Physics 161 Syllabus Summer
I ‘06
General
Physics: Mechanics and Particle Dynamics
Instructor:
Dr. Elena Gortcheva
Office: Physics 1208
E-mail: elenag@physics.umd.edu
Office Hours:
Tu. and Th. after class or by
appointment.
Important Dates
First class:
Monday, June 5th
Exam 1:
Friday, June 16th
Exam 2:
Friday, June 30th
Last class:
Thursday, July 13th
Final Exam:
Friday, July 14th
Text
Required: R. Serway and J. Jewett,
Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Vol. 1, 6th Edition.
Prerequisites
Math 141
is a prerequisite
for this course. Physics 161 will make extensive use of calculus
(derivatives
and integrals) and takes it for granted that you already have a
facility with
algebra and trigonometry. If the contents scare you, ask for help --
early!
(Don't wait until the first exam is at hand.)
Homework
Homework
will be assigned approximately twice per week for a total of about 10
assignments. Late homework will NOT be accepted. Along with
representing a
reasonable portion of the total grade (25% - see the section on grading
below),
homework will prove invaluable in learning the material and preparing
for
exams. The only way to achieve mastery of the subject and problem
solving
skills is through practice and more practice working problems. In
addition to
problems, homework sets will contain a reading assignment to be
completed
before the material is covered in class. Doing the homework is an
essential
part of learning physics. You must make sure you are learning the
exercises, and not simply copying the answers or formulas.
Cheating will
ultimately lead to your downfall on the exams – just do the homework,
so you’ll
learn to do the problems on the exams.
We
want you to be using the homework to build an understanding, and we'll
assess
it accordingly. Answers alone, without explanation, will receive
no
credit. (Of course, the explanation may well be expressed in
mathematics.) However, evidence of an effort to refine your
everyday
thinking, even without an answer, will receive at least partial
credit.
Quizzes
You
will be given a brief quiz at the beginning of some discussion section
(once a
week) – the quiz will typically involve working one or two problems
that are
similar to the homework assignment. Quizzes will also
occasionally
be given at the beginning of lecture. This serves as a tool to
check your
current state of knowledge.
Exams
There
will be two midterm examinations during regular class hours and one
final exam
on July 14th from 9:30-11:30. Exams will be closed book,
with no crib
sheets allowed, although a formula sheet will be supplied with the
exam.
Calculators may be used. Expect problems that make you think, not
problems that
ask you to follow recipes. The best way to prepare for exams is
to stay
with the course, "refining your everyday thinking" all along the way,
rather than cramming to memorize equations at the last minute.
Reasoning and
accompanying work will count more than the final numerical answer. If
you have
a valid excuse for missing an exam, see me to arrange what to do about
it, beforehand
if at all possible. Reasons for absence from an exam must be in
accordance with
university policy and required documentation provided. When
appropriate, makeup
exams for approved absences should be scheduled well in advance.
Grading
The course grade will be determined
from
homework, quizzes, midterm exams, and final exam in the following way:
|
Homework |
Quizzes |
Exam 1 |
Exam 2 |
Final |
|
25% |
15% |
15% |
15% |
30% |
Course Outline
Physics
161 develops the laws of motion, force, and energy and the principles
of
mechanics, momentum, collisions, rotation, and gravity. The course will
cover
chapters 1 – 11 and 13 of Serway and Jewett. Given that the class spans
six
weeks, this amounts to approximately two chapters per week. Because of
the
intensive nature of summer courses it is especially important that you
keep up
with the reading. It will be expected that you review the material
before
coming to class. We will be covering the material rather quickly so do
not fall
behind.
General Guidelines
Read the book! Especially important
to read
the material before the lectures.
Do the
homework!
To make the most of the homework each student should set the text
aside, sit
down with a blank sheet of paper, and try to solve all of the homework
problems
after he is familiar with the text, but before he looks at answers or
solutions. In the first pass, make a list of your difficulties, if any.
Then
consult the textbook to see what you were missing. When you think you
know
enough, try again to complete all of the problems without the textbook.
Solving
homework problems is one of the best ways to learn the material.
Perhaps the
most important skill you should learn from this course is the ability
to solve
problems.
Ask
questions in
class. Do not fall behind! If you find yourself in trouble, seek
help. Contact the instructor or the TA. Attend the
discussion
sections and ask questions, or go to office hours. Don’t wait
until just
before the exam! This is especially important due to the pace of summer
classes!