Physics 101/102 Introduction to Physics Spring 2012
TTh 09:30p.m. – 10:50p.m. NS-255 - Lecture
Th 1:00p.m. – 3:50p.m. - Laboratory
This course fulfills the general education requirement for a physical science with laboratory (101) or without laboratory (102) at most colleges and universities.
Instructor : Dr. Perry Snyder
Email: psnyder@palomar.edu
Web: http://daphne.palomar.edu/psnyder
Most frequent work areas: NS-256, NS-255B
Office Hours : Palomar provides no more than one office hour total for the semester for the students in this class. However, I will usually be available in room NS-256 or NS-255B for out-of-class assistance between
11:00am and 1:00pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and at other times by arrangement when needed.
Text : The Physics of Everyday Phenomena: A Conceptual Introduction to Physics, Seventh Edition,
Griffith and Brosing, 2011
Prerequisites : MATH 50 or one year of high school Algebra (or instructor approval)
Lecture : 3 hours per week (Physics 101 and 102)
Laboratory : 3 hours per week (Physics 101)
Student Learning Outcomes
Student learning outcomes are general skills, knowledge, or masteries which students are expected to have after completing a course or program of study. The faculty responsible for a course or program get together and decide what overall qualities or abilities a successful student should have after completing a course or program; those become the student learning outcomes. Faculty do assess their outcomes; that is, they find a way to determine if their students are achieving those desired outcomes.
However, these assessments are not at all part of the students' grades in the courses.
Synthesize an experiment which might require current technology or computational problem identifying the independent, dependent and outside variables of the situation. Apply this knowledge and be able to evaluate information obtained scientifically.
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Understand and apply the Scientific Method in lecture class (101/102) and lab class (101) with application of these principles to analysis of experimental results.

Demonstrate a general conceptual understanding of introductory physics which is intended for students who are not majoring in science, engineering, or related fields.

Identify, analyze, and explain various physics concepts and principles and apply these concepts and principles, particularly with respect to common everyday observed events.

