WINTHROP UNIVERSITY

Department of Chemistry, Physics, & Geology

Course Syllabus

 
Physics 102 , Everyday Physics Laboratory, Summer 08 Schedule 
 
Professor: Ponn Maheswaranathan
Office: Sims 213B, Phone: (803) 323- 4940
E-mail: mahesp@winthrop.edu
Office Hours: By appointment. 
 

Textbook: The Physics of Everyday Phenomena, W. Thomas Griffith, 5th Ed, McGraw Hill Publishing.
Lab manual: Lab handouts will be provided via the course website. 

Course Description: PHYS 102 is an introductory physics laboratory course primarily intended for non-science majors. PHYS 101, Everyday physics is a co-requisite for this course. PHYS 101-102 can be used to meet the laboratory science requirement for non-science majors. Introductory physics experiments in mechanics, sound, heat, properties of matter, electricity, and magnetism will be performed in the laboratory.

Course Objectives: Students who successfully complete this course will be (1) conversant in fundamental concepts in mechanics, wave motion, electromagnetism, and optics, (2) able to apply the scientific methods of inquiry, (3) able to discuss the strengths and limitations of science in everyday life, (4) able to demonstrate an understanding of the history of scientific discovery, and (5) able to communicate about introductory physics experiments and defend conclusions based on their observations. 

Writing Component: The General Education Writing Component will be incorporated into this course by requiring the following graded writing assignments. 

1. Writing lab reports and with conclusions for most of the experiments performed.
2. Writing essays.
3. Writing reviews for video presentations.

Class Attendance: Attendance will be taken each lab. Good attendance & participation efforts are expected.

Grading: Writing components and final are scheduled as follows: 

The above total points will be used to assign a letter grade:

93%-100% = A    88%-92% = A-    85%-87% = B+    80%-84% = B       76%-79% = B-

72%-75% = C+    66%-71% = C     56%-65% = D        0%-55%  = F