Course Information
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Lecture 0A (CRN 51507) MTRF 11:05 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.
W 11:05 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. |
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Instructor |
Dr. John Jaszczak |
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Office |
102
Fisher |
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Office Hours |
TR
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and by appointment |
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Phone |
487-2255 |
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PH2100 Website |
http://www.phy.mtu.edu/~jaszczak/Ph2100/su07/ Printer
friendly version of this document: Click Here |
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On-line
Grades and course materials |
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GTA |
Bijunath
Patla office: Dow 520 email: brpatla@mtu.edu |
INTRODUCTION
The Fundamental Questions
Questions are crucial to learning. It’s through the process of inquiry that we construct our knowledge of the natural world. We will address the following three fundamental questions in our study of classical mechanics:
1. How do we describe motion?
2. What are the causes of changes in motion?
3. What properties of a system of particles do not change as the particles interact?
The Goals
The goals of this course are for you to become familiar with kinematics, dynamics, and conservation laws - the conceptual framework of classical mechanics - and to develop the robust problem-solving skills required by professional engineers and scientists. Our study of physics will emphasize thinking and reasoning. We will stress the use of qualitative reasoning, pictorial and graphical reasoning, and reasoning by analogy; we will also make use of mathematics to help us understand and describe patterns and relationships that exist in nature.
The Instructional Philosophy
The basic instructional philosophy of Physics 2100 involves your active participation, and can be summarized as follows:
1. Read about it (textbook)
2. Untangle it (interactive lectures)
3. Practice with it (student workbook and end-of-chapter homework)
4. Challenge yourself (web-based graded exercises/problems and exams)
The order of the above items is very important. Your first exposure to any material will be when you read about it in the textbook (1) prior to lecture. The purpose of the textbook is to provide background for lectures, to be a resource for detailed explanations, to be a reference and a study guide, to offer practice problems, and to teach a robust problem-solving strategy.
The interactive lectures (2) will not simply regurgitate what you have read; rather, the purpose of the lectures is to be inspiring and stimulating, to clarify the textbook, to explain confusing issues, to urge you to think critically, to give you lots to think about, and to spark further interest in the material. This is not a traditional approach. Your participation is needed both prior to and during each lecture! It is important that you take notes in class.
Lots of practice is required to become a proficient problem-solver. Roughly one class in three will be set aside to allow us to practice solving end-of-chapter problems (3). The problem-solving strategy used in class will be the same as that used in every example exercise in the textbook.
To cap things off, you will demonstrate what you have learned by
completing web-based graded exercises and problems (4) and finally, exams. The
web-based activities will include skill builders, self tutoring problems, and
end-of-chapter problems.
BACKGROUND
We expect students to have a good grasp of trigonometry and to be able to differentiate and integrate simple functions such as polynomials, sines and cosines. This requires knowledge of calculus at the level of MA1150, MA1151, MA1160, or MA1161. The study of physics can help to solidify your understanding of calculus.
No prior study of physics is assumed, but students enter Physics 2100
with a broad array of backgrounds, many having studied physics in high school.
The pace of our course will be sufficiently deliberate so as to allow the
novice to learn the material. If this is your first course in physics, you may
find that initially you need to devote more time to your studies than your
more-experienced friends, but the workload tends to become more uniform as the
semester progresses.
COURSE SUPPLIES
· Textbook: Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Volume 1, Randall D. Knight (bundled with a Student Workbook, and a Student Access Kit to MasteringPhysics)
· i>clicker classroom response transmitter (available in the campus bookstore). If you have already purchased an i>clicker for another course you may also use it in this course.
· scientific calculator
·
straight edge
COURSE STRUCTURE
Your grade for Physics 2100 will be based on the total number of points that you accumulate on the various graded activities. The total possible score (without extra credit) is 1038 points, broken down as follows:
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Reading Quizzes |
54 |
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Participation |
62 |
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Graded Homework (MasteringPhysics) |
204+ |
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Exam I |
190 |
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Exam II |
220 |
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Final Exam |
310 |
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TOTAL |
1040+ |
Letter grades for the course will be determined by total points earned in the following manner:
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A |
900-1040 |
C |
700-749 |
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AB |
850-899 |
CD |
650-699 |
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B |
800-849 |
D |
600-649 |
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BC |
750-799 |
F |
0-599 |
Since it's possible to earn more than 204 points on the graded homework,
and there may be a bonus question on some of the exams, the total number of possible points (available to earn) will
actually exceed 1040.
