191 First Year Seminar Syllabus

Fall 2026 Teaching Schedule (Subject to Change)

August 19Welcome and Introduction to Physics and 191
August 26Tips for Success in College and Beyond (Prof. John Stewart)
September 2Strategies to Improve Your Learning
September 9The Department Chair Introduces Herself and Careers in Physics (Prof. John Stewart)
September 16The WVU Hub and is AI Good or Bad? (Pick 1 of 3: Assignment 1 Due Today)
September 23Advising Information
September 30The Society of Physics Students; Separately, Why Engagement is Important
October 7Speakers from Medical Physics (Assignment 2 Due Today)
October 14Showing at the Planetarium for the Class
October 21Talking with Graduate Students about Grad School and More
October 28Condensed Matter (Materials/Solid State) Physics Group Presentations (Assignment 3 Due Today)
November 4Astrophysics Group Presentations
November 11Plasma Physics Group Presentations (Turn in Reflection Notebook for Grading)
November 18First Day of Student Career Planning Presentations
November 25Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2Second Day of Student Career Planning Presentations

Remember that the first three assignments can be done in any order, so if you get stuck or it stresses you out, try a different one. Assignments:
Guided "Learning How You Learn" Reflection
Physics Career Exploration
Reflecting on Some Challenges that May Come from AI