Course Syllabus

Physics 240: Physics of Sound and Music

Spring Semester, 2005

 

Instructor:                   Dr. Steven Sahyun

Office:                         321 Goodhue Hall

Phone:                         Ext. 5113

E-mail:                        sahyuns@uww.edu

WWW:                        http://academics.uww.edu/physics/courses/physcs240.htm

Office Hours:                M: 3:00 - 3:30 Upham Hall room 20

                                     T: 10:50 - 11:20 Upham Hall room 20

                                     W: 9:30 - 11:00 Goodhue 321

                                           3:00 - 3:30 Upham Hall room 20

                                     R: 10:50 - 11:20 Upham Hall room 20

Class Meetings:           Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Midterm Exams:         Feb 10, March 17, and April 21

Final:                          Tuesday May 10, 10:00 am - Noon.

Text:                            The Physics of Sound, 3^rd ed. Berg & Stork.

Pre-requisite:              Math 141

 

Other required materials: You are expected to bring a calculator (a "scientific calculator"-- one with trigonometric and logarithmic functions, scientific notation, etc. is preferred.) These are available for less than $20. 

 

Course Description: This is a one-semester introduction to the physics of sound and music!  You canšt wake up in the morning, walk down the street, or even sit in an open, quiet field without experiencing sound.  It is such a common phenomenon that there is a tendency to think of it as very simple.  In the way we use it everyday, it can be... but, look (and listen) closer, and you will find there are innumerable facets to it, especially when extended to the sometimes mysterious realm of music.  Why certain musical sounds seem so pleasant while others grate endlessly (which ones do which is, of course, a subject of taste) is a question that probably cannot be answered in words, but it certainly can be considered in interesting ways.

 

We will explore the worlds of sound and music in this course.  Though this is a physics course, and we will use some algebra, I will aim to present most of the material in terms of concepts, pictures and activities.

 

Assignments: 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.

 

Homework: Homework problems are assigned on a weekly basis as quizzes on D2L. While you may work together on these problems, you are expected to do your own work. Homework is due before class the day for which it is due and will be assigned at least one week prior to the due date. Homework will not be available after the due date so it is to your advantage to complete the quizzes as early as possible. You will have an unlimited number of tries on the quizzes up until the due time, but your score will be that of your last attempt.

 

Group Activities: 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. These activities may be made up if missed due to university-sponsored events, but prior approval is needed. Activity assignments received more than one class period after assigned will receive half credit.

 

Papers: There will be at least a combination paper/project assigned. These papers will be on topics related to the material under discussion and may involve analysis of a physics problem or reporting on Web sites devoted to a physics topic. The purpose of these papers is to increase your ability to communicate about interesting physics topics in a clear and coherent manner. You are expected to cite any references using the APA style (http://library.uww.edu/GUIDES/APACITE.htm) and all papers are to be in your own words. Papers may be checked for uniqueness via software and Internet search engines.

 

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. Exams may not be taken late, but under special circumstances they may be taken early. 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.

 

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]).

 

These required syllabus contents were agreed upon by the actions of the Whitewater Student Government (S95- 96:09). Academic Staff Assembly, Faculty Senate (FS956- 13 and FS989- 11), Provost Prior, and Chancellor Greenhill (approved November 17, 1996.)