Phys 201 General Physics I Fall 2008
Text Book: Physiscs 7th Edition (Wiley, 2007)
Professor: Dr. Mesgun Sebhatu, Sims 203. Office hrs: 10 - 10:50 MWF or by appointment
Brief description of the course and some advice: The PHYS 201-202 sequence covers the major branches of classical physics: PHYS 201 deals with mostly mechanics and wave motion while PHYS 202 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. In this course, rote memorization is discouraged. Formulas and constants will be provided even during a test. Use of calculators is encouraged. In fact, it would be difficult to survive the course without a good scientific calculator and the skill needed to use it to solve problems. PHYS 201-202 is primarily intended for students in the life and health sciences. PHYS 201 is the first semester of a one-year general physics (PHYS 201-202) course that utilizes algebra and trigonometry. PHYS201 and 202 have the lab components PHYS 201L and 202L respectively. One must take PHYS 201 and 201L concurrently to get the 4-hour credit for PHYS 201.
The major objectives of PHYS 201-202 are:
· Develop an understanding of basic concepts in physics that are the foundation for all science and technology
· Develop conceptual and analytical problem solving skills that are indispensable for any professional in the life and health sciences
· Develop an understanding of the role physics plays in everyday life and in technology
You learn physics by understanding basic concepts and then doing problems. Mere Memorization formulas or facts do not help much. It does not take a lot of effort to memorize F= ma. You will discover that using it to solve a plethora of PHYS 211 problems requires deep understanding and practice.
You will use WileyPlus to practice as well to submit homework that will be graded.
(Please click on the link <WileyPlus>and register immediately)
Tentative Course Outline and Test Schedule
The course is divided into four convenient parts (I to IV). For each part, detailed study guides will be available on this website prior to each test. The study guides will be updated as needed from time to time. Please revisit the course website to have a current study guide and test date.
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Part I. Test #1:
Thursday, Sept 25 (chapter 1, 2, &3)
Ch.1 Introduction, Mathematical Concepts, Units and Standards of Measurement
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Part II. Test #2: Thursday, Oct. 23
(chapters 4, 5, & 6)
Part III. Test #3: Thursday, Nov. 13
(chapters 7, 8 & 9)
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Part IV: Test #4 :
Friday Dec. 1 (chapters 10,11,16 & some section of
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A comprehensive Final Exam on Sections I to IV: Thursday, Dec. 11, 8 AM—10:30 AM
Computation of Final Grades : The
best three test grades will contribute 13.33 % each (total from tests = 40%).
Homework (15%).
The weekly lab grades will be averaged and contribute 25%. The comprehensive
final will contribute 20%. 40% (Tests)
+15 %( Home Work; Problem solutions and Writing activities*) + 25%
(Lab) + 20%(final) = 100 % .
Even though class grade distribution may affect the assignment of
the letter grades will be as follows:
:above 90% is an "A", 80% - 84% is a "B", 85%-89% is a" B+",70% - 74% is a "C",
75%-79% is a "C+" 60% - 64% is a "D", 65%-69% is a "D+" and below 60% is an "F".
Makeup Tests: If a student misses one monthly test, he obtains a "0" for it and loses the o:portunity to have his lowest 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.
Somme Helpful Physic Links
PhET= Physics Education Technology from U of Colorado