PC 142 – Introductory Physics II – Course Syllabus
Colorado College, Summer Block B, 2012
Nothing is too wonderful to be true if it be consistent with the laws of nature. -Michael Faraday.
This course is the second of a two-part sequence. This second course is primarily the study of optics, classical electricity and
magnetism, and modern physics. (The first course is primarily the study of classical mechanics and thermodynamics.)
Specifically, our studies may be divided into six parts: Optics—introducing wave optics, ray optics, and optical instruments;
Coulomb's Law—introducing the force between electrically-charged particles, electric fields, and electric potential; Direct-Current
Circuits—introducing resistors, capacitors, and inductors, and the principles governing electric voltage and current; Magnetism—
introducing the magnetic force and magnetic field; Electromagnetic Induction and Electromagnetic Waves—introducing the
connection between electricity and magnetism, which is fundamental to the understanding of electromagnetic radiation; Modern
Physics—a survey of the scientific revolutions in the 20th century, including relativity, quantum physics, atomic physics, and nuclear
physics.
Instructors
Antonio Mondragon (Lecture)
email: antonio.mondragon@coloradocollege.edu
Phone: 719-389-6577
Office: 221 Barnes
Dimitri Klebe (Laboratory)
email: dklebe@coloradocollege.edu
Phone: 719-389-6750
Office: 259 Olin
Textbook
The required textbook is College Physics: A Strategic Approach Technology Update (2nd Edition) by Knight, Jones, & Field. You
want a version that does NOT include Mastering Physics (online homework). Here are two choices that are available at the Colorado
College Bookstore: (I have identified the ISBN numbers that do NOT include Mastering Physics.)
1. College Physics: A Strategic Approach Technology Update, Books a la Carte Edition, 2/E (ISBN: 9780321841520).
Suggested retail price is $132.00. This a la carte edition features the exact same content as the traditional textbook, but in a
convenient (and inexpensive) notebook-ready, loose-leaf version—allowing you to take only what you need to class. This
book is for both PC 141 and PC 142.
2. College Physics: A Strategic Approach Technology Update Volume 2 (Chs. 17-30), 2/E (ISBN: 9780321841568). Suggested
retail price is $134.00. This is volume 2 in paperback. This book is for PC 142 only.
Lecture and Laboratory Schedule
The lecture and problem-solving portion of the course will meet every weekday from 9 am until noon unless otherwise noted on the
Course Outline & Schedule. In addition, you will attend laboratory 2 days per week in the afternoon. The laboratory (Olin 263) will
be open from 1 pm to 4:30 pm (or so) on laboratory days. You are required to complete six laboratory practicals in order to pass
the course. See the Laboratory Handout for details. The final exam will be on the 17th class day: Tuesday, July 10, 8 am-12 pm.
Reading & Homework Assignments
Reading and homework problems are assigned each day. Reading ahead is encouraged whenever possible. Textbook Problems (P)
are required but not collected. Textbook Conceptual Questions (CQ), Multiple-Choice Problems (MC), and Passage Problems (PP)
are due daily at the beginning of class. The textbook contains several example exercises integrated into each chapter; Be sure to
understand all of these exercises while reading each chapter. Homework assignments and due dates are specified on the Course
Outline & Schedule. It is essential that you present your work clearly. If the grader cannot read or understand your explanations, you
will not be given full credit. Homework solutions will be posted on PROWL prior to each exam.
Web Resources
The course website is the place to look for the most up-to-date version of the Course Outline & Schedule, homework solutions, class
handouts, and other resources. Please enroll at https://prowl.coloradocollege.edu. Login using your normal CC network/email
username and password, find our course, enter the following enrollment “key” at the first access enrollment page: maxwell.
Exams, Worksheets, and Quizzes
There will be two Midterm Exams and a Final Exam. All exams will be cumulative; however, each will emphasize the material
immediately preceding it. You receive credit for learning on the midterm exams; if your final exam score is higher than either or
both of your previous midterm exam scores, we will replace those scores with your final exam score. There are no makeup
exams. You will receive a score of zero for any missed exams and your final exam score will then replace that exam score. If you
miss the final exam, you will fail the course. Requests to reschedule the time you take an exam must be made well in advance and
will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Generally, if your request to reschedule the exam is granted, you will not have access to a
professor while you take the exam.
In addition to the three cumulative exams, there will also be Worksheets and Quizzes to complete during class. These will be group or
individual efforts and will generally be unannounced. Class attendance is required; There are no makeups for group assignments.
Tutoring Services
Tutors are available at the QRC (Learning Commons, Tutt library). The QRC Tutor Schedule will be posted on our PROWL page as
soon as it is available. You are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this free resource.
Disability Services
If you have a disability and require accommodations for this course, please speak with the instructors as soon as possible so that your
needs may be appropriately met. If you have not already done so, register with Disability Services (Learning Commons at Tutt
Library, Room 152, 227-8285). This office is responsible for coordinating accommodations and services for students with disabilities.
Course Grades
Grades will be based on three major Exams-80%, Daily Homework-10%, and Worksheets & Quizzes-10%, as outlined in the table
below. In addition, you are required to complete Six Laboratory Practicals in order to pass the course.
Exam I
(Monday, June 25, 9 am - Noon)
25%
Exam II
(Monday, July 2, 9 am - Noon)
25%
Final Exam (Tuesday, July 10, 8 am - Noon)*
30%
Daily Homework (CQ, MC, & PP)
10%
Worksheets & Quizzes
10%
* The Final Exam begins one hour earlier than all previous exams and class meetings.