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Physics 123, Lecture §001, §002 Instructor: Dr. Joseph W. Howard - "Joe" Laboratory:
Textbook(s):
1. Course Description, Objectives, & Policies Description Physics 123 is the second semester of a two semester introductory physics course (PHYS 121/123) aimed primarily at students majoring in sciences *other* than chemistry or physics. A comfortable working knowledge of algebra is required to study the broad area of physics such as; electricity and magnetism, harmonic motion and waves, optics, and light. While it satisfies General Education group IIIA, it is *not* recommended for students majoring in non-science disciplines. Objectives Understand the Basic Physics Principles Covered During the SemesterThe goal of physics is to understand the physical universe. An understanding of the subjects covered in the class will help prepare those of you who must take pre-professional exams covering physics. Beyond that, an understanding of the physical principles may help you perceive the world around you in a more comprehensible, enjoyable, and fascinating way. Think Critically, Logically, & Analytically When Solving ProblemsIn order to solve a problem, you must critically examine the information available in a given situation; determine an effective method to approach the problem, and carry through to the solution, including a critical examination of the final answer to see if it is reasonable. These skills are not only essential to solving problems in physics, but to solving problems in general, and are applicable to many situations in *many* different environments. Policies
2. A Word About Physics This is a physics class and, therefore, it has similarities to all other physics classes. Physics is a conceptual and mathematical science and will require using mathematics and mental models as tools for solving problems. For some students, the math serves as an obstacle to learning physics. I highly recommend that you become very comfortable with the mathematics described in the appendices (A,B) in the text before progressing any farther into the semester. Some students believe that if they can follow the lectures in class, then they have learned physics. This is not true. To learn physics, a student must do a significant amount of work outside of class thinking about, and interacting with, the course material. No one ever learns physics by simply reading about it or listening to someone talk about it. You learn it by making the effort to understand the material, building mental pictures, and by solving problems using the principles learned. The standard requirement in a college class is that you spend two hours outside class working on the material for every hour in class. Since this is a four-hour class, you should plan on spending at least eight hours per week outside of class interacting with the material and solving problems. Few students will be able to succeed in this class without investing that amount of time. Finally, physics is an objective science. Problems assigned in physics will usually have objective answers. Consequently, grading standards tend to remain high in physics and other science classes. 3. Course Philosophy. I want you to enjoy Physics 123. The material we will be covering is fascinating and applicable. Its implications can be observed in almost everything you interact with everyday. In order to make this class as interesting and useful as possible, I will need to get feedback from you. Please feel free to ask questions in class and to come by my office during office hours. During the semester, I will give you opportunities to write a summary of which concepts are difficult, and of which you find interesting. As stated in Section 2, you can only learn physics by personally interacting with the material and solving problems. Consequently, I emphasize three methods of learning in this class:
Thinking about problems and solving them on a regular basis will allow you to learn and appreciate the subject matter in a natural way, without having to cram everything at the last moment. Remember that this is a four-hour class so you should spend about eight hours per week outside class interacting with the material. 4. Course Structure & Assignments The course will be divided into 8 units. Each unit will be about one to two weeks long and will consist of the following graded assignments:
A few days before each unit begins, I will distribute a detailed description of the material and problems covered in that unit. A calendar listing the *tentative* due dates for course assignments is attached as the last page of this syllabus. The calendar may be revised at the discretion of the professor. The eight units are outlined below.
Reading Quizzes It is important that you read and ponder the material covered in class *before* we discuss the material. Therefore, we will begin every chapter with a Reading Quiz, which will consist of a few questions that you can answer in just a few minutes if you have read the assigned material attentively and thoughtfully. Please note that the Reading Quiz will take place before we have discussed most of the material in class. Class lectures will be used to clarify and elaborate on concepts that were difficult to understand during your own study. Group Work Occasionally, classroom groups may be created during the semester. The groups will allow you to work together with your peers to understand the material. Group activities will include discussion of homework, as well as working on other problems designed to help you understand the material. All activities in the groups will be cooperative, not competitive. A good group member is not necessarily one who knows the answers. A good group member is one who comes prepared and regularly participates in the work, whom enters into the spirit of trying to help his or her fellow group members answer questions, work problems, and better understand the material. Homework Homework assignments will be given for each unit. The homework will consist of about 15-25 problems assigned mostly from the text. Homework will be due by 5:00 p.m. on the date specified. It may be turned in during lecture, to my departmental mailbox, or deposited in the box outside my office. Here are some suggestions for how to get the most knowledge and help out of the homework:
Although you may discuss the homework with your classmates, all work handed in must be your own. Copying another person's work is plagiarism, and will be considered cheating. I encourage you to talk with others in order for you to get a general understanding of the work. However, each person must work out detailed solutions of the problems individually. Doing the homework is the best way to prepare for the quizzes and exams, since test questions will be similar to problems assigned for homework. Active Participation Because learning requires active participation, and not just passive listening, we will be doing various activities in the classroom that involve student participation. These activities will help the student learns and give the instructor valuable feedback on how well the students have mastered the course material. The exact nature of this participation will be described in more detail at the time the assignments are given. Quizzes, Exams, & Final There will be an exam or quiz at the end of every unit. The quizzes will be held at the end of class and will cover material from one unit. The midterm exams will be held during regular class time and will cover material from two units. The final will be comprehensive, covering material from the entire semester. The best preparation for these tests is a thorough understanding of the material and an understanding of the problems done for homework. 5. Grading:
Grade Scale: The following criteria will be used for determining letter grades:
6. Important Notice If your Physics 123 grade will affect any of the following: 1) whether you receive or retain a scholarship (athletic or otherwise); 2) your eligibility to participate in any university sponsored activity; 3) your standing with your fraternity, sorority, the university, or any other student organization; NOW IS THE TIME TO BECOME CONCERNED - NOT AT FINAL EXAM OR AFTER FINAL GRADES HAVE BEEN DETERMINED! Please do not wait until the last minute, when it will be too late for anyone to help you! Also remember, we are here to learn knowledge and most of all have FUN!! May da 4s b w/u!
Final Exam: Wednesday, December 18th – 10:15am-12:15pm
Final Exam: Wednesday, December 18th – 10:15am-12:15pm
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