Welcome to PHYS 101. I hope that you will find this course to be both
interesting and challenging. PHYS 101 - Introduction to Physical Science - an introduction to the
concepts, ideas, and methods or physical science. The emphasis is on the physics that you
encounter in your daily life. I will include demonstrations. If you approach the class in the proper
spirit and give it good effort you will find it to be very rewarding.
Please note that your regular attendance is expected but not obligatory. Absences from class
can result in a reduction of grade if they are excessive.
The text for the course is How Things Work: the Physics of Everyday Life, 2nd ed.
by Louis A. Bloomfield (John Wiley & Sons, New York, 2001). A tentative
schedule is available. Also, remember to check the PHYS 101 Home Page.
It contains a link to the schedule as well as other useful links including updates, selected review
notes from class, and worked homework problems and sample test questions.
Please take an active part in class. Speak up, ask
questions, and otherwise contribute to the class. It is your
responsibility to raise questions to clarify points that you do not
understand. You are expected to prepare for class by reading the chapter
ahead of time and by working problems. Don't forget, being
absent is not participating. You will be responsible for all demonstrations and material
covered and/or assigned in class. If you should miss class, it is your
responsibility to determine assignments, etc., and get them completed.
You will be responsible for understanding all classroom
demonstrations. Late homework will not be accepted except in rare instances. Attendance
in recitation is mandatory. You will be doing in-class work sheets there.
It is important to keep up with the pace of the class, both in reading
and in working homework questions/problems. Three tests,
scheduled in advance, will be given. There will be no make-up tests. A closed-book
comprehensive final exam will be given at the end of the course.
You will also be expected to submit a term paper. Instructions can be found at: Term paper instructions.
Grading will be strictly on merit! Need, wishes, looks, age, etc. will
not count. The grades will be derived from the factors below with the
weighting shown:
Three tests
40%
In-class work, recitations & homework
20%
Term paper
20%
Final exam
20%
Total
100%
Note: A passing grade on the final exam is expected for passing the
course, even if the average is otherwise acceptable. LAB: The laboratory grade is completely separate from the course grade.
You must register separately for the laboratory. If you want or need the laboratory and have
not already enrolled, please do so during the drop/add period. Space is still available.
