Physics 111
College Physics
Class Meetings:
winter 2006
Instructor: Antonia Bennie-George,
Phone: 833-9111 extension 4772
Or Voice mail extension 4578
Office hours: T, Th at 10:35 AM, Office SMT 229A
email: abennie-george@greenriver.edu
Section A:
9:00 – 10:30 AM
9:00 – 10:30 AM
SMT231
SMT225
T,F
M,Th
In this quarter of physics we begin with a brief review of work and energy concepts. Then we will
study states of matter, thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism. We will use traditional and
non-traditional approaches.
Prerequisites and Textbooks:
Intermediate Algebra and rudimentary trigonometry are required for this course. You should be
familiar with symbolic manipulation to solve equations and should be able to solve systems of
equations. You must have a scientific calculator and be able to use it.
The required text is Physics by Cutnell and Johnson (6th edition). We will also use excerpts from
the Tutorials in Introductory Physics by McDermott, et al, and the Active Learning Materials For
The Introductory Physics Classroom by Clay, et al.. The text, tutorials, and active learning
materials emphasize a conceptual approach to physics and will be supplemented with class handouts
and laboratory exercises. Students should realize that a single textbook does not make a course
and other reference material should be used to gain further insight. There are several
textbooks in SMT230 that are available for student use. Note, however, that supplemental reading
on its own may not increase your understanding of physics. Education research has shown that the
more time students spend doing more problems and activities and discussing points that are
confusing with other students, the better they do overall in physics courses. The key to your
success this quarter is the person sitting next to you.
Goals and Course Objectives:
Green River Community College has identified several educational objectives for all courses and all
students on campus. The main areas are: Critical Thinking, Quantitative Reasoning, Responsibility,
and Written Communication. The objectives of this course include these campus-wide objectives
which will be directly and indirectly assessed.
A. Quantitative Reasoning/Problem Solving
Mathematical skills will include the use of graphical analysis, algebra, trigonometry, vector
addition and subtraction, order of magnitude estimations for checking approximate
magnitude of quantities and/or checking the reasonableness of laboratory measurements or
computations. Students will learn to represent problem situations and data pictorially,
graphically and symbolically, and to draw quantitative and qualitative inferences consistent
Physics 111
winter 2006
with the data. You will not just learn about physics, but will learn how to do physics.
Assessment will be by exam and homework completion.
B. Qualitative Reasoning / Critical Thinking
Given a problem, you should be able to restate the problem in your own words, sort the
relevant data from the irrelevant data and recognize the inferred data, separate your
preconceptions or biases from the analysis, identify relevant concepts applicable to the
problem, and make plausible inferences, predictions or interpretations. Recognize the
misuse or misapplication of physics to non-physical situations. Carefully conduct each
experiment to test a hypothesis or answer a question. Recognize analogous situations and
transfer insights to new contexts. Assessment will be through in class exercises.
C. Communication Skills
Everyone taking this course is embarking on some field of study that will require problem
solving. It is incumbent that he/she be able to communicate the results of their analyses in
both written and oral form. Assignments that are primarily writing, such as laboratory
reports, will receive a grade based upon content (the physics) and presentation (grammar,
spelling, etc.). The reports must follow acceptable standards of writing technical reports and
will be composed of complete coherent sentences that convey the writer's thinking regarding
the topic of interest. Students will be expected to present problem solutions orally using a
white board and student teams may be asked to give an oral presentation of experimental
results.
D. Responsibility
All students are responsible for doing their own work and although it may be tempting to
allow others to do most of the work, successful students are those who actively participate
in class activities. Responsibility is the ability and willingness to control something.
Responsibility is demonstrated and assessed by attendance and the timely completion of
assignments. Responsibility is further demonstrated by tolerance of others’ choices,
lifestyles, and cultural backgrounds.
Course Organization:
Lecture:
Learning physics requires active participation it does not occur by osmosis, divine
revelation, or memorization of notes and formulas. Class attendance and participation is
expected. Develop the habit of asking questions, or making notes of points you need
clarification on. If there are no questions from the class we will proceed to cover new
material. Evaluation will be based upon skill developing exercises and problems from the
text book used as in-class and take home activities. A 0 to 10 evaluation scale will be used
for each exercise. (0 = no attempt; 2 = minimal evidence of analysis or entirely incorrect
approach; 4 = a correct start to answering the question, but significant error was introduced
into the solution; 8 = basically correct method of solution used with a minor error such as
units, sign, etc.; 10 = excellent approach, entirely correct solution.)
