Instructor : Robert G. Gist
Office and Hours : ENG 243, by appointment (MW 11-12, M 1:40-3, or by appt.)
UCCS e-mail : rgist@uccs.edu
Web Site : http://www.uccs.edu/~rgist http://www.uccs.edu/~rgist/PES/PES100_SPR05/index.htm
Credit Hours : 3
Prerequisite : None
Text : How Things Work , 2 nd
edition, by Louis A. Bloomfield http://howthingswork.virginia.edu/
Course
Description:
A non-mathematical overview of physics and how it affects our everyday life. Topics to be included are balancing and equilibrium, tornadoes, weather patterns, circus balancing acts, air conditioners, musical instruments and other interesting applications of physics. Recommended for students with no science or mathematics background.
Exams : Exams will be in multiple-choice format. Exam material will be taken primarily from the lecture, which will be based on the textbook. There will be three mid-term exams given during the semester, each counting as 20% of your grade. I will give you at least a week’s notice as to the exact date of the exam as well as the material you will be responsible for on each test. In addition to the three mid-term exams there will be a comprehensive final exam which will count for 25% of your grade. Unless arrangements have been made prior to any exam, there will be no make-up exams. To account for emergencies, I’ll drop the lowest exam grade (once only; final excluded)
Projects : Occasionally, a simple project or homework will be assigned during the semester. Details will appear on my web site. These will be exercises, observations or tasks able to be easily performed in class or at home with available materials.
Attendance : Attendance will not be monitored. It is each student’s responsibility to cover any material due to missed lectures.
Grades : In summary, your grade will be based on the following:
Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3
Exercises or projects
Final Exam (cumulative)
17-Feb
17-Mar
21-Apr
Various
10-May 10:50 AM to 1:20 PM
20 %
20 %
20 %
15 %
25 %
R. Gist 1 1/17/2005

The grade ranges will be A: 90-100%, B: 80-89%, C: 70-70%, D: 60-69%, F: Below
60%. UCCS permits grades to be further specified using +’s and –‘s.
Reasonable accommodation: Students with a disability who require accommodations should provide a letter of accommodation from Student Enrichment Services (MH 105, x3354) within the first two weeks of the semester.
Calculators : Calculators will not be required for this course. Calculators will be allowed during exams, if desired. Projects may also require use of calculators.
Cell phones, PDAs, talking, leaving the classroom : Please show respect to the other members of the class by turning off the sound on cell phones and PDAs. Imperative phone calls should be taken outside the classroom. Also, keep conversation to a minimum during the lecture so that others can hear clearly. Please remain in the classroom unless an emergency arises, since foot traffic in the class can be disruptive to other students.
Questions, comments: It is my hope that you will feel comfortable asking questions in class. Chances are that if you are unsure about some topic, there are others who have a similar question. I would like the class to be as interactive as possible. If you have relevant experience with a subject, please feel free to share comments with the class.
I.
Laws of Motion, Part I [Chapter 1] (Jan 18-Feb 15)
II.
Laws of Motion, Part II, Mechanical Objects [Chapters 2 and 3] (Feb 17–Mar 17)
III.
Fluids; Fluids and Motion [Chapters 4 and 5] (Mar 29 – Apr 19)
IV.
Heat and Thermodynamics; Resonance and Mechanical Waves [Chapters 6 and 7] (Apr 21 - May
3)
Date Event Note
Mar 21 – Mar 27
Apr 1
Spring Break
Last day to drop
No class
May 10 (Tuesday) Final Exam 10:50 AM to 1:20 PM
* Dates (except holidays and final) are approximate, and subject to change. Dates of exams will be announced at least a week prior to administration.
R. Gist 2 1/17/2005