Reading Quizzes
Starting with the second class, each lecture session will begin with a single-question multiple-choice reading quiz. It is important that you arrive in class on time in order to take the reading quiz. The i>clicker classroom response system will be used to record your answer to the quiz question. The quiz is intended to encourage you to read the relevant assignment prior to attending lecture. The reading assignments are located on the Assignment Schedule. Twenty-two 3-point reading quizzes will be given for a total of 66 points; however, you can earn a maximum of 54 points. Thus, you can miss four quizzes and still earn the maximum number of reading quiz points. If you have more than four excused absences, your score will be adjusted appropriately, based on the average of your other reading quizzes. Excused absences are not license to miss additional classes.
Reading technical material is a skill that can be developed with practice. Read actively with questions in mind. A passive approach to reading physics wastes your time. Read with a pencil in hand and paper beside your book and jot down questions and notes. Read to learn, not merely to cover material. Be sure to answer the Stop to Think questions that are sprinkled throughout each chapter - the answers with full explanations are located at the very end of each chapter. Test your comprehension of a reading assignment by completing the related exercises in the Student Workbook. After completing the workbook exercises, you can approach the end-of-chapter exercises and problems with confidence.
Participation
During each interactive lecture and each problem-solving session, you will respond to several questions using the i>clicker classroom response system. Questions will be cast in a multiple-choice format, and you will answer by pressing a number on your pocket-size wireless transmitter. Your response will be collected by a radio receiver and routed to the presentation computer from which it will be sent to the central display. Your transmitter will confirm receipt of your response. Your actual answer will be hidden from view. A random question or questions will be selected for grading during each of the 36 scored class sessions. You will receive 2 participation points for responding, independent of whether your answer is right or wrong. Up to 72 participation points are available; however, you can earn a maximum of 60 participation points. This allows you to miss five classes without penalty. If you have more than five excused absences, your score will be adjusted based on the average of the remaining participation scores. Excused absences are not license to miss additional classes.
Here
are some details about the classroom response system: The portable radio frequency transmitter
operates with three AAA batteries. The
transmitter shuts off automatically when not in use; the lifetime of the
batteries is about 200 hours. In
addition to the On/Off button, the transmitter has 5 buttons for choices. When a question is asked, check the Power LED
to ascertain that the transmitter is on, then press your choice of letter A
through E. If the Vote Status LED
flashes green, your answer has been registered by the receiver; if the Vote
Status LED flashes red, resubmit your answer.
You may change your answer as often as you like; the system records only
your latest response.
I>CLICKER
REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS: In order to receive
credit for both the reading quizzes and participation exercises, please provide
me with the eight digit identification number located on the back of your
transmitter. To do so, please take the i>clicker registration quiz in WebCT
in which you’re asked to enter your eight digit transmitter number.
Please complete the quiz by 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 15th.
If
the i>clicker registration quiz does not appear, turn off the popup blocker
in your browser and try again.
If
during the course of the semester you find it necessary to change your
transmitter number, please send me an email with your new transmitter number.
I
will show your registered clicker ID in WebCT by the end of the first week of
class so that you can be certain that you have entered, and the system has
recorded, the correct clicker ID.
Graded Homework (MasteringPhysics)
MasteringPhysics is a state-of-the-art online tutorial and homework
system. We will use three types of exercises within MasteringPhysics: skill
builders, self-tutoring problems, and end-of-chapter problems. The skill
builders and self-tutoring problems have extensive hints and subparts that you
may request if you get stuck. The end-of-chapter problems are derived from
problems in the textbook and most do not offer hints. Your individual
end-of-chapter problems will be unique due to the use of random numbers for
some of the numerical parameters. For all types of problems, once you submit
your answers, your work will be graded instantly. You will be permitted an
unlimited number of submissions for each problem part, but there will be a
deduction of 3% for each incorrect answer. You will receive a 2% bonus for each
unopened hint. Multiple-choice questions are graded specially: in order
to discourage guessing on multiple-choice questions, if a question has n choices, each incorrect answer results
in a percent loss of 100/(n-1) for
that question. Note that problem
subparts are distinct from hints, and are graded as a fraction of the total
problem. Don't request solutions, even on subparts of problems, without being
aware of the penalty.
A
total of 12 homework assignments from MasteringPhysics will be assigned for
grading, due each Wednesday and Friday. Each assignment is worth 17 points for
a graded homework point total of 204. Each assignment must be completed by its
Wednesday or Friday due date at 11:00 a.m. for full credit. Partial credit will
be awarded for late work as follows: A problem
submitted between 0 and 12 hours after the deadline receives an amount of
credit that decreases linearly from 100% to 50% depending on exactly when the
problem was submitted. A problem submitted later than 12 hours after the
deadline still receives 50% of possible credit. Please plan on submitting
your answers well in advance of the deadline to avoid problems with the web. No
partial credit will be awarded for any assignment after 11:00 p.m. on June 28.
