University Physics II
PHY 172 – Spring 2016
Instructor: Dr. Marco Fatuzzo
Office: Lindner 110
Phone: 745-3621
E-Mail: fatuzzo@xavier.edu
Office Hours: Tue 2:00 – 3:00, Thu 1:00 – 2:00, Fri 10:30 – 11:30, or by appointment.
Scientific Perspectives Course: The scientific method has resulted in historically unprecedented changes in our world.
In this course you will learn how science proceeds, and practice the scientific method yourself in a co-requisite weekly
laboratory experience. You will learn the qualities of a good hypothesis or model, how to assess its validity, the
significance of a scientific theory, and the elusiveness of “proof.” On completing the course and its co-requisite lab
course, you will be better able to understand and evaluate scientific or pseudoscientific claims that have direct impacts
on your personal and professional life.
This course, along with the co-requisite lab, is part of the Xavier Core Curriculum, which aims to develop people of
learning and reflection, integrity and achievement, in solidarity for and with others. It addresses the following core
learning objectives at the introductory level:
1a: Students recognize and cogently discuss significant questions in the humanities, arts, and the natural and
social sciences.
2b. Students evaluate problems using quantitative methods and arguments.
In addition to Xavier core learning objectives, the lecture/lab tandem includes these other key learning objectives:
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Students will utilize the scientific method, and differentiate between hypotheses/models, theories and
laws.
Students will articulate the nature of evidence, objectivity, data interpretation, the elusiveness of
“proof”, and reproducibility/replicability.
Students will compare various types of research studies (e.g., observational, experimental, correlational,
mechanistic).
Students will utilize analytical and quantitative skills to design experiments, collect data, and make
measurements.
Students will construct and interpret graphs and tables, and to calculate and interpret appropriate
statistics (e.g. mean, variability, correlation).
Students will critically analyze and distinguish claims based on science from misinformation based on
pseudoscience
Students will analyze claims and information that they encounter regarding science in their everyday
lives based on their transfer and utilization of knowledge about science.
Course Description and Goals: This calculus based introductory physics course covers topics including simple
harmonic and wave motion, optics, electricity, and magnetism. The goal of the course is to allow students to gain a
conceptual understanding of these topics in a manner that fosters critical thinking and problem solving skills. A good
working knowledge of high school algebra, geometry and trigonometry is assumed.
Text: Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 3rd Edition by Knight. Powerpoint lectures, problem solutions, and other
appropriate materials will be available on canvas.
Homework: You are encouraged to explore homework in a group setting. However, you are required to submit your
own homework solutions. Solutions must be neat, show all work, and be in single column format to be eligible for full
credit. Homework assigned on Monday or Wednesday is due by 2:45 pm Friday of that week, and homework assigned
on Friday is due by 2:45 pm of the following Tuesday. For breaks and snow days, homework will be due on the
following collection day (either T or F). Please turn hw in to me or place it in my mail box in Lindner 110. A late
homework will receive a 2 pt penalty (out of 20 pts) per full school day that it is late. Exam corrections will be used to
replace the three lowest homework scores at the end of the semester. Corrections are due by the final exam date.
Solutions will be posted on canvas.
Practice Problems: These problems will be assigned but not collected for credit. Solutions will be posted on canvas
on the day they are assigned.
Tentative test dates: Feb. 9 (Mon), March 16 (Mon), April 15 (Wed)
Final exam date: 12:00 - 1:50, Wednesday, May 6
Tests and the final exam (comprehensive) will cover material, problems and concepts presented in lectures and
assigned for homework and practice problems. A student who cannot take a test due to a conflict with a required
University sponsored event must notify me prior to the event so that suitable arrangements can be made.
A student will be allowed to use the grade on the final exam to substitute for one missed regular semester test. A
student who misses any additional regular semester tests or the final exam must submit a full written and signed
explanation for their absence (including appropriate documentation) in a timely fashion. Failure to make prompt
notification will lead to an unexcused absence regardless of the validity of the excuse. If the absence is excused, the
student will be allowed to take a make-up test or final exam at the instructor’s convenience.
Class Attendance: Attendance, though not taken, is mandatory. You are responsible for the information presented in
the lectures and for any assignments made during the class time. If you are late to class or absent, you are responsible
for obtaining any pertinent information that was given during class.
Grading: Semester grades will be based on:
Homework
Test with lowest score
Remaining two tests
Final exam
10%
15% total
25% each
25%
The homework value is based on the percentage of total possible homework points that you receive. The test and final
exam values are based on your score, but may be adjusted using a curve. Your final grade is based on the rounded (e.g.
86.65 = 86.7, 86.64 = 86.6) weighted average, using the above percentages, as fits the following scale:
93.0-100 A
90.0-92.9 A-
87.0-89.9 B+
83.0-86.9 B
80.0-82.9 B-
77.0-79.9 C+
73.0-76.9 C
70.0-72.9 C-
67.0-69.9 D+
60.0-66.9 D
Courtesy: Please leave your cell phones and ipods turned off during class. Please try not to leave the room during
class unless it is a real emergency.
Office of Student Success:
Location: 514 Conaton Learning Commons
Phone: 513-745-3036
Email: studentretention@xavier.edu
The Staff in the Office of Student Success is available to assist students to make the most of their Xavier experience.
Personal staff consultations, success coaching, referrals to on-campus Solution Centers, and guiding students to
effectively navigate their college experience are central to our work. Please visit www.xavier.edu/student-success to
learn more or visit us in the Conaton Learning Commons.
The instructor reserves the right to alter this syllabus if circumstances dictate.