PH211 Syllabus
Welcome
Fall 2015
Table of Contents
Welcome to PH211, the first
term of calculus-based physics.
This document will orient you to
the course and function as a
contract between you and me. I
look forward to being your
instructor.
Instructor Information
Course Information
Websites
Student Resources
Lectures and Labs
Grading
Communication
Course Outcomes
Chemeketa Resources
Students with Disabilities
Diversity
Academic Honesty
Instructor Information
Name: Erik Jensen (please call me Erik)
Office: building 8, room 221D
Office Hours: MWF 9–11 am and MTWRF 1–2 pm
E-mail: erik.jensen@chemeketa.edu
Address: 4000 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem, OR, 97305
CV: faculty.chemeketa.edu/ejensen6/cv.html
Course Information
Title: Physics for Engineers and Scientists
Description: Presents the first term of a three-term sequence of introductory calculus-based physics. Includes
kinematics, Newton's laws, energy, momentum, rotation, and gravitation. (5 credit hours)
Prerequisite: MTH251 (differential calculus) or equivalent
Required Text: Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Knight, 1st edition (ISBN 0805386858 or 0805389830)
Other Required Resources: See below
Lecture: MTWF 11:30 am–12:30 pm in 8-218 (CRN 30414)
Lab: T 8:30–11:20 am (CRN 30415) or R 2:30–5:20 pm (CRN 30416) in 8-236
OR
Lecture: MW 2:30–4:20 pm in 8-218 (CRN 37539)
Lab: T 2:30–5:20 pm (CRN 40204) or F 2:30–5:20 pm (CRN 37552) in 8-236
Websites
Course Calendar: faculty.chemeketa.edu/ejensen6/calendar211.html
The Chemeketa faculty website is open to the general public. I will post specific assignments and deadlines to
the course calendar which will evolve throughout the term.
MasteringPhysics: www.masteringphysics.com
You will use MasteringPhysics for homework. Register for the 3rd edition
and use the course ID of JENSENPH211F
eLearn: chemeketa-bb.blackboard.com
eLearn Help: online.chemeketa.edu/help/support.asp
Use your user name and password from MyChemeketa to access this site.
Consult the help page or call 503-399-7399 if you have difficulty accessing it. We will use eLearn to report
grades, submit lab reports, and post homework solutions.
Physics is fun!
Student Resources
I think that anyone with the prerequisites and time on task can succeed in this class, but this is a difficult course
Mental Resources: The prerequisite for this course is MTH251 or equivalent. You should also be competent at
using a web browser, word processor, and spreadsheet. Note that MTH252 is a prerequisite for PH212.
Temporal Resources: You will need to commit a significant amount of time each week to complete the work
necessary to master the physics topics. You will read the text, participate in discussion, observe video lectures,
do homework, perform labs, write lab reports, take exams, and do other activities as posted in the course
calendar. All told, you should expect to spend from 10 to 20 hours per week on this class.
Other Resources: In addition to paying for the required tuition and fees, you will need to purchase a variety of
other resources to complete this class. I make every effort to keep costs down, but this class is likely to be more
expensive than others at Chemeketa. Please consult the following list and acquire the necessary resources as
soon as possible:
 You will need access to a computer with good internet connections and MS Office
2007, 2010, or equivalent (cost varies). I do not recommend using a Mac as it has
trouble with the symbolic equations used frequently in this course.
 You may purchase your own textbook used from Amazon or borrow one from
me. If you borrow from me, you are expected to avoid highlighting or excessively
damaging the text.
 You will need a scientific (not necessarily graphing) calculator that does not have
cell phone or internet capabilities (approximately $20). This will be necessary for
the exams.
 A laptop (cost varies) is helpful (not required) for labs.
 You will need to purchase a subscription to MasteringPhysics (approximately $60). This subscription is
valid for the other courses in the sequence.
 A stapler, pencil, and paper are required.
