Physics 4A
Spring 2010
Foothill College
Course Syllabus
Physics 4A-02 MW 5.30PM-7.50PM in 5001
Instructor:
Email:
Class Website:
Office Hour
Anita Fors
forsanita@foothill.edu
http://www.foothill.edu/staff/staff.php?s=1&rec_id=1532
TBD
Required Text & Materials:
1. University Physics, 12th Edition, Young & Freedman
2. Scientific Calculator (Not a graphing calculator)
3. 2 lab books
Optional Materials:
Mastering Physics Website Access – Comes free with new textbook or purchase
separately.
Course Objectives:
You will be expected to have gained a thorough understanding of the material
presented to you by attending all lectures, participating, reading assigned material,
working homework problems, and asking lots of questions. A memorization
approach to physics will not work – you are expected to apply the fundamental
principles learned to solve new problems and communicate technical information
in an organized manner.
In addition, I hope you come away from the class with an appreciation of physics
and the inclination to question the world around you.
Course Content: Chapters 1 – 13 in University Physics
Course Grade:
Your final grade will be based on the total number of points you receive for the
following:
Item
Laboratory
Online Homework*
Exam #1
Exam #2
Exam #3
Exam #4
Final Exam
Percentage (with
online homework*)
14%
5%*
12%
12%
12%
12%
33%
1
Points (with online Points without
homework)
online homework
140
140
50*
0
120
120
120
120
330
120
120
120
120
330
1000
950
Physics 4A
Spring 2010
Foothill College
Make up policy: There are NO make-ups. ONE excused absence from a midterm
will be replaced with your score on the final exam. An excused absence must be
supported by documentation (jury duty notice, note from doctor, police report).
A missed quiz or exam results in a zero for that test.
Your lowest exam score will be replaced with your final exam score, if it helps you.
Your total grade will be either out of 950 or 1000 points (online homework). I will
use the option that gives you a higher percentage grade.
Absence from the final exam means a grade of F in the class. Note that the final
exam is comprehensive (covers all material).
I may adjust the curve based on the class results. However, I strive for:
A+: >98%
B+: 88-89%
C+: 78-79%
A: 93-97%
B: 83-87%
C: 70-77%
A-: 90-92%
B-: 80-82%
D: 60-69%
F: <60%
IMPORTANT – To pass the class you need to pass the lab. 60% is considered passing for the lab
Attendance:
You are responsible for everything that takes place in class including new
assignments, assignment changes, and schedule changes.
Regular attendance is highly recommended.
Homework:
Homework will be assigned for every chapter and every week.
Working problems is the best way to learn the material in a physics course. Do
the homework religiously and don't get behind! Work with other students and
see your instructor frequently - don't be afraid to ask for help.
Exams:
Several one hour exams will be given throughout the course. A comprehensive
final exam will be given and the end of the course. Your lowest exam score will be
replaced with your final exam score if it helps your overall grade.
All are closed book and no notes. I will provide you with a formula sheet that you
also will be able to see ahead of time. The Final is cumulative and covers all
chapters in the course.
Laboratory:
Laboratories will be a continuation of material covered in lecture. They are hands
on, exploratory exercises, done in small groups. See your lab instructor for
details, but grades may be based on participation, quizzes, results, and written
reports. Note: you must pass the laboratory to pass the class. You must be
present to collect your own data, even if you have taken the lab previously.
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Physics 4A
Cheating:
Spring 2010
Foothill College
According to college rules, cheating will result in severe punishment. A score of
zero will be give on any assignment/test where cheating is involved. Any cheating
will also result in a referral to college administration. For this class cheating
means: (1) providing to other students answers or partial answers to quiz and
exam questions, (2) obtaining from other students answers or partial answers to
quiz and exam questions, and (3) obtaining information or direct answers from
unauthorized materials during quizzes and exams. Students who need help in
understanding quiz and exam questions should consult with me to avoid the
appearance of cheating.
