TTU Physics Department.

TTU Physics 1403-002 - General Physics I (Mengyan, Winter 2015): Syllabus

Lecture Syllabus

Class Meeting Time: T,R 15:30 to 16:50 in SC 007

Instructor: Rick Mengyan, Ph.D.

Office: SC 008

Course E-Mail: Rick.Mengyan 'at' ttu_dot_edu

Office Hours: MWF 13:30 to 15:00; open door or by appointment

Webpage: General Course Information and Online Homework, ebook and additional resources

Required Text: N. Giordano. College Physics: Reasoning and Relationships (With Enhanced WebAssign). 2nd ed. (Brooks/Cole, 2013).
Purchase package directly from publisher here (Click me!!!).

Required Lab Text: Only available through Texas Tech Society of Physics Students (SC 004) and must be purchased by 16:30 23 Jan 2015

WebAssign ID: ttu 6986 0045

Course Description (outline and expected outcomes)

This algebra based introductory Physics course will cover the basics of classical Newtonian mechanics, encourage critical thinking and general problem solving skills. Progress towards these outcomes will be assessed through in-class exams, homework assignments, quizzes, laboratory and recitation exercises. More information is available via the instructor’s webpage.

Homework

Assigned periodically via www.WebAssign.net. Due date and time indicated on each assignment. Late assignments are not typically accepted.

Additional course resources and all homework: will all be mediated through WebAssign (Course ID: ttu 6986 0045)

WebAssign Course Specific Technical Support Link: PHYS 1403 WebAssign Support

 

Exams

There will be at least three (3) scheduled exams during the semester plus a final exam. Exams will be administered in the normal lecture room (SC 007) and during the normal class meeting time (15:30 to 16:50). No assistance from notes, books or electronic gizmos of any sort will be permitted on the exams. Make up exams will not be administered. If an exam is to be missed due to extenuating circumstances, contact me via email BEFORE the scheduled exam time to see about making the appropriate arrangements.

Tentative Exam Schedule

Exam 1: Thurs 5 Feb 2015, CH 1-4

Exam 2: Tues 10 Mar 2015, CH 4-7

Exam 3: Thur 16 Arp 2015, CH 8-16

Final Exam: 16:30 to 19:00, Fri 08 May 2015, CH 1-16

The exam times and content coverage may be adjusted to accommodate the course schedule. Deviations from this tentative schedule will be discussed in class as they become relevant. The final exam time is predetermined by TTU and will not be modified by the instructor.

Grades

Lab/Recitation, Quizzes, Homework etc: 40%

Exams (1+2+3+Final+Final; Best 4 of 5): 60%

To determine your total exam score write down each exam score and your final exam score twice. Cross off the one lowest score. These 4 remaining values will be summed to comprise your total exam score.

A > 90%; B > 80%; C > 70%; D > 60%; F < 60%

A minimum grade of 60% in the laboratory component in addition to appropriate performance in the rest of the course is required to earn an overall passing grade in this course.

Important Notes:

ADA Statement: In compliance with the ADA, TTU OP 34.22 and TTU OP 10.08
"Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should contact the instructor as possible to make necessary arrangements. Students must present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services during the instructor’s office hours. Please note that instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodation to a student until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information, please contact Student Disability Services office in 335 West Hall or call 806-742-2405."

Religious Holidays: Pursuant of TTU OP 34.19, a student who intends to observe a religious holy day should make that intention known, in writing, to the instructor prior to an absence. A student who is absent from a class, exam or exercise for the observance of a religious holy day shall be allowed to complete an assignment or exam scheduled for that day within a reasonable time around that absence.

Academic Integrity: TTU OP 34.12 outlines grading policy as well as the definitions of scholastic dishonesty; all of which will be followed in all aspects of this course.
Excerpt: It is the aim of the faculty of Texas Tech University to foster a spirit of complete honesty and high standard of integrity. The attempt of students to present as their own any work not honestly performed is regarded by the faculty and administration as a most serious offence and renders the offenders liable to serious consequences, possible suspension. Scholastic dishonesty includes but [is] not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, falsifying academic records, misrepresenting facts and any act designed to give unfair academic advantage to the student [...]"

Appropriate Behavior: I expect students to behave in a respectful and courteous fashion in any activity related to this course (e.g. Lecture, lab, recitation, office hours etc).
Rude, disrespectful or disruptive behavior will never be tolerated.

Final Notes and Suggestions to Succeed:

Course Assistance: There is a plethora of options available to support your success in this course including your instructors (Lecture [Dr. Mengyan], lab and recitation via class, office hours, email or special appointment), your text book, the library, SI sessions and tutoring. Do not hesitate to ask questions when you have them and take advantage of the available resources!

Preparation is key!
- Read your book material before AND after we cover it in class
- Study your notes
- Take advantage of the available resources

Start your homework assignments as soon as possible. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the assignments as you will likely need to think carefully about the questions, review the relevant sections of the text or your notes and then work towards a solution.

Studying for an exam should be an ongoing exercise - structured reviews of relevant materials built into your schedule will promote a better long-term retention and higher understanding of the material.

As always, ASK QUESTIONS WHEN YOU HAVE THEM!!!!!!!

Lastly, Quando omni flunkus moritati