The traditional introductory algebra-based physics course at the university suffers from two major weaknesses: lack of proper connection between lecture and laboratory and the poor math preparation of the students. The first problem is being attacked by combining lecture and lab into a single 2-hour session, three times a week. The second problem is aggravated by the fact that the traditional course begins with mechanics, for which the requisite math includes vectors, limits, derivatives, and integrals. This problem of math preparation is being combatted by reordering the syllabus, putting optics and waves before mechanics in the fall semester. A number of our traditional lab exercises are being updated, and new labs in fiber-optic coupling, the optics of rainbows, and voice transmission are being added in order to make this new beginning much more exciting for the students.
