Physics 201 Syllabus
Fall 2016
Prof. Collins
Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (Phys 201, section 02)
Syllabus
Physics 201 provides an introduction to mechanics (how things move and what causes them to
move), vibrations and waves, and thermodynamics (how energy flows and work is done).
Properties of materials and fluids will also be covered. Electricity and magnetism , and optics, will
be considered separately in Phys 202, and quantum physics and relativity in Phys 303-304.
Calculus will be used, but not extensively in Phys 201. Math 171 with grade of C or better is a
prerequisite, or placement in Math 172 or higher. We will cover chapters 1-21 of Randall Knight’s
text (4th edition).
Expected outcomes
By the end of the course you should have achieved a sound understanding of kinematics (motion,
position, velocity, acceleration), dynamics (force, work, energy), rotational motion and dynamics,
waves and oscillations, fluids, and thermodynamics. You will learn how to think critically about
physical problems by approaching them using a general four-step procedure: (1) identify an
appropriate model or context, (2) visualize the problem, (3) apply physical laws and principles to
arrive at a solution, and, finally, (4) assess the result. By the end of the semester you will be able
to analyze a broad range of physical problems that affect us as individuals and the society at large.
General information
Instructor:
Professor Gary S. Collins, office Webster 554, 335-1354.
Class hours:
TTh, 14:50-16:05, Webster Physical Sciences 16 (also known as B16).
Office hours:
right after class, by appointment, or whenever my office door is open.
Problem solving sessions (optional): Tuesdays, 17:00-18:00, Webster 16.
My email:
collins@wsu.edu (include “201 …” at the beginning of the subject line).
Required text:
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach,
Randall Knight (Pearson, 4th edition, 2013, chap 1-21); any version OK
that includes chapters 1-21; the "fat" version that includes chapters 1-35
also can be used next spring in Physics 202).
Blackboard course page: link from http://learn.wsu.edu to the course page for Physics-201. The
blackboard page will have links to course material such as classroom
powerpoints, worksheets completed in class, and homework and exam
solutions.
MasteringPhysics:
MasteringPhysics (MP) is required for homework. You will connect to it
through Blackboard. there is a special ModifiedMasteringPhysics access
kit for WSU; purchase solely from the Bookie, Crimson and Grey, or
online from Pearson, or else it may not work!
Enter your WSU student number when you enroll in MasteringPhysics.
Public home page:
http://www.wsu.edu/~collins/201
Syllabus:
http://www.wsu.edu/~collins/201/syllabus.pdf (remember to reload!)
Schedule:
http://www.wsu.edu/~collins/201/schedule.pdf (lecture topics and labs).
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Physics 201 Syllabus
Fall 2016
Prof. Collins
Course format and grading
Grading
The course grade will be based on homework and three hour exams, the laboratory, and a final
exam. See the absolute grading scale below. Exams will be closed-book; however, I will provide
an equation sheet ahead of each exam that will also appear on the exam to help you prepare for the
exam. (The equation sheet is a guide, it will not include every equation you might need to use.)
Contributions to your final grade
Homework + Hour Exams
45%
Laboratory
25%
Final exam
30%
Grading scale (with pluses and minuses)
A
85-100 %
B
70-85 %
C
55-70 %
D
45-55 %
Class format
In class you will be introduced to new topics, shown physics demonstrations, shown the kinds of
problems that one can solve and how to approach them, see problems from a workbook worked
through, and practice solving other problems in small groups. Generally, problems will be more
qualitative in class and more quantitative in the homework.
Homework
Homework will be assigned for each chapter and graded online. Due dates will be given on the
MP Course Schedule and will normally be one week following presentation of new material in
class. Assignments should be completed by the start of class time Attend to homework
deadlines! Late homework gets no credit! Homework is scored uniformly at 1 point per problem.
Exams
Exam problems will generally be similar to homework problems, sample problems in the text, and
workbook exercises. Three hour exams are scheduled. NO make-up exams will be given. A
missed exam counts as a 0 grade (zero). However, your lowest hour exam grade will be replaced
by a greater cumulative homework score at the end of the semester. Thus, in addition to testing
your understanding of the subject and helping you to prepare for exams, a good homework grade
provides "insurance" against a low exam grade. The final exam will be Thursday, December 15,
10:10-13:00, in the usual classroom, Webster 16. You should bring a scientific calculator and
writing implements to each exam. With my prior approval, non-native English-speaking students
may also bring an electronic dictionary to exams.
Laboratory
Attendance in the laboratory is mandatory. Deficient performance (defined as less than 50%) in the
laboratory will result in a failing grade for the entire course. The lab manual and lots of useful
information can be accessed from the web site for Physics-201 labs at
http://hub.wsu.edu/physlabs/physics-201/. For details on laboratory grading refer to the Physics
Lab Syllabus in the lab manual. Paper copies of the lab manual will be distributed to students
during the first lab session, but you will need to bring your own lab notebook with carbonless
copies. They may be purchased at the Bookie or online. Physics 201 laboratories will begin
meeting the first week of classes, beginning August 23. The last regular laboratory exercises
will be during the week of November 28, the week before Closed Week. All laboratory work
must be completed and submitted before 5 PM the Monday of Closed Week, December 5.
