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I am currently not teaching this course lecture. However, here is a copy of the Fall 2006 syllabus.
Physics 221, Lecture & Lab
Fall 2006
Instructor
Dr. Joseph W. Howard - “Joe”
Office/Phone: Henson Science Hall 305E, 548-5393
eMail: jwhoward@salisbury.edu
Office Hours: MWF 2:00 - 3:00 p.m., T/TR 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Class Hours: M,W,F 9:00 p.m. – 10:40 a.m., Henson Science Hall, Room 353
On the Web: http://faculty.salisbury.edu/~jwhoward/
Textbook:
Physics: For Scientists & Engineers, 6th Edition, Serway & Jewett (Thomson: Brooks/Cole, 2003)
Course Description, Goals, & Policies
Description
Introductory course in mechanics for students majoring in physics, chemistry and engineering. Topics include single particle kinematics and dynamics, multi-particle systems, rotational motion, oscillations, waves and sound.
Goals
1. STUDENTS SHOULD DEVELOP A GOOD FUNCTIONAL UNDERSTANDING OF PHYSICS
The 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 plan on a career that includes a thorough knowledge and understanding 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.
2. THINK CRITICALLY, LOGICALLY, & ANALYTICALLY WHEN SOLVING PROBLEMS
In 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.
3. PROVIDE FOUNDATION FOR CONTINUED STUDY OF PHYSICS CONCEPTS & PRACTICES
The concepts studied during this introductory course provide the foundation upon which all other physics courses are built upon. This course will help the student begin a path of study that will require a mastery of the basic physical principles introduced during the course and that will be required in the future.
4. UNDERSTAND THE RELATIONSHIP OF MATHEMATICAL REPRESENTATIONS TO THEIR ASSOCIATED PHYSICAL CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES
The language of physics is mathematical. To model a physical situation and to solve physics problems requires the ability to use mathematical expressions that are solvable and that represent the situation. Students should be able to see the linkage between the math used to that of the physical principles involved.
5. DEVELOP SCIENTIFIC SKILLS, PRACTICES, & EXPERIMENTAL INQUIRY TECHNIQUES
Students should understand and be able to connect physics principles to experimental apparatus, measurements, and analysis of measurement data. In addition, the ability to design, execute, analyze, and explain a scientific process is an important scientific skill.
Policies
Attendance: Attendance is required at all lecture and lab classes. You must notify the instructor in advance if you are unable to attend a lab. Cell Phones: Please turn off your cell phones (or select a silent ring) during the class lecture. You may not talk on the phones in the classroom during lecture. Writing Requirement: Students will be required to complete writing assignments given as homework and in laboratory write-ups. Calculators: You will often need to use a calculator for quizzes and exams. Using a preprogrammed calculator in a quiz or exam to store information not available to the entire class, including solutions or equations, is considered cheating. Students with Disabilities: Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact me personally as soon as possible so that we can discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation in this class and facilitate educational opportunities.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is at the heart of education because there is no doubt that honor and the quest for knowledge are inexorably intertwined. Salisbury University is an academic community dedicated to the achievement of intellectual growth where the pursuit of freely exchanged ideas and active study is an essential element of academic excellence and development. Students and faculty are expected to meet the highest possible standards of personal, ethical, and moral academic conduct. These standards require personal integrity, a commitment to honesty without compromise, as well as truth without equivocation. Academic trust means respecting these truths and principles, without which no university can exist.
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 symbols and 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.
Course Philosophy
I want you to enjoy Physics 221. 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.
You can only learn physics by personally interacting with the material and solving problems. Consequently, I emphasize three methods of learning in this class:
Reading and thinking about the assigned material before it is discussed in class. Solving problems using the physics concepts and principles. Discussing the material and solving problems in class, including working with your classmates.
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.
Course Structure & Assignments
The course will be divided into module units and may consist of the following graded assignments:
- In-class activities
- Preparation Questions
- Homework Problems
- Quiz or Midterm Exam or Final
Before each module begins, I will distribute a detailed description of the material and problems covered during the week. A calendar listing the tentative due dates for course subject material is attached as the last page of this syllabus. The calendar may be revised at the discretion of the professor.
Group Work
Regularly, classroom groups will 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.
Activity & Journal Notebook
In-class work will be assembled neatly and chronologically in an activity notebook. This notebook will also be used for some student course feedback. Most of the topics covered in this class are challenging. The Journal Section of the notebook is a place for you to record your intellectual engagement with the material. The minimum requirement is one journal entry per week reacting to a specific question or concept related to current course material. Additional journal entries of your thoughts and observations of the physical phenomena and ideas are encouraged. The notebook will be collected bi-weekly usually at the end of the week.
Preparation Questions
Written answers to the preparation questions are due at the beginning of the class period. These questions are designed to help you come to class prepared to take part in the discussions and activities of the day. You will have to read the assigned readings before coming to class in order to answer the preparation questions.
