The Enhanced WebAssign System

The Physics 212 faculty have chosen a textbook which is integrated with the WebAssign online homework system. You may already be familiar with the system from the first course in the sequence, Phys 211, or from some other course. The system is fully integrated with our book in the sense that most of the end-of-chapter problems are online as well as supporting materials (videos, example problems, ...).

The UM bookstore has custom-designed, spiral-bound copies of the textbook bundled with the WebAssign access codes. The book (volume 2) and access codes are for one semester. We took care in trying to offer the most reasonably priced option we could for the course materials, however it is still expensive. You do have the option of not purchasing a paper copy of the book and opting for an electronic version of the book which is much less expensive. For 1 semester the cost for access to the WebAssign homework system and eBook is $75 (or $47 for the homework system alone, $35 for the eBook alone). The ebook reader requires internet access, but is fairly full featured (it allows highlighting, bookmarks, printing pages, ...). Note that the system will NOT work over an iPhone, as it is based on Adobe Flash.

Instructions for Getting Started

1. Go to http://www.webassign.com

2. On the right of the screen click "I have a class key"

3. Enter the class key for this section of Phys 212, olemiss 9118 2523

4. If the information you see is correct, click "Yes, this is my class".

5. If you have a WebAssign account from a previous class, you can log in using your username and password. If not, you must create a new account. Follow the on-screen instructions to do so.

6. Next you will be asked if you want to purchase online, enter an access code, or continue with a trial. The trial gives you some time (~ 20 days) in case you end up dropping the course.
a. If you bought the bundle from the bookstore, enter the access code you got.
b. If you plan on buying homework access and eBook online, then select " Purchase online", select the option you want and pay for it.

7. At this point you should be ready to go and the first assignment should be visible to you.

Actually entering in information is pretty easy, but may take a little practice. There is a tutorial assignment available which may be worth your time. If you run into problems, try to help yourself first using the available help options. If you are still having trouble, email me or see me.

WebAssign Settings for Homework Grading

• You have 5 tries to complete the assignment. You must complete the full assignment and submit all the answers at once (not question by question), but you can go back and rework the ones you got wrong up to the full 5 tries.

• The system checks for significant figures, if relevant, all will mark as incorrect an answer that has the wrong number of significant figures, but you will still get 40% of the credit if the answer is otherwise correct, and there is a tolerance of ± 1 in the last figure.

• Where significant figures are not specified, there is a general 2% tolerance on answers.

• There is a 5% bonus for completing your assignment 24 hours early.

• You can get 20% of the credit just for getting the units correct in an answer.

• The actual numbers in the problems are randomized for each student to prevent students from simply copying solutions (where is the fun in that?), but should remain the same for YOU throughout each assignment.