Physics 251

University Physics I- Classical Mechanics

North Dakota State University

Spring 2005

Instructor: Terry Pilling

E-mail: terry.pilling@ndsu.nodak.edu

Office: 201 South Engineering

Telephone: 231-5780

General Information:

Description: Physics 251 is a detailed introduction of calculus-based classical mechanics. The 5-credit course for engineering/science students requires an understanding of Math 165 (prereq/coreq). Students must have a scientific calculator for use on tests.

Course Objectives: Students completing Phys251 should be able to solve mechanics problems using Newton's laws of motion and conservation laws.

Text: Fundamentals of Physics by Halliday, Resnick, & Walker, 6^th Edition, Wiley (2004).

Lectures: Meet at 11:00-11:50 MTWF in ABEN 223.

Extra Help: If you find you would like some extra help I recommend that you make use of the Super Tutors. The schedule for various courses can be found at http://www.ndsu.edu/student_success/super_tutor/schedule.shtml

Assignments: The homework assignments are to be completed using LON CAPA each week. Late homework will not be accepted. The assigned homework problems are the minimum number of problems that you should work. If you are having difficulty in understanding the material, then you should work additional problems on your own. The best way to learn physics is to work as many different types of problems as you can.

Exams: During the semester, two one-hour exams will be given, and at the end of the semester there will be a comprehensive final exam. The in class exams will be given on Friday Feb. 4 and on Friday Apr. 8. The final exam time and date will be announced later. Do not miss an exam - there will be no make-up exams.

Office Hours: Tues, Wed, and Thurs 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. You may also come and see me whenever I am in my office, or you can schedule (by e-mail or phone) an appointment. If any difficulties or problems arise in this course that interfere in any way with your learning or optimum performance, I would very much like to hear about it. I encourage students to stop by to see me at any time with any matter that you'd like to discuss, and I will do my best to deal with problems promptly and effectively.

Grades: Your final grade in physics 251 will be determined on the following basis:

Homework & PRS 30%

Exam I 20%

Exam II 20%

Final Exam 30%

Total 100%

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, 59.5 to 69.4% ensures a D. Depending on the class average, curving may be applied to grades.

Students with disabilities or special needs

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 a manner consistent with NDSU University Senate Policy, section 335: Code of Academic Responsibility and Conduct (http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/policy/335.htm)

Homework: The problems can be found on LON-CAPA. The homework sets are due on the date specified.