Physics 131, Summer 2010

1.  Please fill out the student information form for me.  

2.  It is essential that you find and bookmark  http://www.gakeller.com/physics131

MATH REQUREMENTS: In the back of the book, you will see a good review of plane geometry, algebra and trig.  We will use lots of math in this course, but it will not be taught as part of this course. 

PAPER HOMEWORK:  For each chapter that we cover in this course, several paper homework problems will be assigned.  Usually, the homework must be turned in the next day – see calendar.  Homework will be graded on both form and function – that is, it must clearly show your reasoning, and you should (hopefully) get the right answer!   I will illustrate almost every day in class the sort of reasoning and homework style that I desire. 

“Right answer” means right magnitude, sign, units, right number of significant figures (significant digits) and (if appropriate, if a vector quantity) directions.   Units matter.   Leaving the units off your answer will cost you a point or three.

LECTURES:  Please read each chapter yourself before coming to class.  I will not read the book for you in class.  You would not expect that in a Shakespeare class, and you should not expect it in this class, either.   Ideally, before we get to class for a chapter, you should read the chapter.

As the class progresses, more and more of the class time will be spent on solving problems.  You will be quizzed on the contents of the book, however, whether or not that particular paragraph has been covered in any detail in class.  I do expect to MENTION important paragraphs, however. 

You are not required to attend class.  You are required to a) turn in your paper homework, b) be present for each quiz and the final exam, and c) be present for the laboratories.  UNCA policy is to permit only one absence from lab.  After that, it’s one letter grade (for the course!) per lab missed. 

QUIZZES:  There are three quizzes and one final exam scheduled.  The dates are firm and are on the calendar.  If you have a problem, see me as soon as you can.  I will give you a grade based on your best 7 of 8 problems so that you get the best possible grade.

LABORTORIES:  There are 11 laboratories on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons.  The dates are firm and are on the calendar.  There is no lab manual to be purchased; all the work will be done on the computer which is in the laboratory.

For labs or exams that you have to miss -- You know the drill – if you really get in trouble, bring a note from a medical professional.

GRADES:  Everyone can make an A in this course.  I would be delighted.  I will not curve grades downward; I retain the right to curve grades upward.

WHAT MATTERS, AND WHAT DOESN’T: Don’t clutter your mind with lots of memorized conversions, especially US Customary (Conventional English)(Imperial) Units to/from Metric (SI) units.   You will get to know a few of the conversions quickly.   For quizzes, I’ll give you any needed conversions.   I want to teach you to THINK, not MEMORIZE.

Learning physics is not a spectator sport.   There is no substitute for working problems.   There are many in the book.  Reference:  James 1:22, “but prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.”

Remember: The objective of this course is to teach you to understand the physics in your everyday life, not to make you into a physicist.

MOTTO for June:  “Practice, practice, practice.”