Prerequisites:
Elementary algebra and geometry.
This course gives an elementary introduction to the fundamentals of
physics. This entails using algebra and geometry to set up and to solve
"word problems." We will cover the following subjects: Newton's
laws of physics, conservation laws, motion of small objects, small
objects falling under the influence of gravitation, electric and magnetic
fields, electrical circuits, light (electromagnetic radiation) and a bit
about how Mankind fits into the universe.
Text Book:
Conceptual Physics, 12th edition, by Paul G Hewitt. This is a surprisingly
good but gentle introduction to physics. It is an expensive book, if bought
new in the campus bookstore. Online version is available for a more
modest cost but cannot be resold at the end of the semester.
Clicker:
n class H-ITT
questions (student response system) will be used throughout the semester
primarily as a tool to help the instructors assess the class's overall
understanding of the current lecture as well as for the students to assess
their own understanding. The H-ITT questions are
not a required component of your course grade, i.e. the
exams, homeworks and quizzes account for 100%,
however you may be able to obtain up to an additional 5 bonus points based
on your performance on the H-ITT questions. H-ITT questions/responses will
be officially recorded starting Friday, September 8, however, you
are encouraged to obtain your remotes as soon as possible, since there will
be practice questions during the first two weeks of the semester to help
you become familiar with the system. To get the
H-ITT credit you must register on the system. To register visit http://www.phys.ufl.edu/~hitt/
at your earliest opportunity and follow the instructions on that page.
Homework:
Reading assignments and homework assignments are given on the homework
web-page. Homework is not graded.
Grading
- 3 tests in
class are each worth 30 points. The lowest of your in-class tests will
not be counted.
- The final exam is
worth 40 points.
- Your grade will be
based upon a maximum of 100 points.
Final
Exam: The final exam is required and is given during the final exam
test time which is assigned by the registrar.
- One page of notes is
allowed during the tests and exam. All tests are closed book.
- The following is a
guaranteed grading scale:
80% A
75% A-
70% B+
65% B
60% B-
55% C+
50% C
45% C-
40% D+
35% D
30% D
UF Grading Policy
Information on current UF grading policies for assigning grade points can
be found in the undergraduate catalog
https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/grades.aspx
General Education Course
This is a University of Florida General Education course, for which credit
may be obtained in the "P" (Physical Sciences) category.
UF Relevant Area Objective
The physical and biological sciences provide instruction in the basic
concepts, theories and terms of the scientific method. Courses focus on
major scientific developments and their impacts on society, science and the
environment, and the relevant processes that govern biological and/or
physical systems. You will formulate empirically-testable hypotheses
derived from the study of physical processes and living things, apply
logical reasoning skills through scientific criticism and argument, and
apply techniques of discovery and critical thinking to evaluate the
outcomes of experiments. To achieve these goals, students will be expected
to:
a) analyze particular physical situations, and thus identify the fundamental
principles pertinent to the situations
b) apply principles to particular situations
c) solve any equations arising from the application of identified
principles of physics
d) communicate results unambiguously
Student Learning Outcomes
This course will also assess Student Learning Outcomes which can be defined
via Content and Skills.
Content: Students demonstrate
competence in the terminology, concepts, theories and methodologies used
within the discipline.
Communication: Students
communicate knowledge, ideas and reasoning clearly and effectively in
written and oral forms appropriate to the discipline.
Critical Thinking: Students
analyze information carefully and logically from multiple perspectives,
using discipline-specific methods, and develop reasoned solutions to
problems.
The Student Learning Outcomes
will be assessed through 3 graded exams in class in addition to a final
exam. Typical questions will require students to complete successfully all
four steps outlined in the area objectives above. Obtaining the correct
result to the question posed in the form requested in the question will be
taken as evidence that all four of the steps have been correctly and
successfully completed. In some questions students will be expected to
choose between a series of possible explanations of physical outcomes; such
explanations may be presented as graphs, numerically or in words. Although
knowledge of the fundamental principles of physics is necessary for success
in the course, the emphasis is on understanding how to apply the principles
to a variety of situations; rote memorization is minimal.
Teaching Evaluations Students
are expected to provide feedback on the quality of instruction in this
course based on 10 criteria. These evaluations are conducted online at
https://evaluations.ufl.edu. Evaluations are typically open during the last
two or three weeks of the semester, but students will be given specific
times when they are open. Summary results of these assessments are
available to students at https://evaluations.ufl.edu/results/.
Classroom Accommodation
Students requesting special accommodations must first register with the
Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students Office will provide
documentation to the student who must then provide this documentation to
the instructor when requesting accommodation.
Honor Code:
The Dean of Students Office web-site
has a detailed discussion about academic honesty and the University of
Florida Honor Code, which was adopted by the Student Council. The Honor
Code says:
"We, the members of the University of
Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest
standards of honesty and integrity."
On all work submitted for credit by
students at the University of Florida, the following pledge is either
required or implied:
"On my honor, I have neither given
nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment."
The University of Florida Honor Pledge states: ``We, the
members of the University of Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves
and our peers to the highest standards of honor and integrity by abiding by
the Honor Code. On all work submitted for credit by students at the
University of Florida, the following pledge is either required or implied:
``On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing
this assignment.'' The Honor Code ( http://www.dso.ufl.edu/sccr/process/student-conduct-honor-code/
) specifies a number of behaviors that are in violation of this code and
the possible sanctions. Furthermore, you are obligated to report any
condition that facilitates academic misconduct to appropriate personnel. If
you have any questions or concerns, please consult with the instructor in
this class. Phone numbers and contact sites for university counseling
services and mental health services are
http://www.counseling.ufl.edu/cwc/Default.aspx 392-1575, University Police
Department 392-1111 or 9-1-1 for emergencies.
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