Physics 2CM – Foothill College
Spring 2015
Course Syllabus
Instructor:
Office Hours:
Email:
Phone:
Class Website:
David Marasco
See class website for schedule
Final Date/Time:
June 19, 2015 at 12-2
marascodavid@foothill.edu
949-7492
www.foothill.edu/~marasco + www.webassign.net
Required Text & Materials:
1. All readings are at our online website.
Course Objectives: We will cover how calculus is applied to problems in thermodynamics, optics and modern
physics.
Course Grade:
Your final grade will be based on the total number of points you receive for the following:
Item
Points
Homework
40
Final Exam
60
.
You will get homework problems each week. While the number of problems will vary
from week to week, each assignment will be weighted the same.
I may adjust the curve based on the class results. However, I strive for:
A = 85-100%
C = 72.5-65%
F <60%
B = 72.5-85%
D = 65-60%
Homework:
Cheating:
Homework will be assigned for every chapter. It is expected that you do the homework,
your time in class will be wasted if you are not doing the homework. 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.
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 exam questions, (2) obtaining from other students
answers or partial answers to exam questions, and (3) obtaining information or direct answers
from unauthorized materials during quizzes and exams or labs. Students who need help in
understanding 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. The key to physics is not “knowing formulas”, but understand how to properly
apply your mathematical tools to physical problems. In light of this fact, the instructor may
allow you to bring in a note card into tests, and if not, a formula sheet will be provided. 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 exams, if you
leave the room, you are done.
If I believe that a student is cheating, even if I cannot prove it, I will retract any letters
of recommendation for the student, explaining to the party in question why I am retracting my
support.
Physics 2CM – Foothill College
Spring 2015
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.
Legalities: 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.
Amendments to the Green Sheet – It may become necessary to change course policies. If so, this Green Sheet
may be amended by the consent of the instructor and approval of two-thirds of the students present at the class
meeting where the change is discussed. Any change in course policy will be posted in red on the course
website.
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!
Student Learning Outcomes:
A. The student will be able to interpret phenomena in Waves and Optics with a calculus treatment.
B. The student will be able to solve problems in Modern Physics involving calculus.
C. The student will be able to solve problems in Thermodynamics involving calculus.