and pull concepts together (at this point you will be glad you did your push-ups). Take some time with them, talk about them, take breaks if you are getting frustrated, ask for help if you are stuck, **enjoy the process: you are learning.**