The
first (ungraded!) assignment is entitled Introduction
to MasteringPhysics. This initial assignment takes about 45 minutes to
complete and consists of simple exercises to help you become familiar with the
use of MasteringPhysics. This first assignment should be completed prior to
attempting the graded assignments. We also recommend that you carefully read
the following links on MasteringPhysics' home page after completing the
introductory assignment:
- 5 Ways to Improve Your Grade with
MasteringPhysics
- Getting Started with MasteringPhysics
- FAQs
MASTERINGPHYSICS REGISTRATION
INSTRUCTIONS: To use MasteringPhysics,
please register at the MasteringPhysics website located at http://www.masteringphysics.com.
Click on MasteringPhysics for Knight
Physics for Scientists and Engineers 1e,
First time users: Click on First Time User: Register on the
page that follows. Here you’ll be
prompted for the access code that came bundled with your textbook. As you continue with the registration
process, you'll be prompted for our course ID, your MTU email address, and your
Student ID:
Course ID: MTUPH2100SU2007 (digits
that look like zeros are all zeros)
Email Address: please
use your MTU email address
Student ID: please
use your MTU M-number
Prior users: Log in as an established user as you did
previously. Sign up for PH2100 by
entering as the Course ID: MTUPH2100SU2007
Occasional
problems arise with MasteringPhysics that are browser-related. If the graphics
or the hints to a problem are missing, turn off the popup blocker in your
browser. If you continue to have problems, try a different browser –
MasteringPhysics recommends the use of Firefox. Also, be sure that you have the
latest version of the Flash player installed on your computer. If the problem
persists, contact me or the technical support staff at MasteringPhysics. It's been my experience that MasteringPhysics
responds very quickly to requests for help.
Exams and Final Exam
The three exams and final exam are scheduled as follows:
Exam
I Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Exam
II Thursday, June 14, 2007
Final
Exam Friday June 29, 2007
The
two exams will each be 90 minutes long, starting at the beginning of class. (I
will make arrangements with you to accommodate the extra 30 minutes needed for
Exam II.) The final exam will be a comprehensive two-hour examination.
All exams will be closed book and closed notes. You may use the PH2100
formula sheet that will be included with the exam booklet. You will need a
scientific calculator for the exams; however, equations may not be stored in
calculators, nor may calculators be exchanged.
Cell phones and any other communication devices may not be used during the exams. Please turn them off before entering the examination rooms and keep them put away.
Exam I will consist of 30 conceptual questions and traditional problems with each multiple-choice answer worth six points, plus one 10-point problem for which your work will be graded by hand. Exam II will consist of 35 conceptual questions and traditional problems with each multiple-choice answer worth six points, plus one 10-point problem for which your work will be graded by hand. The final exam will consist of 50 conceptual questions and problems with each multiple-choice answer worth six points, plus one 10-point problem for which your work will be graded by hand. The questions and problems will be similar to the Stop to Think questions and worked examples found in the textbook, the assigned end-of-chapter exercises and problems, the graded homework problems (MasteringPhysics), and questions and problems posed and answered during lecture. Hand-graded problems will require correct and complete work to be shown, following the problem-solving strategies taught in the textbook, in order to receive full credit.
There will be no scaling, redemption, or any other adjustment of exam scores.
It is your responsibility to appear at the scheduled times to take the exams. Conflicts should be avoided by changing the conflicting event. No late exams will be given, and an unexcused absence from any exam will result in a grade of zero.
Grade Tracking
Your reading quiz and participation scores will be updated at the end of each week and the results will be available to you in the gradebook maintained in WebCT. In addition to grades, I will use WebCT to obtain and list your i>clicker transmitter number so that you can verify that I have your correct number. This is where your exam scores and ultimately your course grade may be found as well. It’s your responsibility to examine the gradebook periodically for accuracy and to report any discrepancies to me.
ACCESSING WebCT: WebCT is located at https://courses.mtu.edu . Your User ID is
your campus email address without the @mtu.edu and, by default, your Password
is the same as your user ID. If you previously used WebCT and changed your
password, your updated password is needed. If you have forgotten your password,
take your ID to Customer Service in the EERC basement and request a new
password.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Formula Sheet
The formula sheet, found at http://www.phy.mtu.edu/~jaszczak/Ph2100/su07/formulasheet.pdf, will be provided during all exams - no other formula sheet or table is allowed. Keep the formula sheet by your side as you solve homework problems in order to be efficient in using it.