Please note that you are encouraged to work with your fellow students on
homework assignments and you may use any materials you need to do the
homework. I also reserve the right to have “closed calculator” quizzes and exams.
A calculator is the only electronic device you may use on a quiz or exam. No
bathroom breaks during the exams. If you leave the classroom you are done.
Conduct:
1. Come to class on time, having read the required materials
2. Do not disturb the class with talking or other disruptive behavior
3. Participate in class discussions and ask questions when you do not understand something
4. Work together on homework and individually on quizzes and exams
5. Turn off cell phones during class
Dropping:
It is the student’s responsibility to drop if they no longer want to take the class. I
will not drop a student for non-attendance, nor will I use an “instructor’s drop” if a
student has missed a deadline.
Disability Statement:
Any student who feels he or she may need an accommodation based on the
impact of a disability should contact me privately to discuss your specific needs. I
will work with the Disability Resource Center to coordinate reasonable
accommodations for students with documented disabilities. For best results this
should be addressed as soon as possible.
Disclaimer:
This course syllabus does not replace the college catalog and the official course
outline as the legal description for this course. This syllabus is only a tool that is
being provided by me to assist in your success of this course.
I will make myself available as much as possible for those that need extra help. I know that you can all
be successful in this course if you attend lectures, work homework problems, participate strongly in
class, work additional problems, see your instructor if you need extra help, and work more problems.
I am looking forward to a great quarter!
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Physics 4A
Spring 2010
Foothill College
Tentative schedule
Day
Date
Chapter
Exams and Homework
Mon
Wed
Fri
Apr 5
Apr 7
1. Units Physical Quantities and Vectors
2. Motion Along a Straight Line
Mon
Wed
Fri
Apr 12
Apr 14
Mon
Wed
Fri
Apr 19
Apr 21
5. Applying Newton’s Laws,
5. Applying Newton’s Laws,
Mon
Wed
Fri
Apr 26
Apr 28
Apr 30
5. Applying N / 6. Work and Kinetic E
6. Work and Kinetic Energy
4/30 last day to drop
Mon
Wed
Fri
May 3
May 5
6. W & KE / 7. Potential Energy, E Consrv.
Mon
Wed
Fri
May 10
May 12
7. Potential Energy and Energy
Conservation,
8. Momentum, Impulse, and Collisions
Mon
Wed
Fri
May 17
May 19
Mon
Wed
Fri
May 24
May 26
May 28
9. Rotation of Rigid Bodies
10. Dynamics of Rotational Motion
5/28 Last day for "W"
Mon
Wed
Fri
May 31
Jun 2
HOLIDAY NO CLASS
10. Dynamics of Rotational Motion
Mon
Wed
Fri
Jun 7
Jun 9
10. Dyn of Rot. Motion / 12. Gravitation
12. Gravitation
Mon
Wed
Fri
Jun 14
Jun 16
Mon
Jun 21
Wed
Jun 23
Lab
Lab1
Hwrk ch 1&2 due
3. Motion in Two or Three Dimensions.
4. Newton’s Laws of Motion
Lab 2
Hwrk ch 3&4 due
Lab3
Exam #1: Ch 1-4
Hwrk ch 5a due
7. Potential Energy and Energy Conserv
Lab 4
Homework ch 5b
Lab 5
Exam #2: Ch 1-6
Hwrk ch 6 due
Lab 6
Hwrk ch 7 due
Lab 7
8. Momentum, Impulse, and Collisions
9. Rotation of Rigid Bodies
Hwrk ch 8 due
Lab 8
Exam #3: Ch 5-9
Hwrk ch 9 due
Homework ch10
Lab 9
Hwrk ch 10 & 12
13. Periodic Motion
13. Periodic Motion
Lab 10
Hwrk ch 12 & 13 due
Exam #4: Ch 10-13
Short Review
Final Exam, 5.30PM-7.30PM
Schedule is subject to change.
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Ch 1-13