Laboratory: Lab is an integral part of the course. The experiments are designed to illustrate the
concepts being studied and to help students clarify their ideas. Lab reports (or technical
summaries) will typically be due the week following the completion of the experiment.
Physics 111
winter 2006
Laboratory reports will not be accepted after their due date. There will be one
laboratory period almost every week and they will take the entire class period. Some
experiments may take more than one class period to complete. Attendance is critical, you
have responsibilities to your working group and you are responsible for all work covered.
Labs are impossible to make up as equipment may not be available. Evaluation of the lab
reports will be on a 0 to 20 scale. Grades below 10.0 will require a rewrite be submitted.
Those between 10.1 and 15.5 will be urged to submit a rewritten paper. Grades between
15.5 and 18.0 will contain a few minor errors of grammar, spelling, conceptual significance.
Such scores represent "average" student performance. Scores between 18.1 and 19.0
represent above average papers and will contain very few errors. Scores above 19.0
represent excellent written presentations.
Quizzes and Exams: Several quizzes will be given during the quarter on a nearly weekly basis. A
mid-term and final exam will also be given. Dates for all exams will be announced ahead of
time. Dates for quizzes may be announced ahead of time but it is best to be prepared for
each class as if a quiz is a possibility. There will be no make-up for missed scheduled
exams or quizzes except under extraordinary circumstances. If a student has a compelling
scheduling conflict, the student must notify the instructor in advance. In some cases it may
be possible to make special arrangements.
Homework: Problem sets will be assigned during the quarter. You are not required to do your
homework individually; in fact, I encourage you to work together, however this does not
mean copying someone else’s work. Indications of plagarism will result in no credit for the
suspected parties. Homework and take-home assignments must be submitted at the
beginning of the period on the due date. Late homework papers are not accepted so turn
in whatever you have completed or attempted of the homework assignment on the due date.
Grading Policy:
Your grade in this course will be based on the following components.
Mid-term ----------------------------- 15%
Final exam ---------------------------- 15%
Quizzes ------------------------------- 25%
Homework* -------------------------- 20%
* includes in-class work
Lab work **--------------------------- 25%
** includes tutorials
To determine your final grade the weighted percentage of the total possible points will be
computed using the fractions shown above. The total weighted percentage will be scaled to
a 0.0 to 4.0 system using the scheme shown in the table on the last page.
“Guests” in the Classroom:
Due to GRCC policy, no one who is not either registered for the class or an employee of
GRCC will be allowed in the classroom during lecture or laboratory periods. This includes
children, friends, visiting students, and prospective students. Exceptions will be made in the
cases of students who require the assistance of others for the completion of essential
classroom tasks or for students who are registered for another section of Physics but have
made special arrangements with their instructors to attend at a special time.
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Outside Help:
Physics students are encouraged to make use of tutoring services should they find the need
for outside help. Physics help may be found in the tutoring center on the second floor of the
Holman Library. Students who have trouble with the mathematics associated with their
physics work may find additional help in the Math Learning Center (SMT 355). Physics
tutors may also be available in the Math Learning Center. As always your classmates can be
a valuable source of help and support.
Class Breaks and Interruptions:
Official class breaks are required for all class periods of length two hours or longer. Since
this class meets for less than two hours at a time, we will not be having official class breaks.
However, if you need to leave the classroom, stretch, or take a break, please do so. This is
better than falling asleep during class or fidgeting and disturbing others in the class. Note:
GRCC policy prohibits the answering of pagers and cellular phones during class periods.
Discipline:
Disruptions: In accordance with GRCC policy, students who disrupt the academic
atmosphere of the class will be asked to leave and will be referred to an academic dean for
further action. Disruptions of academic atmosphere include any behavior that interferes
with ability of faculty or other students to perform the work necessary for this class.
Comments, discussions, or actions of a racist, sexist, or otherwise degrading nature will
absolutely not be tolerated.
Cheating: Students who are caught cheating will similarly be referred to an
academic dean for further discipline. The results of this discipline can range from failing the
assignment in question to failure of the class and probation or expulsion from GRCC. Some
students cheat and many of them do not get caught. However, those that do are in universal
agreement: cheating is not worth the risk.
