MIT Subject Evaluations

8.022: Physics II
Fall 1998 Summary

Lecturer: Professor Haiyan Gao
Recitation Instructor: Professor Patrick Lee
Lab Instructor: Professor Henry Kendall

Enrollment: 42
Number of students commenting: 22

8.022 covers topics in electricity and magnetism similar to those dealt with in 8.02, but in a more theoretical and mathematically advanced manner. Like 8.02, it fulfills the second half of the physics requirement. In addition, students conduct laboratory experiments to reinforce concepts in the course. Those who responded to our survey found the course challenging and fast, yet enjoyable.

Overall, students greatly enjoyed the content of this course. Many found it interesting, and fast paced. Others commented that it was quite hard, but that this was to be expected and in some cases, what the students were looking for. Class members felt that lecture notes would help a great deal. While many enjoyed the material on special relativity, and liked the fact that the class covered it, a few found its location in the curriculum disorienting. Some also wanted more help on problem-solving techniques, in addition to the theoretical material covered.

Professor Haiyan Gao, the lecturer for this course, received varying reviews from her students. Many of them agreed that she was a good teacher, praising the structure of her class and her clear blackboard technique. Others liked her style of explanation and ability to answer questions. Many also found her difficult to understand, especially at the beginning of the term. Students felt that her lectures moved very fast, as well. Some thought that she spent too much time on theory, as opposed to the meaning of the material, and that she did not explain what she was deriving while she derived it.

Most students liked recitation instructor Professor Patrick Lee, praising him as enthusiastic. Others found him friendly, good with questions, good at challenging his students, and an overall excellent instructor. However, one person, however, felt that his recitation did not have focus, and another felt that the time taken up by recitation quizzes would have been better spent on teaching.

The only student commenting specifically on Professor Henry Kendall, the lab instructor for this course, found him very knowledgeable. While some class members liked the laboratory component, another felt that the labs themselves focused too much on mechanics and taking lab notes, as opposed to content.

A few quotes from class members:

"Take more time to explain the origination of a concept rather than assuming that we can derive it ourselves."

"Professor Gao does a good job of teaching the course, but sometimes it's hard to understand her English. Sometimes, too much time is spent deriving formulas, and not enough time is spent explaining what they mean or how to use them."

"I've learned a lot."

"Very difficult and challenging, but that's what I expected and wanted from 8.022. It will prepare me well for the future."