Syllabus for Physics 253 --- Mechanics
Spring Semester, 2011
Section 2: MWF 9:00 – 9:50, FW 200
Section 1: MWF 10:00 – 10:50, FR 144
Instructor: Suzanne Willis
Office: Faraday Hall 218
swillis@niu.edu
815-753-6481
Office Hours: MWF 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
TuTh 2:00pm – 4:00 pm
and by appointment
Course Textbook: Physics for Scientists & Engineers with Modern Physics (4th edition)
Author: Giancoli
Introduction, Measurement, Estimating: Chapter 1
Describing Motion: Kinematics in One Dimension: Chapter 2
Kinematics in Two or Three Dimensions; Vectors: Chapter 3
Exam 1, Chapters 1-3: Monday, Feb. 14
Dymanics: Newton’s Laws of Motion: Chapter 4
Using Newton’s Laws: Friction, Circular Motion, Drag Forces: Chapter 5
Gravitation and Newton’s Synthesis: Chapter 6
Exam 2, Chapters 4-6: Monday, Mar. 21
Work and Energy: Chapter 7
Conservation of Energy: Chapter 8
Linear Momentum: Chapter 9
Exam 3, Chapters 7-9: Friday, Apr. 15
Rotational Motion: Chapter 10
Angular Momentum; General Rotation: Chapter 11
Oscillations: Chapter 14
Final Exam, Chapters 10, 11, 14 and comprehensive:
Section 1: Monday, May 9, 10 – 11:50 am, FR 144
Section 2: Wednesday, May 11, 8 - 9:50 am, FW 200
Homework assignments and their due dates are posted on Blackboard. Please note that late homework
will not be accepted.
There will be interactive exercises during class, and these will count towards your grade.
You will be encouraged to form small study groups. You may work on your homework with your
study group, although you should each submit your own solutions. You may also do the in-class
work with your study group, so be sure to sit together.
All exams are closed book, and closed notes. Graphics Calculators will not be allowed for exams;
only scientific calculators will be allowed.
Grading:
Lecture grade:
Homework
Clicker questions and other in-class exercises
Exams 1, 2, and 3
Final exam
10%
20%
15% each
25%
Lecture grade will make up 75% of the final grade
Lab will make up 25% of the final grade. YOU MUST PASS THE LAB IN ORDER TO PASS
THE COURSE.
There are Physics Tutors available in Faraday East Room 251
Disabilities
If you have specific physical, psychiatric or learning disabilities and require accommodations,
please let me know early in the semester so that your learning needs may be appropriately met.
You will need to provide documentation of your disability to the Center for Access-Ability
Resources (CAAR), located on the 4th floor of the University Health Service, 753-1303.
Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct is defined in the Student Code of Conduct as receipt or transmission of
unauthorized aid on assignments or examinations, plagiarism, unauthorized use of examination
materials, or other forms of dishonesty in academic matters. Sanctions vary; the instructor has the
right to impose sanctions up to assigning a grade of F for the course.
Make life easier on all of us – don’t cheat! If you do, I will not overlook it. If you need help with
anything, please ask.