Physics 1305

Engineering Physics Analysis I

Course Outline

Fall Semester 2009

Instructor: Thomas L. Gibson Office: Sc 27 Phone:742-1606
Office Hours: 10:00-11:00 M-F (or by appointment)
e-mail: thomas.gibson@ttu.edu
url: www.phys.ttu.edu/~ritlg/courses/p1305/

Required Texts: Linux in Easy Steps, 4th Edition, by Mike McGrath (In Easy Steps Limited, 2008) ISBN-13: 9781840783513, Getting Started with Open Office.Org 3.0, by OOo Authors Team (Create Space, 2008) ISBN-13: 978-1440451751, Gnuplot in Action: Understanding Data with Graphs, by Philipp K. Janert (Manning Publications, 2009) ISBN-13: 978-1933988399, Digital Media Ethics (Digital Media and Society), by Charles Ess (Polity Press, 2009) ISBN-13:978-0-7456-4164-5.

This course satisfies the Technology and Applied Science core curriculum requirement. The objective of the technology and applied science component of a core curriculum is to enable the student to understand how profoundly scientific and technological developments affect society and the environment.

Course Purpose

Students graduating from Texas Tech University should be able to demonstrate understanding of how technology and applied science affects society and the environment and to demonstrate understanding of the relationship of ethics and technology.

Expected Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcome	Assessment
Describe examples of ethical implications associated with use of technology and applied science.	Original term paper.
Understand the limitations of finite representation.	Pre-instruction and Post-instruction exams.
Develop facility with the production and display of quantitative information.	In class presentation and critique of student projects.

Course Coverage

Rights, Ethics, and Responsibilites in the Digital Environment
Introduction to Linux

Commands, Files, and Directories
Finding Help
Editors
Internet Browser
Online Library

Introduction to OpenOffice

Precision and Arithmetic Computations
Spreadsheets in Scientific Analysis
Manipulation and Importation of Data Files
Curve Fitting and Data Analysis
Introduction to Simple Two-Dimensional Plotting

Using gnuplot and xmgrace
Using gmpage For Multiple Plots

Important Notes

Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services during the instructor¹s office hours. Please note instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information, you may contact the Student Disability Services office at 335 West Hall or 806-742-2405.
The faculty is strongly committed to upholding standards of academic integrity. These standards, at the minimum, require that students never present the work of others as their own. Further, rude, disruptive, or disrespectful behavior has no place in the classroom and will not be tolerated.

Grading Policy

Post deadline work will not be accepted.

No one should expect a high grade based on simply doing the minimum for each assignment; correct, but perfunctory work is, at best, average, i.e., a C.

Unannounced quizzes may be given at the discretion of the instructor. Grades on these quizzes will be used to assign bonus points.

**Credit Breakdown**
	Term Paper:	25%
	Presentation of Projects:	50%
	Exams:	25%

**"Typical" Grading Scale**
92-100	A
82-91	B
66-81	C
55-65	D

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Strategy for Success

Be prepared! Study your notes and read the texts as well as other, appropriate materials before you come to class.
Begin all homework assignments as soon as possible. The assignments take time and thought---never wait until the night before an assignment is due.
Do your own work; doing is indispensable to learning. Although you are free to discuss the homework or problems that you might be having with other members of the class, do not rely on others to figure out all of your problems!
See your instructor if you are stuck---that's why they pay him the big bucks!