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Prerequisites: Elementary algebra and
geometry.
This course gives an elementary introduction to the
fundamentals of physics. This specifically includes using algebra and
geometry to set up and to solve "word problems." We will cover the
following subjects: Newton's laws, conservation laws, the motion of small
objects, small objects falling in gravity, electric and magnetic fields,
electrical circuits, light (electromagnetic radiation) and a bit about how
Mankind fits into the universe.
Homework:
Reading assignments and homework assignments are given
on the homework web-page. These should be done before
class but are not to be handed in, and will not be graded. Experience
shows that if you do not do the reading or the homework then you should
not expect to receive a "good grade."
Grading
- 3 Tests: 60%
- Clicker Questions: 10%
- Final Exam:30%
Your grade will be based upon a maximum of 100 points.
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Tests: There are 3 in-class tests during the semester,
each of which is scaled to 20 points. There is a 4th in-class test
given on the last day of class. This last test is like a practice
final, and may be used as a makeup for students who missed a test
or for students who want to try to improve one of their test
scores. The dates of the in-class tests will be announced soon.
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Final Exam: There is a two hour final exam, scaled to be worth 30
points, given during the final test time assigned by the registrar.
All tests and the final exams will be in longhand format - not
multiple choice. This allows me to assign partial credit for work towards
an answer, and thus allows you to better judge your understanding of how
to solve a particular type of problem. Essential formulae will be supplied
for the tests.
All tests are closed book.
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In-class Clicker Questions Use of the H-ITT clickers is worth 10%
of your grade. Each question is worth 2 points for a correct answer and 1
point for a wrong answer. Your lowest 25% responses are dropped. Missing
class and giving your H-ITT clicker to someone else to answer for you is
cheating (as well as being stupid), and will be dealt with harshly.
The following is the guaranteed grading scale:
80% for an "A", 75% for an "A-"
70% "B+", 65% for a "B", 60% for a "B-"
55% for a "C+" 50% for a "C", 45% for a "C-"
40% for a "D+", 35% for a "D", 30% for a "D-"
Below 30% is an "E".
Previous tests, written by different instructors, are available at: Exam
1, Exam
2, Exam
3, Makeup
Exam
and at Test
1 (2008), Test1
(2009), Test
1 (2011), Test3
(2009), Test3
(2011)
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