Lectures and Labs
You will attend “lectures” that might not be what you expect, given the definition or your experience in some
other classes. You will frequently use colored cards to answer multiple choice conceptual questions. You will
work in groups on written assignments. Traditional lectures (instructor talking while students passively listen)
will usually be limited to around 10 minutes at a time. Your expectation for each “lecture” is that you will be
mostly doing physics rather than watching physics. The reason I choose to run lectures in this manner is because
educational research indicates that active learning is more effective for the vast majority of students.
Please download and print the lab instructions (see the course calendar) before arriving at lab. You are not
required to read the lab or do any pre-lab work other than staying on top of the course in general. If you own a
laptop, then I encourage you to bring it to lab. If not, then you may use the computers in the lab.
Labs will likely be similar to other labs you have taken. One key difference is that my physics labs tend to be
fairly easy in performing the experiment itself, but fairly difficult in the analysis. You will normally have plenty of
time to complete the experiment and write a significant portion of your report during the three hour lab. Please
see the general lab instructions from the course calendar for more information on labs.
Physics is fun!
Grading
Group Work: Approximately 50 points
Homework: Approximately 90 points
Lab Reports: Approximately 90 points
Chapter Quizzes: Approximately 135 points
Final Exam: 60 points
A = 90%–100%
B = 80%–90%
C = 70%–80%
D = 60%–70%
F = 0%–60%
Group Work: To promote active learning, you will solve conceptual problems as groups in class.
Homework: Homework is due on the date posted on the course calendar.
Type
Description
Points
Reading
Questions
Tutorials
Textbook
Followup
Written
Simple, multiple-choice questions based on textbook
reading and videos
Conceptual problems with hints available
Mostly numerical problems from the text, though the
given values may be individually randomized. I will
post solutions to the eLearn website.
You will complete follow-up problems when you get
below 90% on tutorials or textbook homework
You must show work to receive full credit. All
homework must include acknowledgements of
assistance from instructors (besides me), tutors, other
students, etc. If you did not receive any assistance,
then write "no acknowledgments" on your work.
Submission
0.5
MasteringPhysics
Due
Time
11:55 pm
1
1
MasteringPhysics
MasteringPhysics
11:55 pm
11:55 pm
1
MasteringPhysics
11:55 pm
1 to 5
In class or my
mailbox
5:30 pm
Lab Reports: You will submit lab reports on eLearn. Lab reports must obey the lab instructions as posted on
the course calendar. Lab reports are due at 11:55 pm on the date following the lab. Each lab report will be
worth up to 10 points. I will drop a lab report from your grade at the end of the term if it increases your
percentage.
Chapter Quizzes: You will demonstrate your learning by solving problems. Quizzes are open-note and openbook. There will be a time limit. Quizzes are worth up to 15 points each. Points will be awarded both for correct
processes and correct answers. I will drop a quiz from your grade at the end of the term if it increases your
percentage.
Final Exam: The comprehensive final is worth up to 60 points. The format and grading will be the same as the
quizzes.
Late Policy: No late work or make up exams will be allowed without prior arrangements. In advance, you may
negotiate alternate due dates.
Incomplete Policy: A grade of incomplete (I) may be negotiated when a student with passing work needs
additional time to complete the course. An incomplete will not be granted as a substitute for a failing grade (F).
Extra Projects: You may earn up to 15 points with extra projects. You may also earn credit for reporting
correctable errors in the websites or class documents (including this one). Report errors to the discussion board
on eLearn. Submit extra projects by the end of week 9. Suggestions for extra projects are available here:
faculty.chemeketa.edu/ejensen6/extra.html
Grade Reporting: I will post grades to eLearn.
Physics is fun!
Communication
I will not provide any personal or academic information to people besides Chemeketa employees without your
specific permission. I will respond to e-mail within two working days. I will grade work within one week of the
due date.
You have one week from the time anything is graded to appeal its score in writing. Failure to do so constitutes
acceptance of the grade.
Course Outcomes
Performance Based Learner Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. Apply mathematical and physical principles to specific problems based on identified physics topics.
