CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
POMONA
COURSE SYLLABUS
Principles of Physics
PHY 131-06:
CRN:
Building/Room:
Office:
Phone:
Lecture Time:
3 Units
Co-requisites
13785
PHY131L & MTH115
8-241
8-229
(909) 869-4389
Instructor:
Email:
Steve Boddeker
skboddeker@cpp.edu
calpolysteveb@aol.com
Office
Hours:
M: 11:30–noon; 2:30-3; 7:15–8:45 pm
W: 7:15 -8:45 pm
M, W: 6 – 7:15 pm
http://www.csupomona.edu/~skboddeker/steve.htm
COURSE
DESCRIPTION
TEXT(S)
COURSE
OBJECTIVES
COURSE
POLICIES
HOMEWORK
Physics 131 is the first course of a three-quarter, calculus-based introductory sequence
in physics. The primary content of Physics 131 is classical Newtonian mechanics
based upon fundamental principles of mechanics, vectors, statics, uniform motion,
accelerated motion, work & energy, momentum, and rotational motion.
 Fundamentals of Physics (Halliday and Resnick) 10th ed. Walker, Jearl, 2013.
Upon completion of this course, the students should understand the following:
 An introduction to physics’ role as a basic science with a fundamental
understanding regarding natural phenomena
 To develop your skills in recognizing and subsequently applying problem solving
skills on naturally occurring events
Each week new topics will be presented in order as indicated in the term calendar
from Chapters 1 to 12 in the course book. Please check website for notes.
An assortment of Wiley Plus online homework problems will be assigned. Due dates
are included on the Wiley Plus website accessed via Blackboard.
Quizzes generally will be administered at the end of the lecture period every week.
The quizzes will include material that will be covered during the current &
previous lecture and/or reading assignments. Quizzes will mainly be in the form
QUIZZES
of problem solving, short answer, and multiple choices and are completed in about
5 minutes.
EMERGENCIES
ACADEMIC
HONESTY
If any unforeseen events occur, please contact me immediately (preferably with
email.) I will respond to all emails within three school days, usually less than
three days.
You are expected for follow the University Policy regarding Academic Dishonesty as
described in the University Catalog. The department takes this very seriously.
Course Syllabus - Page 1 of 2
1/2016
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EVALUATIVE
CRITERIA
Homework / Quizzes
Exam 1
Exam 2
Final Exam
GRADE
GRADING
SYSTEM
GRADING &
EVALUATION
POLICIES
A
B
C
Grade
Points
4.0
3.0
2.0
10 %
30%
30 %
30 %
Numerical
Equivalent
90-100
80-89
70-79
Grade
D
F
Grade
Points
1.0
0.0
Numerical
Equivalent
60-69
59 & below
Class average will result in a GPA between a 1.8 to a 2.4 on a 4 point system.
To maintain this class average during the term, a “flat” percentage will be added to
each grade. This percent added will be displayed on the online grade sheet.
The primary “curve” method implemented is reducing the weight of the previous
exams by 50%, and applying that reduced weight to the Final Exam. All students
have this option implemented to their benefit.
The Final exam will be worth from 30%, 45, or 60% of the total grade.
At the end of the term the lowest homework and quiz grade will be dropped.
Plusses & minuses will only be assigned in borderline grades
(i.e. C+: >79.0 & less than 79.5, B-: >79.5 & less than 80.0)
After the first exam, grades are posted online in rank order. Since no identification is
displayed to find your “grade” you should match your online homework and quiz
grades to the posted grade sheet.
M, W
Notes
Physics 131 (meets M, W)
4-Jan
Ch 1: Measurement
Ch 2: Motion along a Straight Line (1D kinematics)
11-Jan
Ch 2: Motion along a Straight Line
Ch 3: Vectors
18-Jan
Holiday:
Monday – MLK
Ch 4: Motion in 2 and 3 Dimensions (2D Kinematics)
25-Jan
Ch 5: Force and Motion I
Ch 6: Force and Motion II
1-Feb
Exam 1 (Ch 1 – 5)
Ch 7: Kinetic Energy and Work
8-Feb
15-Feb
Ch 8: Potential Energy and Conservation of Energy
Ch 9: Center of Mass and Linear Momentum
22-Feb
Ch 10: Rotation
Exam 2 (Ch 5 – 9)
Ch 11: Rolling, Torque, and Angular Momentum
29-Feb
7-Mar
14-Mar
Ch 12: Equilibrium and Elasticity
Comprehensive Final Exam (Mar 14th - Monday, 6 – 8 pm) Room 8-241
Break
Break Week
Course Syllabus - Page 2 of 2
1/2016