I-  Course Information

1-  Textbook and supplies:

Required text:    "College Physics", Serway & Faughn (7^th Edition): the text that I will follow;

OR

"Principles of Physics", Serway (4^th Edition): for those who prefer a calculus-based text;

OR

Any algebra-based physics textbook you may have: they are usually called “college physics” and they all cover pretty much the same material (check them with me if you wish: I will tell you if they are adequate).

Suggested texts:   "Study Guide/Student Solution Manual" Gordon, Teague, & Serway

OR

"Study Guide and Student Solution Manual" Gordon, McGrew, Wyk, & Serway

OR

Any other that would help you and/or go with the textbook you have.

Supplies:  Blue books (large size), scientific pocket calculator, graph paper for lab.

2-  Program:      The program consists of Electricity, Magnetism, Optics and Modern Physics with special emphasis on the first three.

3-  Problem Solving Workshops, Lab, Testing and Grading: 

  a)       Problem Solving Workshops: Problem solving sessions, called SI workshops, will be offered each week throughout the semester.  During these workshops, you will be working with other students to answer questions and solve problems related to the material seen in class.  Facilitators will be in attendance to help you.  The workshops are tentatively scheduled at 1 on Wednesdays; final times will be discussed in class.  Regular attendance to one workshop each week will count for 5 points. For those who cannot attend the workshops, homework will be assigned and graded, and it will be accepted in lieu of workshop attendance.

  b)       Laboratory: There will be a lab experiment each week, and all the equipment will be provided.  You will work in groups of 2 or 3, and will turn in a write-up after each experiment.  Each write-up will be graded, and the average will constitute your lab grade which counts for 20 points. 

  c)       Tests: You will have 4 regular one-hour physics tests, counting for 15 points each, during the semester.  The physics tests are cumulative but will usually deal with material seen since the previous test.  They are of the problem solving type, usually with a choice (e.g. 3 problems out of 4).  The only material allowed during a test is your blue book and your calculator (which cannot be shared with other students).  No cell phones or PDA are allowed during tests: if you have one it must remain in your backpack for the duration.  On the first page of your blue book, you can write a summary of the theory and procedures that you will need for the test (but not a collection of problem solutions).  Please note that no one is allowed to leave the room during a test: if you absolutely have to leave, you must turn in your blue book.

You will also have, at the end of the semester, one comprehensive final, twice as long as the regular tests but of the same type.  For the final to count, you must pass it with a grade of at least 50%.

I will grade the tests and give partial credit for partially correct answers.  The total of either the 4 physics tests, or of the best 2 physics tests and the final (counting for two), will determine your test grade which counts for 60 points.

   d)      Final Grade:  The final grade will be based on the total of homework, lab, and test grades according to the following scale: 

            A: 74 to 85,   B: 63 to 74,   C: 51 to 63,   D: 42.5 to 51,   F: below 42.5 

II-  General Information

1-  Attendance: Punctual attendance is mandatory.  Multiple absences from lectures, unless cleared with me, will lead to your name being dropped from the class roster.  Absence from a test will automatically mean a grade of 0 for that test.  There are no make-up tests: the final serves as a (double) make-up test.  Similarly, absence from a lab means 0 for that lab and there are no make-up labs.

2-  Withdrawal: Should you wish to drop out of the class, please let me know about it first.  The deadline to withdraw with no mark on your record is March 1st, and with a W May 17^th.

3-  Cheating: Cheating is dishonest and utterly stupid and it will be met with dismissal from the class for all parties involved.

4-  Office hours: My office hours are at 1:00 Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but I am available anytime I am on campus: please do not hesitate to call me or come and see me.

5-  Math-Science Center: Tutors and faculty members are available on a drop-in basis in the Math-Science Center on the first floor of the Arroyo Seco building (AS) and many can help with physics; please check the detailed schedule.  The "Mac lab" in CR 146 also has tutors that can help with physics at certain hours that will be posted.

6-  Disability: Please let me know if you have a serious physical condition or disability, especially the type that may require emergency treatment such as epilepsy or diabetes.  Personally I am hard of hearing, so please be patient if I have to ask you to repeat something that you have said.

All students with disabilities requiring accommodations are responsible for making arrangements in a timely manner through the Center for Students with Disabilities