Phys 211- 002 Physics with Calculus I Fall 2010
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Book: Wiley: Fundamentals of Physics Extended, Ninth Edition
Professor: Dr. Mesgun Sebhatu, Sims
203. Office hrs: 10:00 - 10:50 MWF or by appointment
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 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 211-212 is primarily intended for chemistry, computer science, pre-engineering, mathematics, and physics students. However, some outstanding life science students elect to take this course instead of PHYS 201. 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. PHYS211 and 212 have the lab components PHYS 211L and 212L respectively. One must take PHYS 211 and 211L concurrently to get the 4-hour credit for PHYS 211.
The major objectives and expected outcomes
of PHYS 211-212 are:
· Develop an understanding of basic concepts and principles 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
·
Develop the ability to express scientific ideas clearly and concisely both
quantitatively and in words
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Be proficient in the use of differential and integral calculus in deriving physics formulas and solving problems. |
In the labs (Phys 211L-212L) the major objective is for students to practice the scientific method hands on. Given a purpose, they test a hypothesis or a principle of physics. They are expected to learn how:
· To perform a series of experiments and acquire sets of data using a computer and/or direct observation every week for three hours.
· To statically analyze their data using a spreadsheet or other software for calculations and curve fitting.
· To compare their experimental values with expected values and calculate % errors.
· To arrive at a conclusion that relates to a hypothesis (or purpose) and writes a concise and clear conclusion.
· To learn
how collaborate. i.e., suggest ideas, agree and disagree with their peers and
even their instructor.
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 learn physics by doing problems and not by memorizing formulas or
facts. You will use WileyPlus frequently 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
(For each section (I to IV), detailed, updated study guides will be available on this website prior to each test
I. Introduction, Units and Standards of Measurement (Ch.1); Motion in One Dimension {Ch 2}Vectors (Ch.3); Motion in Two Dimensions (Ch.4)
Test #1: Monday Sept. 27 (chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4)
II .Forces and Motion (Newton's Laws of Motion and their Application)(Ch.5 & 6 )
Test #2 : Monday. Oct. 25 (chapters 5&6)
III. Energy and Work (Ch.7&8), Center of Mass and Linear Momentum (Ch 9).
Test #3 : Friday Nov. 19 (chapters 7, 8& 9
IV. Ch. 10, Rotational motion, & Ch 11 Rolling, Torque and Angular Momentum.
If time permits we may include some parts of Equilibrium form Ch 12 & Gravitation Ch. 13
Test #4 : Monday Dec. 6 (chapters 10,
11 and may be parts of Ch 12&13)
A comprehensive Final
Exam on Sections I to IV: Monday, Dec. 13, 8:00 AM--10:30 AM
Four monthly tests and a comprehensive
final exam will be given. All exams will involve mostly problem solving that
require showing work step by and giving clear answers with appropriate units.
The type of problems on the test will resemble mostly those assigned for
homework or those done in class as examples. The test will also have questions
that require clear and concise written statements based on the lectures and
class discussions. In addition, students will be assigned articles read and
write responses to specific questions base on the article. Such assignments,
the tests and the lab reports adequately satisfy the writing component of this course
Computation of Final Grades : The best three test grades will contribute 15 % each (total from tests = 45%). Homework (10%). The weekly lab grades will be averaged and contribute 25%. The comprehensive final will contribute 20%.
45% (Tests) +10 %(Homework) + 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
< 60% is an "F".
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 deadline to drop a course with an "N" is Oct. 23. 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.
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 let the instructor know so that he/she is aware of your accommodation needs well before the first test or other class activity.
Some Helpful Physics Links
PheT =Physics Education Technology from U of Colorado
Study Tips for
Introductory Physics Students