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Physics 201 Syllabus
Fall 2016
Prof. Collins
The lab exam will be administered during Closed Week, during your regular lab session.
I will orient you to upcoming laboratories each week, but grading of labs is completely
independent of the lecture component of the course! Questions about lab procedures and grading
should be directed to your laboratory teaching assistant or to Dr. Stephen Langford, Director of
Laboratories, Webster 328, 335-3398. A different grading scale is used in the labs (e.g., 80-90=
"B"), so that your final lab grade will be converted to the scale used for the lecture part of the
course before computing your final grade.
Tips for doing well
Read “Preface to the Student” in the textbook.
Attend classes and ask questions. Follow workbook solutions in class and review them (solutions
will be posted).
Read ahead each day. Frame questions from your readings.
Do the homework. Get smart! Students who try to get by without doing homework are very likely
to fail the course. Keeping up with homework helps you practice what you are learning. It is also
"insurance" against a low exam grade. Expect to devote 2-4 hours of effort to complete homework
for each chapter.
Study with fellow students. It is great to discuss approaches to solving homework problems with
your peers. However, submitted homework and exam solutions must be entirely your own. Any
kind of cheating will have serious consequences.
Attend optional problem solving sessions on Tuesdays at 17:00.
Meet with me. Don’t hesitate to contact me with questions or to seek help. To get the most
effective help, make a list ahead of time of items you don’t understand. It`s my job to help you!
Free tutoring is expected to be available starting in a week or two. Private tutoring can also be
arranged by contacting the Physics Department office in Web room 1243.
Other resources. Check out the great tutorial videos at Khan’s Academy:
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics.
Two notes about learning physics
(1) Before they study physics, many students have incorrect ideas about how the world works. In
the course of your study, you may need to “unlearn” incorrect thinking as much as you learn to
apply the laws of physics correctly. For example, a common misconception is that if no force is
acting on a moving object, it will slow down and stop. A more correct understanding will come
through proper application of Newton’s three laws of mechanics. I will help you address such
misconceptions.
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Physics 201 Syllabus
Fall 2016
Prof. Collins
(2) Several centuries ago, physics was called "natural philosophy". That is because one applies
scientific principles or laws in a logical way to understand and explain natural phenomena. More
than in most disciplines, physics builds on a foundation of basic principles. It is important to
understand and know how to interpret the basic principles. Students who do not achieve a good
understanding of the basics very often get quickly lost and overwhelmed as the course progresses.
Keep up!
Important fine print to read
Academic Integrity: Academic dishonesty, including all forms of cheating, plagiarism, and
fabrication, is prohibited. Violations of the academic standards for the lecture or lab, or the
Washington
Administrative
Code
on
academic
integrity
(apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=504-26), may result in a failing grade for the course.
Incidents of academic dishonesty will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct. A faculty
member’s decision relating to academic integrity may be appealed by completing the form
at conduct.wsu.edu.
Disability Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations are available for students with
documented disabilities. If you have a disability and need accommodation to fully participate in
the lecture or lab, contact the Access Center (Phone: 335-3417, E-mail: access.center@wsu.edu,
URL: accesscenter.wsu.edu) to schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor. All
accommodations must be approved through the Access Center. Both your lecture instructor and the
lab director must be notified of approved accommodations during the first week of lecture.
Accommodations might not be available if requested later.
Campus Safety: Students and staff are expected to be familiar with emergency procedures.
General information on campus safety is posted at safetyplan.wsu.edu. Information on how to
prepare for specific emergencies can be found at oem.wsu.edu. Weather warnings and safety alerts
are posted promptly at alert.wsu.edu. Urgent warnings that apply to the entire University
community will also be broadcast using the Campus Outdoor Warning System (speakers mounted
on Holland Library and other buildings) and the Crisis Communication System (e-mail, phone, cell
phone). It is important to keep your emergency contact information up to date in MyWSU. To
enter or update this information, click on the “Update Now!” link in the “Pullman Emergency
Information” box on your MyWSU home page, at my.wsu.edu.
An Emergency Guide is posted near each exit of each lecture room. If faced with an emergency,
follow the “Alert, Assess, Act,” protocol: Remain ALERT (through direct observation or
emergency notification), ASSESS your specific situation, and ACT to ensure your own safety and
the safety of those around you. In case of fire, leave the building, using the stairs if necessary; do
not use the elevators. If the emergency involves an active shooter, your options are to RUN, HIDE,
or FIGHT (oem.wsu.edu/emergency-procedures/active-shooter). Each door in the lecture and lab
rooms can be locked from the inside in case of a lock down.
Syllabus subject to change.
Gary S. Collins, August 21, 2016
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