Main	Syllabus	Schedule	D2L	Resources	Notes	Dr. Sahyun

Course Syllabus

Physics 130: Physics Foundations

Summer Session I, 2004

Instructor:                 Dr. Steven Sahyun

Office:                        321 Goodhue Hall

Phone:                        Ext. 5113

E-mail:                       sahyuns@mail.uww.edu

WWW:                                    http://academics.uww.edu/physics/courses/physcs130.htm

Desire2Learn:           The D2L site is linked from the UWW web site (www.uww.edu) choose e-learning tab and select D2L.

Office Hours:            M - F: 11:00 a.m. - 12 noon or by appointment.

Class Meetings:        M - F 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Exams:                       Midterm 1: June 3, Midterm 2: June 15,

                        Midterm 3: June 24,

Final: Friday July 2, 9:00 am - 11:00 am.

Text:                           The Physics of Everyday Phenomena, 3^rd ed. Griffith

Pre-requisite:            Math 141

Other required materials: You are expected to bring graph paper and a calculator (a "scientific calculator"-- one with trigonometric and logarithmic functions, scientific notation, etc. is preferred.) These are available for less than $20.  You will also need the Physics 130 Laboratory manual.  (For sale at the bookstore for about $6)

Course Description: This is a one-semester introduction to physics! Physics is the foundation for all other sciences and covers a wide range of topics. In this course we will explore everyday physical phenomena such as how rainbows are formed, measurement of temperature, and why magnets are attracted to some metals but not others.

Class Participation: The course will consist of participatory lectures. You will be frequently asked to work on questions related to the material under discussion. You will have a chance to discuss your answers with a neighbor, and then with the class as a whole. While not graded, these activities provide valuable opportunities to understand physics concepts.

Tutorials: There will be graded in-class group activities. These activities are included so that each student will learn to use basic measuring apparatus and methods and will be due at the end of the hour of the day assigned. These activities may be made up if missed due to university-sponsored events, but prior approval is needed. Late tutorials will be accepted at 1/4 credit.

Homework: Homework will be posted on the course Desire2Learn site under the Quizzes link and can be completed at any time after it is assigned up until the posted due date. Homework may be turned in on paper for grading, but it is preferred to complete it on-line as you will be able to receive immediate grading and feedback. Late homework will be accepted at 1/10 credit.

Papers: There will be at least one paper assigned. The papers will be on physics topics and may involve analysis of a physics problem or reporting on Web sites devoted to a physics topic. The purpose of the papers is to increase your ability to communicate about interesting physics topics in a clear and coherent manner.

Exams: Finally, there will be three mid-term exams as well as the final exam. The final will cover material from the entire course, with emphasis on topics covered since the third mid-term exam. Make-up exams will only be provided for extraordinary circumstances, must have prior approval (at least 1 day in advance), and are not advised as they will be more difficult than the regular test. You will be provided with a scientific calculator for use on the exams. You may not use graphing calculators or those with data storage capability when taking the exams.

Labs: You must complete 12 out of 13 labs to pass the course. There is an opportunity for one make-up/extra-credit lab at the end of the semester. The lab manuals are in red, three-ring binders that are available from the bookstore. The manuals cost about $6. There will be pre-lab assignments handed out throughout the semester. Please complete these before the lab and attach them to the lab that you turn in.

Web Site: Course information, notes, homework solutions, and supplementary material will be posted on the class Desire2learn site. See http://academics.uww.edu/physics/courses/physcs130 for the links.

Grading: Course grades will be determined by the percentage of total points assigned for the course. 90% = A, 80% = B, 70% = C, 60% = D. The approximate distribution of points will be as follows:

I reserve the right to adjust grades slightly based on class participation.  There will be occasional opportunities for extra credit.

Absence for University Sponsored Events: University policy states that students will not be academically penalized for missing class in order to participate in university-sanctioned events. Activity sponsors are responsible for obtaining the Provost's prior approval of an event as being university sanctioned and for providing an official list of participants. Students are responsible for notifying their instructors in advance of their participation in such events. More information can be found in the Bulletin and the Student Handbook.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is dedicated to a safe, supportive and non-discriminatory learning environment.  It is the responsibility of all undergraduate and graduate students to familiarize themselves with University policies regarding Special accommodations, Misconduct, Religious Beliefs Accommodation, Discrimination and Absence for University Sponsored Events.  (For details please refer to the Undergraduate and Graduate Timetables; the "Rights and Responsibilities" section of the Undergraduate Bulletin; the Academic Requirements and Policies and the Facilities and Services sections of the Graduate Bulletin; and the "Student Academic Disciplinary Procedures" [UWS Chapter 14]; and the "Student Nonacademic Disciplinary Procedures" [UWS Chapter 17]).