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PHYSICS 101 – CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS
Fall 2009 “There
are many windows through which we may look out into the world, searching for
meaning. Most of us peer through but one of these windows. And even that one is
often misted over by the breath of our finite humanity.” -Jane Goodall Class Schedule 101 Grades Online Chapter Quizzes Lecture Slides Bucket Reading Past DE |
Instructor: Jodi Simpson
Email: simpson@sbcc.edu Phone/Voice Mail: 965-0581
ext. 2505
Office: PS115 Office Hours: MW 2-3 pm or by
appointment
Class
Homepage: http://www.cs.sbcc.edu/~simpson/syllabus101.htm
Prerequisites
The math prerequisite for Physics 101 is Elementary Algebra, Math 100.
Course Information
Conceptual Physics is intended as an introduction to the important ideas that
underlie the way we view the world, but without the mathematical “speed
bumps”. It is an opportunity to appreciate the elegance of the patterns
that surround us. Physics 101 and Physics 101L taken concurrently will satisfy
the SBCC General Education Laboratory Science requirement. It is important to
meet with a counselor or academic advisor to discuss the transfer requirements
for your major. Conceptual Physics is a course for both science and liberal
studies majors.
Required Textbook and Materials
·
Conceptual Physics – 10th edition by Paul
Hewitt. Printed or e-Book versions are each acceptable.
·
Access
to physcicsplace.com
- free with the textbook (new copy).
·
Approximately
24 small 15-question scantron forms for daily exam
questions.
Physics 101 Course Grading
Your grade is based on your
performance on 4 exams, daily exam questions, and chapter quizzes. The weight
for each category is:
|
Category |
Minimum - Maximum |
|
Chapter
Quizzes |
0% - 20% |
|
Daily Exam
Questions |
0% - 25% |
|
Four Exams |
55% - 100%
|
How to Calculate the
Overall Class Percentage
Sum each of the following:
Chapter Quiz Average x 0.2
Daily Exam Question Average x 2.5
Exam Average
Grades will be based on your overall
class percentage as follows:
90-100% - A; 80-89% - B; 60-79% - C;
50-59% - D; Below 50% - F
What We Do
Each class
proceeds something like this:
·
Chapter quizzes will be due online via the physicsplace.com website by
11 am prior to the start of each class.
You may use your textbook and work together outside of class on chapter
quizzes. Although the quizzes may be
repeated, only the first attempt will count toward your grade.
·
At the start of each class, you have 5-10 minutes to
work together and ask questions about the previous chapter quiz
assignment. Following this, you will
have exam questions based on the previous chapter quiz assignment. There is a time limit for these daily exam
questions, and you must work individually.
·
After the daily exam questions, new material is
introduced and chapter quiz assignments for the next class will be introduced.
·
Do not expect all the material for which you are
responsible to be covered in class. You must do the assigned reading, and use
the chapter quizzes as a guide for material that will appear on exams.
·
The lecture slides for each class are available for
review through the “Lecture Slides” link at the top of this
syllabus.
Why We Do It
·
As a teacher, I want to see as many successful grades
as possible without sacrificing quality. Building into the course opportunities
to learn from each other is an efficient way to do this.
·
The logic of physics is an acquired skill, not only
the memorization of information. Therefore, the emphasis in this class is not
just on watching someone “do” physics, but rather on practicing the
skill. The sooner you approach this class more as you would in learning a sport
or a musical instrument, the more successful you’ll be. Think of “playing” physics…
·
Doing no running until the day before a marathon
makes no sense. Neither does not thinking about physics until the day before an
exam. For this reason, you are given the opportunity to “play”
physics each class day and have it built into your grade. The grading structure does however, still
allow for the traditional approach (i.e. procrastination), if that is what you
prefer.
Policies
·
To submit chapter quizzes, you must register online according to the
instructions in your textbook, or by using this link: Online
Chapter Quiz Registration . The class ID for this class is: cm246506
·
Chapter quizzes are submitted online via physicsplace.com. The due date for each assignment
is listed in the Class
Schedule.
·
Please adhere to the following expectations when attending lecture in
order to minimize distractions for
others:
1. No late arrivals or early
departures.
2. No talking during lecture
period other than specified class discussions or group work.
3. Turn cell phones off.
4. Here is a link (from a
different department) to classroom expectations: Classroom Expectations
·
Exams may be taken only on the
scheduled day and time – there will be no make-up. Your
grade is based on your performance on four out of five scheduled exams. If you need
to miss an exam for any reason, that exam will be dropped as your lowest
score. You may take all five exams and drop the lowest score. No notes,
calculators, or translators are allowed for exams.
·
Cheating policy. Any
sharing of information during exams or daily exam questions will result in
immediate expulsion and an F in the course.
·
You are responsible for all
assignments and due dates listed in the Class
Schedule . The schedule may need to be adjusted as we
proceed through the semester, therefore it is important to pay attention to
updates given in class or posted online.
·
Students with disabilities. SBCC students with disabilities who
are requesting accommodations for classes, college activities or tests should
use the following SBCC procedure. (NOTE: This also includes
students who are requesting to bring service animals into classes. This
procedure also includes requests to bring into classes personal service
attendants who are not SBCC employees.)
[1] Contact Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS).
[2] Submit documentation of your disability to the DSPS office.
[3] Communicate with a DSPS counselor regarding options for services and
accommodations.
[4] Reach written accommodation agreement with the DSPS counselor and your
instructor.
SBCC requests you complete this process at least ten working days before your
accommodation is needed, in order to allow DSPS staff time to provide your
accommodation.
Contact: DSPS office (805) 965-0581 x 2364, SS Building, room 160, dspshelp@sbcc.edu
Additional Support for all SBCC
Students
Use the
link: Seek Help
Some “Good Reads”
The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene (c.1999); The
newest physics classic for the masses – attempts to make string theory
comprehensible.
Fabric of the Cosmos by Brian Greene (c.2004); A
follow-up to The Elegant Universe.
The Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra (2000
Anniversary Edition); A classic book which popularized a re-thinking of
science.
The Dancing Wu Li Masters by Gary Zukov (c.1979,2001); Along the same lines as Capra, but a bit more
technical.
Quantum Philosophy by Roland Omnes (c.1999); A
difficult book to read, but well worth it if you are interested in thoroughly
examining our assumptions about the workings of the world.
A Hole in the Universe by K.C. Cole (c.2001); An
easy, entertaining, and accurate summary of modern physics.
Art and Physics by Leonard Shlain (c.1991)
The Invisible Century by Richard Panek (c.2004); A look at how Einstein and Freud each made their incredible
contributions by looking “within”. An excellent treatment of general
relativity.
The Human Touch by Michael Frayn
(c.2007); A philosophical look at the roots of
physics.
Good physics intro
website with a math refresher
Physics
Tutorials
Links provided by Dolores Gende.
The Elegant Universe
NOVA series as aired on PBS. Describes string theory via
QuickTime video clips.
Interactive Periodic Table of the
Elements