SYLLABUS Phys120
Spring Semester 2005 (Call #28983)
Instructor: Daniel Kroll: 216 South Engineering, Phone 231-8968
Email: daniel.kroll@ndsu.nodak.edu
Lectures: Tues and Thurs 9:30 - 10:45 AM in ASK.
Office Hours: Wed, 9:00 – 12:00 AM.
Please feel free to contact me in person,
by phone, or email to set up a meeting at other times.
Texts: Inquiry Into Physics (5th Edition) by Ostidiek and Bord and
Conversations on the Dark
Secrets of Physics by Edward Teller
Prerequisite: Algebra Homework: to better learn physics, homework will be assigned on a regular basis. Homework can be assigned as reading and/or problem solving. Students will use the LON-CAPA on-line software to solve the homework problems. Information about LON-CAPA can be found on http://www.physics.ndsu.nodak.edu/loncapa/index.htm.
Extra Help: If you find you would like some extra help, the Physics Department provides teaching assistants. Their office hour schedule can be found at http://www.physics.ndsu.nodak.edu/undrgrad/taoffhrs-s05.htm. I also recommend that you make use of the Super Tutors (Now called ACE). The schedule for various courses can be found at http://www.ndsu.edu/student_success/super_tutor/schedule.shtml
Ph 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 in st Homework: to better learn physics, homework will be assigned on a regular basis. Homework can be assigned as reading and/or problem solving. Students will use the LON-CAPA on-line software to solve the homework problems. Information about LON-CAPA can be found on http//www.physics.ndsu.nodak.edu/loncapa/index.htm. We will study the states and properties of matter, gravity, temperature, heat, waves, sound, electricity, magnetism and electromagnetic waves. Algebra is utilized and developing and ability to logically apply these 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: to better learn physics, homework will be assigned on a regular basis. Homework can be assigned as reading and/or problem solving. Students will use the LON-CAPA on-line software to solve the homework problems. Information about LON-CAPA can be found on http//www.physics.ndsu.nodak.edu/loncapa/index.htm.
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. The tests count for a total of 40% of the final grade, they contain approximately 50%±10% numerical problems and 50%±10% conceptual material.
Make-up Tests are given only in the case of Mandatory University activity, extreme personal hardship, or medical exigency.
Crib Sheets are allowed for the tests and the final. Both sides of ONE 8” by 11” sheet of paper can be used on each test. Two 8” by 11” sheets of paper can be used on the final.
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: Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Test 2: Tuesday, March15, 2005
Test 3: Tuesday, April 12, 2005
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.
Homework Assignments: Worth 20% of the final grade. They will be completed within the LON-CAPA system.
PRS: Worth 10% of the final grade. The Personal Response System will be used during class time.
Final Exam: Tuesday, May 10, 2005; 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. The Final Exam will be comprehensive with about 60%±10% emphasis placed on material covered following the third test. Conceptual questions will be from chapters 1 through 8 while quantitative problems will mostly be from chapters 7and 8. Ability to use the basic laws of physics we have studied (such as Newton’s laws) in problems is essential.
Students with disabilities or other special needs, who need special accommodations in this course, are invited to share these concerns or requests with the instructor as soon as possible.
Privacy laws under FERPA
Privacy rights under the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) apply to student educational records. If you would like information on your rights under this and other legal acts please consult the office of the Federal Counsel, Rick Johnson, Old Main 202.
Academic Responsibility
All work in this course must be completed in manner consistent with NDSU University Senate Policy, section 335: Code of Academic Responsibility and Conduct
(http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/policy/335.htm).