Excused Absences
Events beyond your control may cause you to miss a homework deadline or an exam. Whenever possible, contact your instructor prior to your absence to arrange to make-up missed work. If you are unable to notify me concerning an absence or if you need to notify several instructors on short notice, contact the Office of Student Affairs for assistance. The Dean of Students will then inform all your instructors that you face a situation that requires that you miss class, and you are granted an excused absence. It's then your responsibility to contact each of your instructors after you recover from your illness or return to campus.
An absence is excused under the following conditions:
- If you participate in off-campus
University-sponsored activities, such as field trips, fine arts performances,
intercollegiate athletics, job fairs, etc. you are granted an excused absence
if your activity conflicts with an exam. Ask your advisor/instructor/coach to
provide documentation prior to your absence. Furthermore, I consider plant
trips, job interviews requiring travel, and professional society meetings as
excusable with proof of your attendance.
It is imperative that for an absence of this type, for which a conflict
with an exam is known well ahead of time, that you arrange with me to take the
exam earlier than its normally scheduled time.
- If you encounter circumstances beyond
your control such as illness, the funeral of any relative or close friend, or
other personal emergency, you are granted an excused absence. You must provide
verification of the special circumstances that led to your absence- this should
be done through the Dean of Students office to preserve your privacy. In the
event of a missed exam due to an excused absence, it is not possible to make-up
the exam. Instead, an excused absence from an exam will receive the score EXC.
At the end of the semester, exam EXC scores will be replaced by a weighted
average of all of your non-EXC scores on exams (exams and final exam). If the final exam is missed as a result of an
excused absence, you will be awarded the letter grade of I (incomplete) and
must take the PH2100 final exam at the end of any one of the next three
semesters that you're in residence. Two
or more exams missed as a result of excused absences will be handled on an
individual basis.
If a homework due date is missed as a result of an excused absence, the due date will be extended after you notify me.
GETTING
HELP
Office
Hours
In order to encourage you to ask questions, I've set aside office hours as shown in the instructor information table above. If these times are inconvenient, please let me know so that we might find a mutually agreeable meeting time.
The
If approaching me for help seems intimidating, you
may also see the recitation instructor for help. You may also wish to visit the
The following trained, undergraduate physics learning center coaches will be on campus during the summer session and will be available for coaching: Erica Akehurst esakehur@mtu.edu 906-281-1722 Justin Foley jmfoley@mtu.edu 906-369-0454 Stephanie Irish slirish@mtu.edu 507-250-4773 There will be no walk-in hours. Instead, students should contact the coaches directly for one-on-one appointments. Students may meet for one hour twice a week with a coach.
MasteringPhysics
Additional practice is available using
MasteringPhysics. The additional practice sets are so labeled by chapter and
are located in the assignment list below the list of 12 graded assignments.
Most the additional practice consists of skill builders and self-tutoring
problems with their built-in hints. Each additional practice chapter will be
worth up to one extra credit point, for a total of 12 extra credit points
possible.
Drop
Dates
Last
day to drop with no grade: May 23, 2007
Last day to drop with W grade: June 8, 2007
Late drop: If after the drop date circumstances
beyond your control prevent you from completing the course, you may be a
candidate for a late drop. The process begins with the Dean of Students,
to whom you confide the details of your situation. Please double check official deadlines with
the Office of Student Records.
Academic
Dishonesty
New technologies engender new forms of
cheating. Some known types of cheating and the action that will result
when cheating is identified are described below.
-Giving someone else your i>clicker transmitter is
just like letting someone else take a quiz or exam for you. Last
semester, one of the things students liked most about the i>clicker system
was the immediate feedback it provided about their conceptual understanding of
important topics. You lose this learning opportunity if you give your
transmitter to someone else.
-Copying someone else's answers in MasteringPhysics
is cheating. MasteringPhysics includes tools to help instructors identify
cheating. In addition, the support staff at MasteringPhysics, if requested,
will assist instructors to identify cheating. MasteringPhysics will
prohibit students identified as cheaters from using their website.
If cheating is suspected, the matter will be referred
to the Office of Student Affairs. The penalty for cheating is not less than an
academic integrity warning and not more than expulsion.
MTU
MTU complies with all federal and state laws and
regulations regarding discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990 (
Disclaimer: The course instructor
reserves the right to correct any errors in this document.