Course Syllabus -- Physics 120

Physics 120--Fundamentals of Physics

Spring Semester 2003 (Call #32344)

North Dakota State University

Instructor:	Dr. Charles Sawicki: 212B South Engineering, Phone 231-7049
Email:	charles.sawicki@ndsu.nodak.edu
Office Hours:	Wed 9:30-10:30 AM and Tu 2:00-4:00PM. Please feel free to contact me to set up a meeting at other times.
Texts:	*Inquiry Into Physics* (4th Ed.) by Ostdiek and Bord Class Problems Ph120 (Version 8/1/02) by C. Sawicki (bring this to class, as we will use it every day)
Both books are Required.
Prerequisite:	Algebra

Course Overview

Physics 120 is an introduction to the fundamentals of physics: space, time, motion, matter, energy, work, power, electric and magnetic fields. These basic principles are used to study the states and properties of matter, gravity, temperature, heat, waves, sound, electricity, magnetism and electromagnetic waves. Algebra is utilized and developing an ability to logically apply the basic laws of physics to many different situations is essential. Considerable effort will be directed towards developing the necessary problem solving skills with discussion of relevant examples from everyday life, modern technology, medicine and biology.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS

Chapter	Questions	Problems	Challenges	Due Dates Approx	Class #
1	2 and 8	1,5,8,14,25,26 and 27	3 and 5	1/23/2003	4
2	7,9 and 20	3,5,9,11,19 and 23	2,3 and 7	2/6/2003	8
3	3,6 and 17	5,8,13,17,21,24 and 33	1 and 7	2/25/2003	13
4	5,6,12 and 21	1,6,13,17,19,21 and 25	4,7,9 and 12	3/6/2003	16
5	3,4,13 and 14	2,4,11,13,16,25 and 26	2,5 and 7	4/1/2003	21
6	7,18 and 19	1,6,11,15,19 and 22	4 and 5	4/10/2003	24
7	2,6,8 and 12	2,4,5,11,14,17,23 and 25	4,5 and 10	4/24/2003	28
8	5,7 and 13	4,8,10,11 and 13	1,5 and 8	5/6/2003	31

Homework: Effort invested in working problems plays an important part in learning physics. Mastery of homework and the material in the Class Problems book will be reflected in test performance. Homework solutions and old tests will be on reserve at the library main desk. To get the best preparation for tests, work homework problems before consulting the solutions.

Composition of final course grade

Tests: There will be three tests and a final. Students are required to take two tests and the final. Since the final is comprehensive it is best to take all three tests. Students taking all three tests will have the lowest score dropped. Each test counts for 30% of the final course grade, while the final counts for 40%. Calculators will be required on tests. All tests will be approximately 50%±10% numerical problems and 50%±10% conceptual questions. Students are responsible for the material covered both in class and in the text; as such class attendance is assumed. A large part of the material covered in class is not in the text. Conceptual material covered only in the book will also be on tests.

Make-up Tests are given only in the case of mandatory University activity, extreme personal hardship or medical exigency.

Crib sheet: You can use one crib sheet for tests and the final. Both sides of one 8½" by 11" sheet of paper can be used on each test and the final.

Grade changes on a particular test must be requested no later than one week after the test is returned to the slots on the 2^nd floor of S. Engineering.

Letter Grading for the course: A total average of 89.5% or more ensures an A, 79.5% to 89.4% ensures a B, 69.5% to 79.4% ensures a C and so forth. Depending on the class average curving may be applied to grades.

Tests will be given in class at the times listed below.

Test 1: Thursday, February 13, 2003 (Class #10)
Test 2: Thursday, March 13, 2003 (Class #18)
Test 3: Thursday, April 17, 2003 (Class #26)

Prior consent from the instructor (except in the case of emergencies) is required to take a make up test. Make-ups should be scheduled before the regular test date.

FINAL EXAM: Thursday, May 15^th 2003; 12:30-2:30PM (Minard 119). The Final Exam will be comprhensive with about 60%±10% emphasis placed on material covered following the third test. Conceptual questions will be from chapters 1 through 8 with more emphasis on 7 and 8. Ability to use the basic laws of physics such as Newton's Laws to solve problems is also important

Disabilities and other special needs can be accomodated. If you have concerns along these lines, please inform the instructor as soon as possible.
"All work in this course must be completed in a manner consistent with NDSU University Senate Policy, section 335: Code of Academic Responsibility and Conduct.