Text Book: Fundamentals of Physics 6th ed. by Haliday, Resnick and Walker

Professor: Dr. Mesgun Sebhatu, Sims 203. Office hrs: 10 - 10:50 MWF.

Available at other times by appointment

E-mail : sebhatum@winthrop.edu Tel: Office=323-4935

Brief description of the course and some advice: 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 mostly thermodynamics and electromagnetism. 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. In this course, rote memorization is discouraged. Formulas and constants will be provided during test periods. Use of calculators is encouraged. In fact, it would be difficult to survive in the course without a good scientific calculator and the skill needed to use it to solve problems.

PHYS 211-212 is primarily intended for chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics students. However, some outstanding life science students elect to take this course instead of PHYS 201-202. PHYS 211 is the first semester of a one-year general physics (PHYS 211-212) course that utilizes calculus. MATH 201 -- a one semester calculus -- is a prerequisite for this course.

The major objective of PHYS 211-212 is to provide an opportunity for the appreciation and learning of fundamental principles and concepts of physics and for developing conceptual and analytical problem solving skills that are indispensable for any future scientist or engineer.

You learn physics by doing problems and not by memorizing formulas or facts. You will use the eGrade website frequently  to practice as well to  submit  homework that will be graded.

(Please click on the eGrade link above and register immediately)

Tentative Course Outline and Test Schedule

The course is divided into four convenient units. There will be a test on each unit. Study guides will be posted for each unit.

A Comprehensive Final Exam on unit I. to IV. Wed.   May 5, 11:30 AM--1:30 PM

Computation of Final Grades : The best three test grades will contribute 10 % each (total from tests = 30%).In and outside class interactive activities* ( 20%). The weekly lab grades will be averaged and contribute 25%. The comprehensive final will contribute 25%.

30% (Tests) +20%( In and outside class interactive activities*) + 25% (Lab) + 25%(final) = 100 %

Even though class grade distribution may affect the assignment of the letter grades, usually

above 90% is an "A", 80% - 89% is a "B", 70% - 79% is a "C", 60% - 69% is a "D", and below 60% is an "F".

* In and outside class interactive activities: This course is setup to take advantage of web and computer technology as well as interactive learning activities in and outside class.   The book website has a rich set of web based activities for each chapter, It has: Chapter objectives, warm-ups, practice questions and exercises,   physlet problems, puzzles, etc.  Each student will be required to do and submit  warm-up exercise as we begin each chapter ( warm-ups tell the instructor what he should clarify in class lectures and discussions), as the chapter ends each student will be required to  complete and submit practice questions and exercises as well solutions to puzzles for grading. In addition, few selected end of chapter problems will be assigned from the book.Student will be required to pre-read sections of chapters and e-mail questions and concepts  that they want addressed in class. Pop Quizzes may be given to check if a student has read assigned sections. The lecture ours will be divided into a few mini lectures that will focus on topics that students find challenging. Students will participate in a class question and answer session. At first you answer individually and then with consultation with your group or neighbors. results Will be shown almost instantaneously in class.

Makeup Tests: If a student misses one monthly test, he obtains a "0" for it and loses the opportunity to have his worst test score dropped. It will be dangerous to miss more than one test. There are no provisions for makeup tests under normal circumstances.

Class Attendance Policy: The attendance policy followed in this course is the same as that which appears in the current Winthrop University Catalog. Briefly, "If a student's absences in a course total 25% or more of the class meetings for the course, the student will receive a grade of N, F, or U, which ever is appropriate." Please read your catalog for details. The professor will determine when taking attendance is appropriate. If all the members of the class are present, there is no need to take attendance. Students who leave early or come excessively late for reasons that are not clear to the instructor may be marked absent. Class participation is a major requirement. The course will use a Personal Response System that records the participation of each student.