DEPARTMENT OF PHYSCI, COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE
PHYSICS 217, Fall ‘09, O’Donnell hall 233, TuTh, 11:45 A.M-1:00 P.M.
Pre-requisite: Phy 213 or Phy 215 Instructor: Dr Tarlochan S. Dhillon: Office DAMA
089B, Telephone 575-527-7586, email tdhillon@nmsu.edu, Office Hours 3-5 TR or by
appointment
*Text: SEARS AND ZEMANSKY’S UNIVERSITY PHYSICS WITH MODERN
PHYSICS by YOUNG AND FREEDMAN
*Email address: make sure you give me a current, correct email address that you read
regularly and current telephone # for messaging.
*Material Covered: Selected topics in waves, optics and thermodynamic (CH13, 15-20,
33-36, ch 39) covered as time permits
*Homework: Homework will be assigned on a regular basis and will count for 40% of
your grade. I will be using a computerized homework service, Web assign, in the
course. Course id is MPDHILLON68370. HW should be turned on or before the due date
and date cannot be changed or extended for any reason for one particular student. It is all
Web based.
*Tests: There will be three in-class exams, closed book, closed notes (list of few
fundamental formulas may be given), tests given approximately 1/3, 2/3, and 3/3 through
the semester: see the detailed syllabus below for the dates (but, just as importantly,
keep up with the class so that you will know of any changes). Tests will count for
60% of your grade. If you must miss a test for a valid reason, please let me know before
the day of the test. If you miss a test without notifying me, I will have to give you a 0 for
the test.Unannounced quizzes may be given for extra credit. There is no make up for quiz
*Grades: Your score is determined from your homework and test scores. You may
determine your numerical grade, S (0-100), at any time during the semester from the
following formula: if your total test and homework scores are denoted by T and H, and
the corresponding maximum possible test and homework scores by MT and MH, your
numerical score is given by S=60T/MT+40H/MH. For example, if at some point in the
semester, you have taken 2 tests with grades 50/100 and 70/100, and turned in 4
homework assignments with grades 85/100, 90/120, 70/110, and 100/130, you have
T/MT=(50+70)/(100+100)=0.6, H/MH=(85+90+70+100)/(100+120+110+130)=0.75, and
your numerical score S=60x0.6+40x0.75=66 Using a conventional grading scheme,
A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F<60, S=66 would be a D, but I curve the
numerical scores to obtain the letter grades so that the corresponding letter grades are
generally higher (e.g., the above grade could be a C or a -C- instead of a D.
* Tutorial, Help: I may provide problem-solving hints (either in class or in my office or
after lesson time). However, I will answer general questions about the course and the
homework at any time. The Physics Department also provides tutoring in GN 225 several
hours a week, where physics graduate students are available to answer questions
*Attendance: I may/may not take attendance; however, you are responsible for all
classrooms Activities and test information. I will notify the class in class about any
important information. Be sure that you provide a current email address that you read
regularly just in case I have to contact you.
*Final Grades are posted online at my.NMSU.edu shortly after finals week
*Dropping the Course: You are responsible for the decision to drop the course with a W
(before the drop date, March 9, 2008): however, I will be happy to discuss this decision
with you.
*Class conduct: So as not to disturb others, I ask you to come to class on time, don’t talk
during class (except during classroom discussion periods), and turn off cell phones and
beepers during class. I also ask that you work by yourself during tests (in other words,
don’t cheat); failure to do so can result in a failing grade for the course.
*Students with disabilities: If you have, or believe you have, a disability that would
benefit from an accommodation, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities
(SSD) Office (646-6840). Also, be sure I know about this as soon as possible since an
accommodation usually involves special test conditions.
*Incomplete grades: Incomplete (I) grades are given only if the student has passed the
first half of the course and is prevented from taking the second half by an illness or
family crisis. Be sure and tell me about this as soon as possible.
*Detailed Class Schedule (subject to change). Review material may be distributed
in the class meeting before each test
Aug 20 CH 13
Aug 25 CH 13
Aug 27 CH 15
Sept 1 CH 15
Sept 3 CH 16
Sept 8 CH 16
Sept 10 EXAM 1
Sept15 CH 33
Sept17 CH 33
Sept 22 CH 34
Sept 24 CH 34
Sept 29 CH35
Oct 01 CH 35
Oct 06CH 36
Oct 08CH 36
Code of Conduct: ”All
academic and non-academic
misconduct will be reported and
dealt with in accordance with the
NMSU Student Code of
Conduct”
Oct 13 EXAM 2
Oct 15 CH 17
Oct 20 CH 17
Oct 22 CG 18
Oct 27 CH 18
Oct 29 CH 19
Nov 03 CH 19
Nov 05 CH 20
Nov 10 CH 20
Nov 12 CH 38
Nov 17 CH 38
Nov 19 CH 39
Dec 01 CH 39
Dec 03 CH 39
December 08 FINAL EXAM (10:30 am-12:30 pm) Chapters 17-20, chapters 38-39
(SYLLABUS IS TENTATIVE)
GOOD LUCK!!