Physics 211 – General Physics I
Fall 2007

Course Information

Homework
There will be a homework assignment due every Wednesday at 5PM, starting Wednesday, September 12 (the first full week of the semester).  Each homework problem is worth 2 points.  There will be at least 50 homework problems assigned during the semester.

I frequently work out solutions to the homework problems in class before the homework is due. You can in most cases get full credit for the homework if you submit your homework on time, show a reasonable attempt at solving the problem, and provide a correct answer.

You are strongly encouraged to try really hard to do the problems on your own before looking up the solutions or asking for me or anyone else to solve the problems for you.  Most people learn physics better by doing problems themselves than by watching the instructor or a tutor do problems. Most exam and quiz questions will be similar to homework problems.

Homework should be turned in to the Physics 211 homework box in the Physics Department Office, 102 Reichardt Building (NSCI).  The physics office is to the right as you enter the main south door of the building.

The first homework assignment, due Wednesday, September 12, at 5:00PM, is Chapter 1, Problem 9 and Chapter 2, Problems 18 and 113.

Quizzes
There will be a quiz during the first 15-20 minutes of class every Friday, except for the first and last days of class, and Fridays on which there is an hour exam. Quizzes will consist of problems similar to homework problems or to problems discussed in class. There will be no makeup quizzes.

Semester Projects
Write a paper or (preferably) create an HTML document on a topic that is relevant to material covered in this class and that we agree upon together.  I will be describing many project ideas in lecture, but you will probably get more out of a topic of your own choosing.  Links to projects from past semesters can be found in Prof. Newman's web site (see for example http://ffden-2.phys.uaf.edu/211_fall_2004_web.htm).

Criteria for grading your project will of course depend on the project.  I encourage you to choose a project early so that we will have time to discuss what you need to do for your project, including due dates.  One point will be deducted per day for proposals approved after October 19, one point will be added per week for proposals approved before October 19, and your project will generally be due 4 weeks after your proposal is approved.  Grading criteria will include:

Relevance
Non-triviality
Correctness
References (typically at least five references, at least one of which is not the internet)
Presentation (spelling, grammar, figures, readability, wordiness, etc.)
4-10 pages in length
Originality
Completed on time.

Exams
There will be two midterm exams (10/12 and 11/16).  Topics to be covered in each exam and the format of each exam will be discussed in lecture.  There will also be a comprehensive final exam from 10:15AM-12:15PM on Wednesday, December 19 in the same location as the regular lecture.

Midterm exams will begin at the start of class and end at the end of class. You are responsible for getting to class on time and for turning in your exam at the end of class. Makeup exams will be provided only by prior arrangement or if unforeseen circumstances prevent you from taking the exam during the regular class period.

I do generally allow one page of handwritten notes, a calculator, and a formula sheet, during exams.

Lab and Lab Reports
There is a lab associated with this course. All labs and lab reports must be completed to get a passing grade for this course. The last day to turn in lab reports is the last day of instruction (Friday, December 14).

There are six lab sections:  See Mr. Robert Parsons about attending a lab section other than the one for which you are registered.  If you do not have written permission, the teaching assistant will not permit you to attend the different lab section.

Section F01:  Monday 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Section F02:  Tuesday 2:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Section F03  Tuesday 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Section F04  Wednesday 2:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Section F05  Wednesday 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Section F06:  Thursday 2:15 – 5:15 p.m.

There will be opportunities to do make up labs during the semester.  Times and procedures for making up a lab will be announced in class.  Other questions about the lab, including questions about the grading of lab reports, should be directed to the teaching assistant in charge of your lab, or to the laboratory supervisor, Mr. Robert Parsons (114 Reichardt).

Blackboard
I encourage you to check your Blackboard account for this class for course documents and announcements and to verify that I have entered your scores correctly.  I will enter scores for quizzes, homework, labs, and exams as soon as they become available to me.

Complaints and Concerns: By far the best way to get almost any concern addressed is to come and talk to me about it, or send me email.  You are always welcome to talk to me about anything or offer suggestions or constructive criticisms about any aspect of the class.  If you have a question or concern that cannot be resolved by me contact the department chair, Dr. Craven, through the Physics Department Office, Room 102 Reichardt Building.

Disabilities Services:  The Office of Disability Services implements the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and insures that UAF students have equal access to the campus and course materials.  I will work with the Office of Disabilities Services (203 WHIT, 474-7043) to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities.

Plagiarism and cheating:  Although you may work together on labs and homework, any materials that you submit for grading, and everything that you do on quizzes and exams, should be entirely your own work. You are expected to conduct yourselves in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, which prohibits cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty.  For more information see the UAF catalog or http://www.uaf.edu/catalog/current/academics/regs3.html.

Tentative Class Schedule