Syllabus

spring 2011

Physics 221:  Introduction to Physics I

C.A. Bennett
bennett@unca.edu
RH 124E

Office hours:

Office hours: 10:00A - 11:30A, MWF and during lab. Try dropping by at any time. Important: I am off campus most Thursdays.

Text

Fundamentals of Physics, Halliday, Resnick and Walker, 8th edition.

Notes

1. The 9th edition is now available, but we will use the 8th edition for the course. Pay attention if you are ordering online.
2. The course home page is http://webhw.unca.edu/bennett_phys221/.
3. We will be using online homework from a site maintained by your textbook publisher (WileyPlus). See the Physics 221 course website for the site URL. WileyPlus comes bundled with new textbooks purchased from the UNCA Bookstore. If you prefer to purchase a used textbook, then you can purchase WileyPlus separately. To do this, go to the URL posted on the course home page, and self enroll. During this process, you will either enter a registration code that came with your textbook, or pay for access. Either way, you will have access to a digital version of the textbook. While it is possible to take this course successfully with just the digital text, I firmly recommend that you purchase a printed textbook as well.
4. If you are counting your pennies, then an older edition of the printed textbook will suffice, or even a calculus-based textbook from a different author. The downside of this strategy is that the worked examples will not be the same as those in the class edition.
   

Course Web Site

 http://webhw.unca.edu/bennett_phys221

Or, go to http://www.phys.unca.edu and follow the links.

Test Schedule

Notes:

• Dates are firm, material covered on each test is approximate.
• The quizzes are designed for a 50 min period.

Grading

• Three quizzes @ 20% each
• Final exam: 20%
• Homework: 20%

Grading Scale

Final averages will be rounded to two digits.

Course Information and Class Policies

The general policies concerning Physics 221 are described below. Any exceptions to these policies will be announced in class.

Lecture

Lectures are intended and designed to supplement your efforts outside of class to read and understand the text.  Lecture topics will consist of an overview of each subject area, along with as much discussion of the most challenging concepts and problem-solving techniques associated with that subject area as time allows.  Unless a specific topic is explicitly omitted, you will be responsible for all material presented in each chapter, regardless of the content of the lectures.  

World Wide Web Access

Many aspects of Physics 221 will involve using the Web.   You have many options for arranging the necessary access:

• There are several computer laboratories on campus that you may use (e.g., laboratories in Robinson, and Karpen Halls).   See http://www.unca.edu/compcenter/labs.html.
• Computers with Web access are located in many of the residence halls.
• Ramsey Library has laptops for checkout.

Please don't fret if you lack experience with Web browsers or even the Web in general. Feel free to contact Bennett at any time for assistance.

Homework

Homework for Physics 221 will be conducted via the World Wide Web (WWW) . See the link and info on http://webhw.unca.edu/bennett_phys221.

You must maintain a Homework Solutions Manual that records the calculations used to submit answers online. This will be an invaluable study aid for Quizzes and (especially) the Final Exam. It also allows me to help you effectively if you have questions. Always bring your Homework Solutions Manual when stopping by my office for help.

Attendance

Attendance is required in laboratory, lecture and during test periods. You must provide documentation from your physician if you are unable to take a test because of illness (no exceptions).

You are allowed three unexcused absences during lecture. After that, each unexcused absence will reduce your final average by three points.

If you miss class, it is your responsibility to acquire any important information covered during the missed lecture from other class members. Feel free to contact me in this regard but be aware that I do not maintain class notes for you to photocopy. 

Classes Missed Due to Weather: Class will be canceled only if the University is closed.  If this occurs on a day scheduled for an in-class exam, the exam will be rescheduled on the next available class period.  Every effort will be made to keep you informed via the course web site.

Usually, classes are not cancelled - an abbreviated schedule is followed.  See http://www.unca.edu/enroll/late.html.

Additional attendance policies relating to laboratory are described below.

Calculus

You should have already had or should now be taking Math 192 (Calculus II) or its equivalent. If you do not have this minimum math prerequisite, then you should not take Phys 221 at this time.

Calculators

There are no longer any restrictions placed upon calculators used for quizzes and exams. To avoid providing folks who have calculators equipped with alphanumeric displays an unfair advantage, everyone will be able to bring a 3x5 index card of information (one side only, both sides for the final) to tests.

Cell Phones

Please turn them off before entering the classroom or laboratory. Never bring a cell phone to a quiz or exam unless it is turned off and inside a book bag or purse.

Laboratory

Attendance during laboratory periods  is required. You are allowed to miss one laboratory session during the semester. Each additional laboratory absence will lower your final grade by one letter.

If you are late to laboratory, it is your responsibility to make sure that you have not been marked absent. Be aware that information necessary to complete the laboratory is discussed during the first twenty minutes or so of the laboratory period, and thus repeated tardiness will not be tolerated. If you are over 15 minutes late, you have missed laboratory.

Laboratory Schedule

See the Course Calendar.