Homework
Homework assignments will be given assigned as the semester proceeds. 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:
Read the problems as soon as you get them. You don’t have to spend any time working on them; just think about them as you read and study the material. Don’t procrastinate!! You will have at least a week to work on the problems. Don’t wait until the last minute to do them. In particular, you will have an opportunity to ask questions in class to help you further understand the problems. Many students find that it is very helpful to attempt the problems even before the material is discussed in the class lecture. Ask Questions!! If you are having problems with the homework, seek help!! You may discuss the problems with your classmates as well as with me during office hours.
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 learn 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.
Physics Learning Portfolio
You will assemble a portfolio from a selection of your work from this course. The portfolio will include a reflection on your work and learning from the semester. More details will be provided at a later date. IMPORTANT: Please save every bit of your work for this course (homework, exams, quizzes, activities, journal writings, etc) – you might want it for your course portfolio!!
Quizzes, Exams, & Final
Midterm exams will cover material from approximately two to four weeks worth of subject material. There will be four mid-semester exams, each of which will include a laboratory practical part. 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.
Grading
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4 Midterm Exams (4 x 12%)
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44%
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Homework Assignments
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20%
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In Class Activities
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12%
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Preparation Questions
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3%
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Physics Learning Portfolio
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7%
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Final Comprehensive Exam
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14%
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------ Total = 100%
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** Grade Scale: The following criteria will be used for determining letter grades:
- 90 -100% = A:Superior Work. Student demonstrates a thorough and complete understanding of the subject.
- 80 - 89% = B: Excellent Work. Student demonstrates an above average understanding of the subject.
- 70 - 79% = C: Good Work. Student demonstrates an average understanding of the material.
- 60 - 69% = D: Fair Work. Student demonstrates below average understanding of the material and has completed most of assignments.
- 0 - 59% = F: Unsatisfactory Work. Student does not demonstrate and adequate understanding of the subject and has not turned in all assignments.
Inclement Weather
In case of inclement weather, call the Gull Line at 410-546-6426 for weather related closing information or check the Salisbury University web page.
Important Notice
If your Physics 221 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!)
Tentative Lecture & Activity Schedule
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Date
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Monday
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Wednesday
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Friday
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Aug. 28-Sept. 1
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Tools of Physics
Activity: “Speed”
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Speed & Velocity
Activity: “Motion”
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Acceleration & Motion Diagrams
Activity: “Motion
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Sept. 4–Sept. 8
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Labor Day Holiday
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Introduction to Vectors
Activity: “Vectors”
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Vectors & Scalars
Activity: “Vector Components”
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Sept. 11–Sept. 15
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Newton’s Laws
Activity: “Newton’s 2nd Law”
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Newton’s Laws
Activity: “Newton’s 2nd Law”
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Newton’s Laws
Activity: “Newton’s 2nd Law”
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Sept. 18–Sept. 22
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Review &
Exam #1
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Exam #1 Practical
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Free-Body Diagrams
Activity: “More Newton’s 2nd Law”
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Sept. 25–Sept. 29
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Free-Body Diagrams
Activity: “More Newton’s 2nd Law”
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Friction
Activity: “Friction”
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Motion with Constant Acceleration
Activity: “Free-Fall”
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Oct. 2–Oct. 6
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Projectile Motion
Activity: “Projectile Motion”
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Projectile Motion
Activity: “Projectile Motion”
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Circular Motion
Activity: “Circular Motion”
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Oct. 9–Oct. 13
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Review &
Exam #2
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Exam #2 Practical
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Work & Energy
Activity: “Calculating Work”
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Oct. 16–Oct. 20
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Work & Energy
Activity: “Spring Force”
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Kinetic Energy
Activity: “Work & K.E.”
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Potential Energy
Activity: “P.E.”
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Oct. 23–Oct. 27
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Conservation of Energy
Activity: “Energy & Friction”
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Linear Momentum
Activity: “J & L Balls”
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Conservation of Momentum
Activity: “Collisions”
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Oct. 30–Nov. 3
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Conservation of Momentum
Activity: “Collisions”
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2D Collisions
Activity: “2D-Collisions”
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Rotational Kinematics
Activity: “Rotation”
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Nov. 6–Nov. 10
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Review &
Exam #3
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Exam #3 Practical
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Inertia
Activity: “Moments of Inertia”
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Nov. 13–Nov. 17
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Atwood’s Machine
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Rolling Motion
Activity: “Rolling Motion
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Moments of Inertia
Activity: “Rolling Motion”
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Nov. 20–Nov. 24
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Angular
Momentum
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Holiday
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Nov. 27–Dec. 1
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Review &
Exam #4
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Simple Harmonic Motion
Activity: “Mass on a Spring”
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Pendulums
Activity: “Pendulum”
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Dec 4–Dec. 8
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Balance
Activity: “Center of Mass”
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Statics
Activity: “Equilibrium”
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Review for Final Exam
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Final Exam is Scheduled for Thursday, December 14th, 8:00am-10:30am
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