\ PHY2020-online
PHY 2020 Introduction to Principles of Physics
Section 1F51
Fall 2013

Lectures:  There are no in-class lectures in this section. If you want to take PHY2020 with "traditional" lectures, that course is taught simultanesously. The examinations are different.

Important note: this section (1F51) is for students who can take exams on-campus (see schedule below). If you cannot take exams on-campus, you need to be in the true distance-learning section (183B). To get in this second section, e-mail the instructor (yelton@phys.ufl.edu) who will get this done. This has to be done at the beginning of the semester as the fee structure is different for distance learning students.


Course Professor:  Prof. John Yelton
yelton @ phys.ufl.edu  
2201D New Physics Building
392-8475
Course Teaching Assistant: 
Ashley August
asaugust1 at ufl.edu  
B166 New Physics Building

Office Hours, Thursday 1-3 p.m.
We want you to be able to get whatever help you need. You are free to e-mail the instructor and/or TA to book a time for face-to-face office hours or through the chat-room. You are encouraged to use the on-line forums (discussions) to pose questions which will then be answered in a timely manner.
Text: Douglas Giancoli, "The Ideas of Physics", 3rd edition, published by Brooks/Cole.
The textbook is advised, but not obligatory. Note that this is an old book. There are many copies available second hand in auction sites and online booksellers. We have deliberately chosen a book that should not cost you a lot of money - $20 should buy a decent copy.

Preparation: High school math (basic algebra, geometry and trignometry) is expected.

Outline: The course is divided into topics thus:
Introduction to Physics
Math Review
Description of Motion and Falling Bodies
Newton's Laws
Circular Motion and Newtonian Gravity
Work and Energy
Momentum
Rotational Motion and Equilibrium
Structure of Matter
Fluids and Archimedes Principle
Temperature and Heat
Waves and Sound
Electrostatics
Electric Current
Magnets and Magnetism
Light Rays

Grading policy. Maximum total possible 100 points The 100% consists of 4 components:
Multiple-choice, online, quizzes after each section: 10 points
Test 1: 30 points
Test 2: 30 points
Test 3(final): 30 points
Although this is a web-based course, you MUST be here on UF campus for the three tests. These are the only times you need to be here. The tests are "short answers" rather than multiple choice. They are closed book and closed note, but essential formulae are given. In general all answers are considered "right" or "wrong". The following is the guaranteed grading scale:
80% A
75% A-
70% B+
65% B
60% B-
55% C+
50% C
45% C-
40% D+
35% D
Philosophy of the course: This course is designed for people who do not necessarily have a background in physics. It should be taken by people who want a one semester overview of physics. It counts as a Physical Science for "P" credits. It may be useful for students, especially those who have not taken a physics course in high school, as extra preparation for Physics I courses such as PHY 2053 and PHY 2048. There is no obligatory homework.
Students are expected to listen to and watch the online lectures (which are interspersed with demonstrations), and work through the problems themselves before looking at the video solutions. Sample tests are available for a last stage of preparation. "Real" office hours, forums for questions, and online chat are available. Online quizzes are given at the end of every section to help students stay on-track. ALL WEB-BASED MATERIAL IS TO BE FOUND ON E-LEARNING

Calender of Events
Note that quizzes are due on specific days, but they are open for submissions weeks in advance. You are encouraged to NOT wait till the last day!
Aug 21st - First day of "class"
September 2nd Quizzes due on "Introduction to PHY2020", "Math Review"
September 9th Quiz due on "Description of Motion and Falling Bodies"
September 16th Quiz due on "Newton's Laws"
September 23rd Quiz due on "Circular Motion and Gravity"
September 30th Quiz due on "Work and Energy"
October 2nd Test#1 all sections up to the end of "Work and Energy" 8.20 p.m. location MCCB G086
 October 7th Quiz due on "Momentum"
October 14th Quiz due on "Rotational Motion and Equilibrium"
October 21st Quiz due on "Structure of Matter"
October 28th Quiz due on Fluids
October 30th Test#2 sections from "Momentum" through "Fluids" 8.20 p.m. location MCCB G086
November 4th Quiz due on "Temperature and Heat"
November 11th Quiz due on "Waves and Sounds"
November 18th Quiz due on "Electrostatics"
November 25th Quiz due on "Electric Current"
December 2nd Quizzes due on "Magnets and Magnetism" and "Light Rays"
Dec 7th Final Exam - emphasis on "Temperature and Heat" through "Light Rays", 12.30 p.m. location MCCB G086


Hints on how to do well: Listen to every lecture. The course is based on the lectures (which are not full 50 minutes, but rather snippets of a 5-10 minutes at a time). Remember, the syllabus is defined by what is covered in lectures. You will not be tested on material not presented on the web, whereas the book also covers other material which you are NOT expected to know. The course lectures are available through e-learning by Sakai(click here, select 2020 and then "PHY2020 Web Course" on the left menu.)
Click here for a sample lecture.
It is important that you have an internet connection good enough to watch and listen to this lecture comfortably, or you will find this course frustrating! If you are having problems getting the link to work (especially those with a mac), there are suggestions on e-learning or you can e-mail the teaching assistant. .
Do not leave it too late:. The material is quite concentrated. If you leave it all to the last minute you will probably not understand it well and will not have a chance to get it clarified.

Please make sure from the beginning that you are available for the exams. Make-ups will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the instructor.

Students requesting classroom accommodation 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 accomodation.

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