PHY 2054 - Physics II - Summer C 2015
GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION
Homework: Working the weekly Connect 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 understanding physics without working out problems is basically impossible. In fact, the assigned (graded) homework constitutes a minimal set; you would do well to do additional problems beyond these (particularly if you notice that you struggle with the problems on the homework). If you don’t conscientiously work problems, you are very unlikely to pass the discussion section quizzes, in-class exams, or ultimately, the course. Work on the assigned problems, as well as some extras. There are answers to a subset of the problems in the chapters at the back of the book.
While you can simply log onto the Canvas system and do the Connect 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 on-line 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) online. The Connect 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. 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 fixed scale shown in the table below. The advantage of the fixed scale is that you are not competing with other students to “get ahead of the curve.” Everyone who works hard can do well in the class. Those who do not do the work will score accordingly. Your overall course score will be calculated to 5 significant figures and there is no rounding off. Note that we normalize quiz grades so that all TAs have approximately the same quiz average. Thus quiz grades in some sections are adjusted upwards and those in other sections are adjusted downwards to maintain fairness across all the sections.
**20% will be dropped. |
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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 instructor’s 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 Disscussion TA's 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.
PHY2054 e-Learning Website: The lectures notes, exam grades, quiz grades, homework grades, and estimated course grades will be posted on the PHY2054 e-Learning Canvas course page.
Honor Code: The UF Honor Code applies to all aspects of this course. It is mandatory that you report any possible infractions to your instructor immediately.
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.