Analyze and solve selected physics problems using sound physics reasoning along with simple analytic techniques.
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Attendance:
Even though students are not dropped automatically, because of state law, students must be “dropped” for excessive absence.
If you miss 3 classes in a row, you will be on notice for potential drop and if you miss any 5 classes, you must drop the course, or receive an F. A sign-in sheet or equivalent will be used at each class session and each student is responsible to sign in. If you are having difficulties with attending please talk with me about it. I can be understanding if I know ahead of time.
Only those enrolled in the class are permitted in the California Community College classroom. If you desire to bring a guest, please clear it with me beforehand.
Occasional need for early departure or late arrival is understood, but the courtesy of forewarning the instructor is expected. Such things as cellular telephones or pagers shall be "adjusted" with consideration for others.
Although in-class "discussion groups" may be assigned from time to time, private "discussion groups" or conversations will be at a minimum. If you miss a point in lecture raise your hand and ask about it - DO NOT interrupt others around you with questions. Also, take advantage of the out-of-class availability of the instructor.
Homework:
Homework will be suggested but will be neither collected nor graded. The source of homework questions will be from our text, from other texts and from just about anywhere good questions regarding the concepts of physics can be found. In class questions regarding the homework will be addressed at the first of each class period and possibly within a supplemental instruction session some time during the week. Because I do not use everyone’s class time to re-lecture, we will not consider questions during class time that you may have missed due to absence. If you must be absent, make arrangements to get the lecture notes from another student. If you can’t do that and you need assistance, work with me during my out-of-class time.
Do not misunderstand the importance of homework as these assignments will help you understand the methods and rules necessary to be successful on exams and quizzes.
Exams:
As many as three midterm exams will be given at announced intervals during the semester. Without demonstrated justification, “after-the-fact” make-up exams are not permitted. Arrangements for modified exam schedule must be made a reasonable time period before the exam schedule date. Each exam will be normalized to be 100 raw points. A typical grading Scale for the raw points:
85 - 100 A
75 - 84 B
60 - 74 C
50 - 59 D
49 - below F
Final Exam:
The final exam will be comprehensive , and will count as two midterm exam scores. You are required to take the final exam at the time it is scheduled. Failure to take the final exam will result in a zero score. The final exam date is found in the class schedule.
Quizzes:
Quizzes will be given often (as much as or more than once a week) and will most often b e the “pop quiz” type.
Quizzes will cover recent and “look ahead” topics, and each quiz will be normalized to a 10-point scale. Many quizzes will be at the start of the class period and will last from five (5) minutes to fifteen (10) minutes at most
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with the time limit for each quiz announced at the start of the quiz. When the quiz time is over, it's over! There will be no "extra time" for tardy arrival or slow effort. If you arrive after the quiz is finished, you will not be permitted to take the quiz. Quizzes will be completed with NO SCRATCH OUTS . Use of pencils and erasers is a good idea. Most quizzes will be closed notes. No makeup quizzes will be given - period! Not an option!
So don't ask . One of the major activities within this class wil l focus on “group efforts” where white boards and possibly “clickers” will be used by the students. Some of these efforts may possibly involve quizzes.
Special Assignment:
An out of class assignment involving an observational activity with specific reporting requirements will be made.
The activity will be discussed and monitored throughout the semester. The activity concerns observation of the normal sunset. Details will be presented as necessary. This out of class activity will be graded as 50 points. A completed and submitted Sunset Report will be required before a passing grade will be assigned for the course.
Special Note: All material submitted for grading purposes (Quizzes, Exams, Special assignments, etc.) must be of College Level Quality . Messy and sloppy work will be rejected.
And NO SCRATCHOUTS . Students are encouraged to procure a stapler as turn-ins with folded corners will not be accepted and such work will be returned with zero credit.
Grading:
In order to pass this class, you must perform to a certain level. Grading will generally not be based on a “curve” for this individual class. The goal is to insure that students will meet the objectives and that you are adequately prepared for on-going course work. Grades will be based on the following system:
3 midterm exams (100 points each, one will be thrown out) 200
Best 10 quiz scores (10 points each) 100
Final Exam (comprehensive) 200
Sunset Report 50
final lecture grade 550 (basis for 102 grade)
Lab Work 100
Final 101 grade: Lecture Grade/550 X 0.70 + Lab grade X 0.30
You shall choose a grade option from the following:
GRADE: Take all exams and quizzes, turn in all required assignments. A letter grade, using the standard A, B, C, D, F and FW will be assigned for the course.
CREDIT/NO CREDIT: Take all exams and quizzes, turn in all required assignments. To obtain a CREDIT grade, student must obtain as least a " C " for the course. If you choose
CREDIT/NO CREDIT and plan to transfer from Palomar, check carefully at the school you are going to if the CREDIT status for a grade is transferable.
AUDITING: No tests, etc. need be taken and no grade will be assigned.
Laboratory (for 101):
Laboratory is an integral part of this course. Lab assignments will be made available prior to the scheduled lab day. A formal Lab Notebook will be required but this policy is subject to change if found to be necessary.
Lab quizzes may be given one week after the lab and PROMPTLY at the beginning of class. NO MAKEUP OR
LATE LAB QUIZZES WILL BE GIVEN. Credit for lab report or lab quizzes is given only for verified positive attendance of the lab. The lowest lab quiz will be dropped. A few of the labs may require formal lab reports.
Formal lab write-ups will be announced as the course progresses.
Tutoring:
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Palomar provides free tutoring services. See the tutoring department for tutoring schedules and information. If you don’t find the tutoring satisfactory, please take advantage of the out-of-class assistance I offer.
Cheating and Plagiarism:
Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated at all. If any work you turn in is found not to be entirely your own, unless previously permitted, the work will not be accepted and NO credit will be awarded for the work. A repeat offense will be considered for automatic failure . Cheating includes getting or giving unauthorized help for any class assignments, as well as "wondering eyes" – gazing at someone else's paper during a quiz or exam. Use of unauthorized notes during a test is also cheating. This calls attention to the use of some of the newer, high capacity alphanumeric memory calculators or of cell phones. If you use such a calculator, or any device of similar capability, activation of the alphanumeric memory in any form will be treated as cheating. Plagiarism is using material from any source, even the internet, WITHOUT GIVING CREDIT .
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