PHY 1000 - How Things Work
Section 30924 Summer II 2009
Western Michigan University
CLASS ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE
Please turn off all cell phones and pagers in the classrooms
BASIC COURSE INFORMATION
Instructor: John D. Stahl
Office: Room 2220
E-mail: john.stahl@wmich.edu
Lectures: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:00 – 11:40am in room 1110.
Office hours: 9:00 – 10:00am
Other times by appointment, please
Prerequisite
Basic Algebra
Textbook
How Things Work: The Physics of Everyday Life 3rd Ed.
ISBN: 978-0471468868
Plan to study several hours a week as a minimum.
GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS
Students will be able to use systematic, critical, and creative processes, drawing from
knowledge of appropriate disciplines, to identify problems, analyze alternate solutions,
and make decisions. Students will be able to identify and use information sources in the
process of inquiry. Natural Phenomena and the individual goals addressed: Students will
know the basic components, structures, and functioning of natural phenomena.
Students will have knowledge of the philosophy of science and of principles that are
basic to scientific inquiry and research.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The student will acquire an appreciation of natural phenomena and knowledge derived
from observations.
The student will apply basic laws to explain selected natural phenomena and products of
technology.
The student will use the laboratory facilities to carry out experiments, record and analyze
the measurements using graphing techniques, error analyses, etc. The student will
make conclusions from the observations that reflect on his or her understanding of the
basic principles of physics.
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PHY 1000 - How Things Work
Section 30924 Summer II 2009
GRADING CRITERIA
This is lecture, demonstration, laboratory, and discussion type of class. The objective is
to acquire some concepts, definition of terms and an understanding of laws of physics.
Thus, tests will include definitions of terms, laws, and mostly conceptual questions with a
minimum of computation oriented problems. Tests (3 each 17%) will account for 51%,
homework will account for 15%, and the final exam for 34% of the grade. Late homework
can be turned in at a penalty of 10% per day late. Extenuating circumstances will be
reviewed on a case by case basis. There will be no extra credit for this class.
Grading Scale:
90 - 100 => 4.0
80 - 84 => 3.0
70 - 74 => 2.0
60 - 64 => 1.0
85 - 89 => 3.5
75 - 79 => 2.5
65 - 69 => 1.5
0 - 59 => 0.0
Each test will cover 4 chapters as shown in the assignment schedule. A comprehensive
final exam will be given on the last day of class.
As a rule, there are no make-up tests. However, if you miss two or more tests due to
unavoidable circumstances, please contact the instructor during office hours. If your
effort has been consistent and diligent, you may make-up as necessary.
NOTE: All tests will be closed text and notes, etc. All tests are cumulative - knowledge
is cumulative and physics is no exception.
A calculator and one 3 by 5 card will be permitted for the tests in the classroom. Tests
must be taken on the scheduled date. There will be no make-up of the final or quizzes.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
The honor system is used in this course and the student is expected to take tests without
outside assistance. Any student caught cheating on a test will automatically receive a
ZERO for that test. The second time a student is caught cheating on a test, a grade of
ZERO will be given for the course, and a report will be sent to the Vice President for
Academic Affairs and the Vice President for Student and Institutional Support Services.
In all cases of cheating, the materials involved will be confiscated. Cheating is defined
as (i) the use of any unauthorized aid during a test, (ii) obtaining help from another
student during a test, (iii) knowingly giving aid to another student during a test, and (iv)
duplicating or substituting another person's work as one's own work (plagiarism).
Plagiarism is defined as 3 or more significant words in row that are alike.
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PHY 1000 - How Things Work
Section 30924 Summer II 2009
Weather
Weather line number is 488-4750. Weather announcements can be heard on
WKZO, WKMI/WKFR, WQLR/WQSN, and WMUK radio stations or by watching
WWMT, CHANNEL 3.
EXCEPTIONS AND CHANGES
Exceptions and/or changes that need to be made to class requirements or the
course schedule will be made by the Instructor with a verbal explanation in class
or a written handout.
Assistance is available in the Learning Center (Room 2220). Please drop in or
call 488-4397 and set up appointments as individuals or in groups.
Class Format
Class time will be used to present and discuss material for the course. It is
expected that students will be prepared or the scheduled lessons by reading
assigned chapters and/or working problems. Students should participate as
much as possible for the maximum benefit. Laboratory will immediately follow
the class session. Students are required to prepare for the Laboratory exercises
before class session.
Graduation competencies addressed in this class:
Effective written and oral communication skills
Ability to think critically and to solve problems
Ability to work in groups
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PHY 1000 - How Things Work
Section 30924 Summer II 2009
Tentative Schedule Summer 2009
Date
Lecture
29-Jun
Ch 1
1-Jul
Ch 2
3-Jul
NO CLASS
6-Jul
8-Jul
10-Jul
Ch 3
Ch 4
TEST 1 Ch 1-4
13-Jul
15-Jul
17-Jul
Ch 5
Ch 6
NO CLASS
20-Jul
22-Jul
24-Jul
Ch 7
Ch 8
TEST 2 Ch 5-8
27-Jul
29-Jul
31-Jul
Ch 9
CH 10
NO TEST
3-Aug
5-Aug
7-Aug
Ch 11
Ch 12
TEST 3 Ch 9-12
10-Aug
12-Aug
14-Aug
Ch 13
Ch 14
FINAL EXAM
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