WINTHROP UNIVERSITY
Department of Chemistry, Physics, & Geology
Semester: Fall 2008    Course: PHYS 211 - Physics with Calculus I

Lecture: M,W,F 9-9:50, Sims 209        Course  Schedule    WileyPlus

Professor: Dr. Ponn Maheswaranathan (Mahes).
Office: 213-B, Sims, Office Hours: M & W 10:00 - 12:00 or by appointment.
Phone: 323 4940, E-mail: mahesp@winthrop.edu

Textbook: Fundamentals of Physics; Halliday, Resnick, & Walker, 8th Edition, John Wiley Publishing.

Laboratory: M 2:00 - 4:50 PM or W 2:00 - 4:50 PM or T 9:30 - 12:20 AM. 
Students need to register for one of the above lab sections, PHYS 211L.
Physics laboratory will start during Sept. 1-3.    

Course Objectives:

Course Description:
The PHYS 211-212 sequence covers the major branches of classical physics: PHYS 211 deals with mostly mechanics, and wave motion while PHYS 212 covers thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and optics. The course emphasizes understanding of fundamental physics concepts and principles as well as the development of conceptual and analytical problem solving skills by using physics concepts, principles, and mathematics in the solution of various interesting and challenging real world problems. This course should also help you review and master your algebra, trigonometry, and enable you to appreciate your calculus by putting it to work in physics.

Attendance and Participation:
 Students are encouraged to attend all the lectures and to actively take part in classroom activities. Regular attendance and good participation efforts will help in the final letter grade assignment for borderline cases.

Homework:
 Chapter sections, questions, and problems are assigned for each lecture. It is important that you read the chapter sections before coming to a lecture. After attending the lecture you should re-read the chapter, answer the questions and solve problems. WileyPlus will used to collect selected homework and grading.    

Students with Disabilities:
Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education. If you have a disability and need classroom accommodations, please contact Gena Smith, Coordinator, Services for Students with Disabilities, at 323-3290, as soon as possible. Once you have your professor notification, please tell me so that I am aware of your accommodations well before the first {test/paper/assignment}.

Tests & Final: Three tests (15% each) and a comprehensive final (25%) are scheduled as follows.

Date Tests and Final Chapters Content Description
09-19-08 Test #1 1,2,3, & 4 Kinematics in one dimension, Kinematics in two & three dimensions, and Projectile, Circular, & Relative Motions.  
10-15-08 Test #2 5,6,7, & 8 Newton's laws of motion, Friction, Circular motion, Work,  Energy, Power, and Conservation of Energy.
11-19-08 Test #3 9,10,11, & 12 Center of Mass, Momentum, Rotational Kinematics & Dynamics, Angular Momentum, Equilibrium, and Elasticity.
12-12-08, 8AM Final Exam 1-17 Kinematics, Newton's laws of motion and gravitation, Circular motion, Work, Energy, Power, Center of mass, Momentum, Rotational Motion, and Waves.

Points & Grade:
The lowest test score will be dropped. Best two test scores: 30%, Homework/Activities: 20%, Laboratory: 25%, and Final: 25%.
The letter grade will be assigned as follows:
90%-100% = A    85%-89% = B+    80%-84% = B    75%-79% = C+    70%-74% = C    65%-69% = D+     60%-64% = D      0%-59%  = F