Principles of Physics I

Physics 1408-001 Spring 2008

Instructor: David Lamp

Office: Science Building 21/23

Office Hours: MWF 10-11

Text: Physics For Scientists And Engineers, 4^th edition, by Giancoli bundled with Mastering Physics

(student access kit) and Tutorials in Introductory Physics (2 volumes) by McDermott et al.

The text is a new edition (December 9, 2007) so there are no used copies to buy.

Comparison shop this text; it is way expensive.

It is available (1/7/08) at all 4 bookstores in town and on-line, prices vary.

Course Coverage: Time permitting, the course will cover material from the first 20 chapters in the text.

We will cover kinematics, mechanics, statics, rotation, fluids, and thermodynamics,

most probably omitting mechanical waves, deferring that to 2401.

Grading Policy: The following six scores will be accumulated during the course of the semester:

Quizzes; Lab tutorials; Exam 1; Exam 2; Exam 3; Final.

Exam 1 20%

Exam 2 20%

Exam 3 20%

Final Exam 20% (and could also replace exam 1, 2, or 3)

Homework and Quizzes 10%

Lab 10% (must be 55% or higher to pass the entire 4-hour course)

The course grade will be the average of the quizzes, lab tutorials, and your four highest exam scores.

The grade on the final may be used to replace one lower test grade.

The lab tutorials are a required part of the course and a grade of 55% on that component is

required to receive a passing grade for the entire course. 

NO MAKEUP EXAMS OR QUIZZES WILL BE GIVEN.

Your letter grade will tentatively be determined according to the following scale:

55-65 D; 66-81 C; 82-91 B; 92+ A.

Quizzes: Unannounced in-class quizzes based on assigned reading, homework, tutorials, and

material covered in class will be given at least once a week.

The timing for administering these quizzes will be unknown to the students and the quizzes cannot be made up.

These quizzes are an 'attendance mechanism'. In other words, 'attend class or you'll lose points.'

Since this is a lab course, you must obtain a laboratory score of 55% or better for the current semester

in order to pass the entire Physics 1408 course.

Homework: Homework will be assigned in class and should also be available on-line.

The professor will be making up the problems assigned and will make solutions available.

The text provides problems, some of which will be discussed. The professor will make up problems

(just like he makes the ones on your tests!).

The value of the assigned homework problems is that they are the basis for the in-class quiz problems and

all of the problems on your exams.

Doing well on the homework is crucial to your success in the course.

Do not let the small percentage weight delude you into thinking these homework problems are in some way optional.

They are the single best factor in determining how you do in the course.

They will be collected, some graded, and handed back.

Exams: Three one-hour exams will be given.

Exam 1-February 4, Exam 2-March 3, Exam 3-April 9

Final: A comprehensive final exam will be given. Monday May 5 4:30-7:00.

Course Goals: This course is intended to acquaint students with the basic laws of physics,

to develop a better understanding of physical science in general, and help prepare you for other

upper division physics and engineering classes.

To this end, the course will emphasize a mix of conceptual understanding and standard

"end-of-chapter" homework solving skills.

Expected Learning Outcomes:  Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Describe the basis of the scientific method.

Distinguish between a scientific theory and speculation.

Explain at a quantitative level the fundamental elements of energy and motion.

Methods for Assessing the Expected Learning Outcomes: The expected learning outcomes for

the course will be assessed through: Non-Graded Spot-check Quizzes, Guided Classroom Discussion,

Graded Quizzes, Tutorial Exercises and Homework, In-class Exams, and the Final.

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.

Strategy for Success:

Be prepared! Study your notes and read the material in the text before we cover it in class.

This will help you keep up, will make for more productive classroom interaction, and will help keep

you prepared for those unannounced in-class quizzes that will make up part of your semester grade.

Begin all homework assignments as soon as possible. The assignments take time and thought.

Homework is essential to pass. Once you can work through a problem with your notes,

book, study group, etc., write the question down on a blank sheet of paper and then try to

rework it entirely on your own a day or so later.

Never wait until the night before a test to "begin" studying.

The course schedule is fast. Don't get left behind.

Come see your instructor when you get stuck--that's why they pay me the big bucks!

I am always willing to help anyone who tries.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR SPRING 2008