Syllabus – Fall 2014
Physics 260, University Physics II
Robert N. Oerter
Room 226F, Planetary Hall
993-3011
roerter@gmu.edu
Office Hours:
MWF 12:30-1:20,
T 10:30-11:20
Or by appointment
Course prerequisite: Math 114
Corequisite: Math 213 (Recommended: take Math 213 before taking Phys 260)
Text: University Physics, Thirteenth Edition, by Young and Freedman
Also required: Mastering Physics (online resource, go to masteringphysics.com to purchase or
register)
Course ID for Mastering Physics: OERTER260FALL2014
Tutor: S. Fisher
Tutor Hours: Check www.physics.gmu.edu/undergraduate/tutoring.html for tutoring hours & location.
Week
Read
8/25
9/1
9/8
9/15
9/22
9/29
10/6
10/13
21.1-21.7
22.1-22.5
23.1-23.5
24.1-24.6
25.1-25.5
26.1-26.4
27.1-27.8
28.1-28.8
10/20
10/27
11/3
11/10
11/17
11/24
12/1
29.1-29.8
30.1-30.6
31.1-31.6
15.1-15.8
16.1-16.8
32.1-32.3
Homework on
Mastering Physics
Assignment 21
Assignment 22
Assignment 23
Assignment 24
Assignment 25
Assignment 26
Assignment 27
Assignment 28
Due
Assignment 29
Assignment 30
Assignment 31
Assignment 15
Assignment 16
Assignment 32
Review
10/29
11/5
11/12
11/19
11/26
12/3
9/3
9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
Notes
Exam Date
No Monday classes
Exam 1, Chs. 21-23
Mon. 9/22
Monday classes meet
Tuesday 10/14
Exam 2, Chs. 24-27
Mon. 10/20
Exam 3, Chs. 28-30
Mon. 11/10
No classes W-F
Exam 4, Chs. 15, 16,
31, 32
Final exam,
all chapters
Wed. 12/3
Wed. 12/10,
10:30-1:15
Course Goals: Understand basic concepts of electricity and magnetism. Solve problems using
Coulomb’s Law, Gauss’s Law, and Ampere’s Law. Solve simple circuits involving resistors,
capacitors, inductors, batteries, and AC voltage sources. Understand wave motion and sound
waves. Understand the origin of electromagnetic waves and the electromagnetic spectrum.
Grading:
Grade Scale:
A
B
C
D
F
Midterms
Final Exam
Homework
Recitation
Best 3 of 4@15%
45%
30%
10%
15%
88-100
77-87
66-76
55-65
Below 55
Exams: Exams must be taken in class at the time scheduled, unless other arrangements are made
with the Office of Disability Services. No makeup exams will be given. Students with a valid
excuse for a missed exam may replace that exam with their final exam grade. The fourth midterm
will be given as the first part of the final exam. I will drop your lowest midterm grade (best 3 out
of 4 will count).
Students are required to have a scientific calculator with them in class and for exams. Cell
phones or other wireless devices are not acceptable and may not be used during an exam.
Students may not share calculators during an exam. Headphones, earbuds, etc., may not be worn
during an exam. When the end of the exam is announced by the professor, you must stop writing
immediately. If you do not do so, you will be subject to a 10% grade penalty on the exam. Exams
turned in more than five minutes after the end of the exam is announced, or after the professor has
left the room, will receive no credit.
Exams are closed book and closed notes. A formula sheet will be provided for the final exam
only.
Homework: Homework assignments may be found by going to www.masteringphysics.com and
clicking on the link for our textbook. You will need a Mastering Physics access code which
comes packaged with your book or may be purchased separately. If you already have an access
code from a previous semester, you do not need to purchase a new code (up to two years from
date of purchase). When you register you will create your own username and password. Use the
Course ID at the top of this syllabus, and be sure to use your full name. Input your G number
when asked for your student ID.
For each chapter, there is a practice assignment and one regular homework assignment. The
practice assignment is for extra credit: there is no grade penalty if you do not do it. The regular
homework assignment should be completed by 9:00 AM on the date in the "Due" column. A
grade penalty will be applied for late submissions.
Homework solutions will be posted on the course website after the assignment is due. You will
need the username and password located at the top of this syllabus to view solutions.
Recitation: You must be registered for a recitation for this course as well as the lecture.
Recitation is a required part of the course. Recitations are small group sessions that will
concentrate on learning how to solve homework and exam-type problems. Further information
will be given when your recitation meets for the first time.
Final Grades: Final exams may be viewed at the SPACS office, Planetary Rm 203, after the final
grades have been posted.
Honor Code: Do not use solutions from the instructor’s solution manual or the internet in solving
your homework problems. Use of any solutions other than those available in the bookstore will be
considered a violation of the honor code. Giving or receiving assistance on exams or quizzes, use
of formula sheets on exams or quizzes, sharing calculators, wearing earbuds/headphones or using
a cell phone or other wireless device during exams will be considered a violation of the Honor
Code.
If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see me and
contact the Office of Disability Resources at 703/993-2474. All academic accommodations must
be arranged through that office.