Physics 1110 Course Syllabus

 

Quick information

Lectures:

MTWRF 9:15AM to 10:25AM in Duane G-1B20

Recitations:

MTWRF 11A-12:10P in Duane G-1B20

Professor:

Charles Rogers

Office:

Duane F-631 (in the Gamow Tower)

Phone:

(303) 492-4476

e-mail:

Charles.Rogers@colorado.edu

Web page:

http://www.colorado.edu/physics/phys1110/phys1110_sm03/

 

Introduction

Physics 1110, General Physics 1, is the first semester of a two semester sequence in introductory physics. We will cover topics in mechanics, Newton's Laws, concepts of energy, work, conservation of energy, rotational motion, gravity, sound, waves, fluids, and heat. The summer course is taught with five weekly lectures, and five weekly recitations. We use the recitation to practice problem solving. The material is presented at a level that requires some calculus, algebra, and trigonometry.

What we cover and why

The material we will cover is at the foundation of our technological society. Most of the material involves discoveries no more than 300 years old (of course, even the ancients knew some things about physics). We are so comfortable with technologies like television and home computers, that it is easy to forget just how recent these developments are: Some of you have relatives old enough to remember the days before radio (first licensed broadcast station opened in 1920). We live radically more convenient, typically longer, and perhaps more enjoyable lives due to the revolution in physical and biological science over the last couple of centuries. This course aims to introduce you to our present understanding of how the world works, and shows you how to use important tools of physics to understand and solve problems on your own.

The text

The text we will use is "Physics for Scientists and Engineers" 3rd Edition, by Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff.

I will cover Chapters 1 through 20 in Wolfson and Pasachoff at a rate of roughly four chapters per week.

There are many excellent books covering introductory physics. Wolfson's and Pasachoff's is one of the best. The textbook is one of the best tools you have in the class. READ CHAPTERS BEFORE WE COVER THEM IN CLASS. If you do, you'll get much more out of my lectures.

There are, of course, many other good texts. Some of these books are associated with interesting web sites. Prentice Hall maintains a nice web site associated with the texts by Giancoli (not our text). I have provided a link to this site in our course home page. You can also find it directly at http://www.prenhall.com/giancoli/.

 

Grading

Your course grade is determined by a combination of your performance on exams, homework, and in class participation. A total of 800 points are available as follows:

 

Course component

Points

Exam 1 (Monday, June 9, Duane G1B20, 11AM)

100

Exam 2 (Monday, June 16, Duane G1B20, 11AM)

100

Exam 3 (Monday, June 23, Duane G1B20, 11AM)

100

Exam 4 (Monday, June 30, Duane G1B20, 11AM)

100

CAPA sets (twice weekly CAPA, due Tues. and Thurs. 5PM)

100

Written Homework (twice weekly written problems due on Wed. and Fri. at start of lecture)

100

In-Class 'clicker' problems (points for your in-class participation and answers)

100

Final Exam (Thursday, July 3, Duane G1B20, 9:15AM)

200
Total Points:
900

There will be four midterm exams, each worth 100 points. Homework will provide 200 points. and associated in class questions provide 100 points. The final exam will provide 200 points.

Exams

Exams are scheduled as above. You are allowed to bring a single 8.5"x11" sheet of with whatever information you care to have on it to the exam. Calculators are allowed as well.

Homework

We will be using the CAPA on-line system for homework assignments. Homework (all ten of the homework sets) will be handed out on the first day of class. CAPA sets are typically due Tuesday at 5PM and Thursday at 5PM.The CAPA system is available on the internet at http://www.colorado.edu/physics/CAPA/Cindex.html, or from the course home page at http://www.colorado.edu/physics/phys1110/phys1110_sm03/  CAPA is a tool that provides you with immediate feedback on your solutions to homework problems. If you take the time to start homework early, there is no reason why you cannot have a perfect homework score by the end of the class. The first homework will review the use of CAPA.

In addition to CAPA assignments, there will be two written homework assignments each week. These assignments are distributed via the course web site. Many of these assignments will be taken from the text and are due Wednesday and Friday, to be handed in at the beginning of lecture.

In-class 'Clicker' responses

We will also be using an audience response system to allow in-class questions and answers to conceptual questions during lecture. Typically, we will have brief periods of lecture, followed by a series of multiple choice questions. Class discussion is encouraged. After a short period for discussion, you will use your 'clicker' (an electronic transmitter used for audience feedback during lecture. Purchase your clicker at the CU bookstore for $29.00 (batteries not included! --requires 2 AAA batteries)) to answer the question. You receive 1 point for an answer, 3 points for the correct answer.

The web page and e-mail

The web page for Physics 1110 provides information on the class activities, contact information for all the teachers, course notes, access to the CAPA system, etc. We are rapidly reaching the point where essentially all type of service, information, and products are available on the Internet. I strongly encourage you to use the Physics 1110 web site and provide me with feedback on course services that you’d like to see included. E-mail and the webpage are essential channels of communication in this course. Be sure to check your email for important messages at least once a day.

How to succeed in this course

The course topics that we will cover in Physics 1110 are among the greatest intellectual achievements of humans. Don't be surprised if you have to think and work hard to master the material. However, try to remember that humans like you and me CAN understand all of this information. You can perform very well in this class if you follow this time-tested system:

  1. Read the chapter material before lecture and recitation. If you read it first, it'll sink in faster during lecture.
  2. Take notes on your reading and try to write down questions you may have. If you ask those questions in class, I will try to answer them.
  3. Come to class. Stay involved in class and recitation. Come to office hours.
  4. Start the homework early. Give yourself the time to work and understand. Remember that it’s possible to have a perfect homework score by putting in the effort and time.
  5. But first: Do the reading. Don’t try the homework until you finish the reading.
  6. Work together. Physicists often work in groups. You need to do your own thinking, but talking to others is a great way to sort out your own thoughts.
  7. Don’t get behind. It’s very hard to catch up.
  8. Don’t give up. YOU CAN MASTER THIS MATERIAL AS HAVE OTHER HUMANS!