Special Needs:
If you believe you qualify for course adaptations or special accommodations under the
Americans with Disabilities Act, it is your responsibility to contact the Disabled Students
Services Coordinator in the LSC and provide the appropriate documentation. If you have
already documented a disability or other condition which would qualify you for special
accommodations, or if you have emergency medical information or special needs that I should
know about, please notify me during the first week of class. You can reach me by phone at
253-833-9111, extension 4772. Or you can schedule an office appointment to meet me in the
SMT Building, room 229A during posted office hours or at another mutually determined time.
If this location is not convenient for you, we will schedule an alternative place for the meeting.
If you use an alternative medium for communicating, let me know well in advance of the
meeting (at least one week) so that appropriate accommodations can be arranged.
Carpe Diem ! Carpe Diem ! Carpe Diem ! Carpe Diem ! Carpe Diem !
If you have any questions about the course or the assignments; or have any problems with due dates
or your grade; or just want to talk, please come and see me. Do not put it off, do not get behind.
Physics 111
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Grading Table
%
Grade
95 +
94
4.0
3.9
A
93
92
91
90
3.8
3.7
3.6
3.5
A-
89
88
87
3.4
3.3
3.2
B+
86
85
84
3.1
3.0
2.9
B
83
82
81
80
2.8
2.7
2.6
2.5
B-
79
78
77
2.4
2.3
2.2
C+
Dates to note:
%
Grade
75 - 76
73 - 74
71 - 72
2.1
2.0
1.9
C
70
69
68
67
1.8
1.7
1.6
1.5
C-
66
65
64
1.4
1.3
1.2
D+
63
62
61
1.1
1.0
0.9
D
60
59
0.8
0.7
D-
%
50 - 58
40 - 49
31 - 39
24 - 30
16 - 23
8 - 15
0-7
Grade
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
Study Day is March 17th, the Final Exam is March 20th from 8:00 am
to 10:00 am.
To switch to Pass/Non-Credit option you must file a petition with
Enrollment Services by February 24, 2006.
F
Physics 111
winter 2006
Syllabus Quiz (due Friday)
NAME: _______________________________ (please print)
PHYSICS 111 Section: ________
Instructions: Read the syllabus, answer the questions below, and sign the form at the bottom
indicating that you have read the syllabus. Return this form to the instructor on Thursday.
When are the meeting times for Physics 111 A?
When are Antonia Bennie-George’s office hours and where is her office located?
When are homework assignments due?
What is the maximum a grade a student can achieve if they decide to not do the homework?
When is the deadline for applying for a Pass/No credit grade? (Check the quarterly schedule.)
I have read the syllabus for Physics 111.
Signed,
________________________________
(Signature of Student)
__________________
(Date)
Physics 111
winter 2006
Understanding of Student Responsibility
As a student at Green River Community College, I understand that I have a responsibility for my
own learning and for the ability of my classmates learning. I have read the course syllabus and I
agree that I will follow the following guidelines:
Personal Responsibility:
____1. I will show self-discipline by managing my time well. I will come to class prepared each
day and observe class rules as outlined in the syllabus.
____2. I will show my dependability by attending at least 95% of the class sessions, being prepared
to learn and turning in assignments on time.
____3. I will show integrity by doing my own work and contributing appropriately in group
activities. I will be aware of how my own behavior affects others in my class, and will refrain from
behaviors that distract from the learning environment.
____4. I will show my initiative by making independent decisions, notifying my instructor of
special needs, and adhering to the standards of the class as set forth in the syllabus. I am aware of
learning resources available on campus such as the Math Learning Center and the Student Learning
Services. If I need additional help in this class, I will seek the instructor or other resources.
____5. I will be tolerant of others and keep an open mind.
Group Responsibility:
____1. While in class or in a small group, I will actively and appropriately interact with others.
____2. I will share my knowledge and expertise with others while listening to and learning from
others in the group.
____3. I will respect each and every member of the group. I will offer constructive critiques of any
work being done rather than criticizing group members.
____4. I will exercise cultural sensitivity and openness to culturally pluralistic perspectives.
____5. I will contribute appropriately in collaborative tasks with an understanding of the
commitment involved in any group activity such as out-of-class projects.
____6. I will discover the best means of my contribution to the group (including my individual
learning style, balance of power, and my role within the group), while taking on the group role that
best suits that means.
Signed:_________________________________ Date:____________