Here are some frequenctly asked, or anticipated, questions.

1. How many accounts do I need for this course?

You need two: one for this server (Griffin; reading quiz and other activities) and the other for MasteringPhysics. These two accounts are not connected at all.

2. Griffin account

This account, for this very web site, is necessary for doing the reading quiz and discussing homework, etc.

2.1. Do I need to create a password for my account?

No. It is not recommended for you to create a password. Instead, you are recommended to use a Google account (which you have automatically, if you have a ucsc.edu email account) for the login credential. Please follow the instruction at the login page (basically, just click the first button and follow the instruction).

2.2. Do I need to divulge my name in my user name?

No, you do not. Some of you may prefer to remain anonymous with a clever (but non-offensive, please) pseudonym.

A note on the privacy of your accounts can be found here.

2.3. Can I register with a private email address?

The answer here would be rather No than Yes. Here is what I mean. I, the instructor, need to know who you are, and so if you use a pseudonym and a private email address in such a way that I cannot identify who you are, then it is a problem for me. Please note that your email will remain undisclosed in this web site, and so using your ucsc.edu email address for creating an account here does not divulge your identity, if the anonymity is important for you. If you do prefer to use a private email address, along with a pseudonym, then you must notify me who you really are. Otherwise, your account may be disabled, recognized as a "spam" account.

3. MasteringPhysics account

This account is necessary for doing homework.

3.1. Do I need to buy the MP again for 5B, if I already bought one for 5A?

This is very unlikely. I think the MP (MasteringPhysics) access is valid for a year (or so?) once you purchase it.

3.2. What is the course ID for this course, in MP?

It is Sams5B. You need to enroll in it. In a few days, there will be an assignment posted there.

3.3. What if my MP account has weird username or email address?

When you enroll in my class in MP, you will be required to enter your student ID. This is the critical information by which you can be identified to me. Or, you can always let me know your MP account detail -- my grading program can convert the information.

3.4. I have this MP account from my friend, can I use it with this course?

If your friend or someone else has an un-used MP account that can be made available to you, then you can use it for this course. Read the previous item, to know how you can identify yourself to me.

4. Reading quiz

4.1. How often is the reading quiz?

For every class.

4.2. What should I read?

Please check the syllabus for the course schedule. You should be reading the textbook steadily. Couple of days before class, I will post what the next class will cover, and what optional chapters you can skip reading, if pressed for time. This information will be posted on Calendar.

4.3. How do I do the reading quiz?

The format of our reading quiz is unlike any other. The software it uses is of the "StackExachange" type. Here is a detailed explanation how to do the quiz.