PH2100 University Physics I: Mechanics

Course Description:
PH2100 is the first course in the calculus-based physics sequence covering introductory classical mechanics. Topics include Newton's laws, work and energy, the universal law of gravitation, systems of particles, rotational motion, oscillations, and waves. A solid knowledge of the physics principles in classical mechanics is foundational for scientists and engineers.

Course Objectives:
The major objectives of this course are for students to learn the fundamental principles of classical mechanics, to develop solid and systematic problem solving skills, and to lay the foundations for further studies in physics, physical sciences, and engineering.

Lectures :

1:05 - 1:55 P.M.	Monday & Wednesday	Fisher 135
2:05 - 2:55 P.M.	Monday & Wednesday	Fisher 135

Your attendance is expected at all lectures. You are responsible for all material covered in lectures as well as reading and problem assignments. It is highly recommended that you read the assigned sections before each lecture. Reading assignments are found on the assignment schedule. You will find pre-tests, customized learning plans and chapter quizzes at the publisher's Web site www.pse6.com. Use the "pincode" which came with your new textbook. Lectures will cover ideas, concepts, sample problems and demonstrations.

Textbook:
Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 6 ^th edition, Serway & Jewett, (Thomson Brooks/Cole Publ).

Grading:
Your grade for the course will be based on your performance on the hour exams, recitation, WebAssign and the final exam. The weight attributed to each segment of the course is as follows:

For each of the five segments of your grade, you will be given a numerical score from 0 to 100. For an indication of your standing relative to the class, you may use the following table:

Letter grades for the course will be based on the above scheme with the provision that the cutoffs are subject to change. All questions regarding the grading policy for the course should be addressed to your lecturer. Questions regarding the grading of specific quizzes should be addressed to your recitation instructor. Questions about the grading of the hour exams should be presented to your lecturer.

Recitation Sections
You are expected to have worked on the assigned homework problems and discussion questions before attending recitation. Homework assignments are found on the assignment schedule. Answers to the odd-numbered problems are found in the book. Answers to the assigned even numbered problems will be available from your recitation instructor. Recitation is the place that questions can be posed to and by your instructor. It is vitally important that you attempt to solve and understand all the assignments and associated concepts. The best way to do this is to prepare diligently for and to participate in the recitations.

The textbook publisher also maintains a web site: http://www.pse6.com. This site includes a lot of interesting supplemental material, including some animated demos and worked out problem solutions.

The recitation part of your grade is determined by your performance on the 7 short quizzes, which are indicated on the assignment schedule. Quizzes will frequently consist of problems similar to those assigned as homework and will be graded by your recitation instructor. You will be allowed to used the equation sheet during the quiz. Be sure to bring a copy to class on quiz days. Attendance will be taken occasionally in recitation and will be used to decide borderline course grades.

WebAssign
A selection of the problems on the assignment schedule are "WebAssign problems" and are to be completed before 8:00 am of the day your recitation meets. Note that there are generally two WebAssign problem sets open for you to work on at the beginning of the week. Be sure to work on the Tuesday assignment first. A WebAssign information sheet is available online, click here. Be sure to watch for course announcements on the page that displays after you log on.

Hour Exams
Exams will be written by the lecturers with both conceptual questions and problems. These will be similar to examples in the textbook and the assigned questions and problems from recitation. Exams will be closed book and closed notes. You may, however, use an equation sheet which will be provided with your examination.

Since these times were published in the scheduling booklet when you enrolled in this course, it is your responsibility to appear at the scheduled times to take the exams. Any conflict should be cleared by changing the conflicting event. No late exams will be given. Unexcused absences will be graded as zero. Your recitation instructor will inform you of the location of the exam for your section.

For those taking the exam in 135 Fisher, the door will open at 5:55 p.m. and everyone should be seated in the assigned seat and ready to begin work by 6:00 p.m. If you are taking the exam in another room, wait outside until the proctor says it is OK to enter. Papers will be collected one hour later. An unexcused absence from an exam will be graded zero. The exams will be multiple choice with an option for you to choose two or three answers on the problems (as an opportunity for partial credit) if you are not sure which one is correct. Your answer sheets will not be returned to you. The correct answers will be posted the day after each exam.

Sample exams from prior semesters (while in a different format) are available as various file types for downloading and study at http://www.phy.mtu.edu/~jaszczak/ph2100-exam.html The exams given last spring are also available by clicking here: Exam I, Exam II, answers for both. You are welcome, indeed encouraged, to use available old exams as you study. You should also study your assigned homework problems and the worked examples in the textbook. The more different kinds of problems you work, the better prepared you should be.

Final Exam
The final exam will be on Wednesday, May 5, beginning at 12:30 pm. The location will be published by the University. You may ask you recitation instructor about the location of the exam for your section. The exam will be a full two hours long and will be comprehensive. The structure and grading of the final will be similar to the hour exams. The essential difference is that more answers will be required. An unexcused absence from the final exam will be graded zero.

Equation Sheet
An equation sheet is available for download for you to use while working the assigned homework problems. A fresh copy of the same equation sheet will be provided for you to use on each examination. No other equation sheets will be allowed during examinations. If you need a new equation sheet, go to http://www.phy.mtu.edu/~jaszczak/ph2100formulasheet.pdf.

Extra Help
The lecturers and the recitation instructors are available for help during their office hours and by appointment. You are especially encouraged to take advantage of instructors' office hours.

If you wish to have additional help, the Physics Learning Center is located in Fisher 228. It offers individual weekly appointments, learning teams, and a "walk in" service. The appointment schedule fills early in the semester. The "walk in" hours are posted on the door of Fisher 228 and you can get occasional help this way. Do not expect the coaches to do your homework for you. They know which problems are on the WebAssign assignment and will not work those specific problems before recitation. Do take advantage of this service- IT HELPS!

Notice MTU complies with all federal and state laws and regulations regarding discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for equal access to education or services at MTU, please call Dr. Gloria Melton, Associate Dean of Students, at 7-2212. For other concerns about discrimination, you may contact your advisor, department chair, or the Affirmative Action office.

Questions or comments? Email gagin@mtu.edu