PHY 2048 - Physics I with Calculus - Spring 2012
GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION & SYLLABUS
Prerequisites and preparation: Differential and integral calculus, with a good working knowledge of trigonometry and elementary algebra. The course will rely heavily on this level of math (see text, Appendix E). Vectors will be used extensively, with concepts to be developed in class as needed. If you are not competent at this level you should consider taking the appropriate refresher course(s) before taking this class.
Homework: Working the weekly problem sets is the most important element of the course. It is critical that you do them, not only for receiving homework grade credit, but because you cannot understand physics without working out problems. In fact, the assigned (graded) homework constitutes a minimal set; you would do well to do additional problems beyond these (the odd numbered end of chapter problems have answers at the back of the textbook and the ones labeled SSM have detailed solutions available to you on the WileyPLUS system). If you dont conscientiously work problems, you are very unlikely to pass the discussion section quizzes, in-class exams, or ultimately, the course. Work on the assigned, as well as some extra problems.
You may find solutions to more of the problems on-line. Solutions can be helpful when you really get stuck, but over reliance on these will lead to disaster. It would be like learning to drive by watching a driving instruction video. Until you get behind the wheel yourself and practice, you wont really learn.
While you can simply log onto the WileyPLUS system and work out the problems given there, another approach is recommended. The problem numbers given in the Schedule correspond to the end of chapter problems as they appear in the text. Apart from small changes in the parameter values, these are the problems you will get on the HW system. It is recommended that you work the assigned end of chapter problems, to your satisfaction, and then redo them (with the new parameters, as given) on-line. You must click the Submit Answer button for the system to record your response. The HW system will provide you with instant feedback on whether or not your answer is correct, and you will be permitted five tries (until the due date/time) to get the answer right, and receive credit.
Lecture Attendance: You are encouraged to come and gain the benefit of the explanations, worked examples, demonstrations and tricks of the trade. Note that you cannot get the student response credit if you are not there to respond (sharing transmitters or answering for an absent classmate is considered a violation of the Honor Code and will be dealt with in a commensurat way). Classes will begin and end on time; please come on time and do not leave early; doing so in a large class can be quite disruptive. Please do not read non-course related material during class and PLEASE turn off all electronics (radios, cell phones, mp3 players) other than a calculator.
Overall Course Grade: Your course letter grade will not be based on a curve but rather on the guaranteed scale shown in the table below. The advantage of the fixed scale is that you are not competing other students to get ahead of the curve. Everyone who works hard can do well in the class. It is possible that the entire class can receive A's (all scores would be 85% or better). These grades are guaranteed - we reserve the right to lower the grade cut-offs if we think fit, however there will no rounding of the score i.e. 84.999% is an A-.
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*A 10% forgiveness scale will be applied. **A 20% forgiveness scale will be applied. |
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How to succeed in this course: (1) It is expected that a successful student will invest at least twelve hours studying and problem-solving per week outside of class. Do not expect a good grade if you are not prepared to work this much. (2) Read the assigned chapters before coming to lecture. The importance of this cannot be overemphasized. (3) Work as many problems as possible on a weekly basis; the assigned (graded) ones represent the minimum recommended set. Go to instructors' and discussion leaders' office hours for individual help (this can be highly effective and should be regarded as free tutoring; make use of it!). To maximize the availability of this help you can go to any Instructor or Section Leaders' office hours. These will be posted on the course page, once they are established. (4) Keep up on a regular basis; cramming doesn't work for learning physics.
PHY2048 E-Learning Website: The lectures notes and exam grades (and eventually final grades) will be posted at the PHY2048 E-Learning Website.
Honor Code: The UF Honor Code applies to all aspects of this course. It is required that you report any possible infractions to your instructor immediately. Honor Code
Students with disabilities: Students requesting classroom accommodation for disabilities 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.
Other Resources:
1. Fundamentals of Physics: Student Solutions to Accompany the 7th Edition, David Halliday, Robert Resnick, Jearl Walker Wiley, 2004.
2. R.C. Davidson, Mathematical Methods for Introductory Physics with Calculus, Saunders College Publishing, 1994.
3. R.P.Feynman, R. B. Leighton and M. Sands, The Feynman Lectures on Physics, Addison-Wesley, 1966.
The World Wide Web is a wonderful resource. Here is one useful site:
http://www.physics.uoguelph.ca/tutorials/tutorials.html. There are many more.