2. Evaluate reliability and relevance of physical evidence gathered by self and others.
3. Apply mathematical and physical principles to observed, measured, and given physical data to make
predictions and explain past observations.
4. Communicate results of work using scientific writing.
Statewide General Education (AAOT) Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. Gather, comprehend, and communicate scientific and technical information in order to explore
ideas, models, and solutions and generate further questions.
2. Apply scientific and technical modes of inquiry, individually, and collaboratively, to critically
evaluate existing or alternative explanations, solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions in
an ethical manner.
3. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of scientific studies and critically examine the influence of
scientific and technical knowledge on human society and the environment.
Chemeketa Resources
Please consult the following list of resources to identify which suit your individual needs:
Bookstore and Student Identification Cards: Building 1, first floor, 503.399.5131
bookstore.chemeketa.edu
Counseling and Advising: Building 2, first floor, 503.399.5120
www.chemeketa.edu/earncertdegree/advising/
Disability Services: Building 2, Room 174, 503.399.5192
www.chemeketa.edu/earncertdegree/advising/disability/
Enrollment Center: Building 2, Room 200
Library: Building 9, second floor, 503.399.5043
library.chemeketa.edu/
Public Safety: Building 2, first floor, 503.399.5023
Student Retention and College Life: Building 2, Room 174, 503.399.5117
www.chemeketa.edu/aboutchemeketa/collegelife/
Study Skills: Building 2, Room 212, 503.399.5162
www.chemeketa.edu/earncertdegree/advising/studyskills/
Testing Services: Building 2, first floor, 503.399.6556
www.chemeketa.edu/earncertdegree/testing/
Tutoring (including eTutoring): Building 2, second floor, 503.399.5190
www.chemeketa.edu/earncertdegree/advising/studyskills/tutoring/
Writing Center: Building 35, Room 101, 503.399.7179
www.chemeketa.edu/earncertdegree/advising/studyskills/writing/
Physics is fun!
Students with Disabilities
Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty, and the Disability Services office.
Students with accommodations approved through Disability Services are responsible for contacting the faculty
member in charge of the course, ideally prior to or during the first week of the term to discuss accommodations.
Students who believe they are eligible for accommodations but who have not yet obtained approval through
Disability Services should contact V/TTY 503.399.5192 or disability@chemeketa.edu.
Diversity and Affirmative Action
We are a college community enriched by the diversity of our students, staff, and community members.
Each individual and group has the potential to contribute in our learning environment. Each has dignity. To
diminish the dignity of one is to diminish the dignity of us all.
It is the policy of Chemeketa Community College and its Board that there will be no discrimination or
harassment on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender
identity, marital status, citizenship status, pregnancy and related conditions, family relationship, veteran’s status,
disabilities and tobacco usage in any educational programs, activities or employment. Persons having questions
about equal opportunity/affirmative action should contact the Affirmative Action Officer at 4000 Lancaster Dr.
NE, Salem, Oregon 97305-7070, or call 503.399.4784. To request this publication in an alternative format, please
call 503.399.5192.
Academic Honesty
Chemeketa’s Academic Honesty policy: www.chemeketa.edu/aboutchemeketa/collegelife/academichonesty/
Here are some specific examples for this particular course:
 It is a violation of academic honesty to receive help on labs or homework without attribution
(exception: online homework). Sources of help that must be cited include other instructors, lab partners,
tutors, websites, relatives, and friends.
 It is a violation of academic honesty for two or more students to produce identical or extremely similar
homework, lab reports, or exams (exception: data tables and graphs in lab reports may be shared with
attribution).
 It is not a violation of academic honesty to use notes or books during exams (exception: e-books).
 It is a violation of academic honesty to use any human help (exceptions: computer technical support
and disability services) during an exam.
 It is a violation of academic honesty to use a cell phone during an exam.
Amendment Policy
Any portion of this syllabus may be modified by agreement of the instructor and students provided those
changes do not violate Chemeketa policy or the course outline.
Physics is fun!