1. Course Description, Objectives, and Prerequisites
2. A Word About Physics
3. Course Philosophy
4. Course Structure and Assignments
5. Grading
6. Policies
7. Semester Calendar

CLASS HOURS: M,W,F 10:30-11:20 am Nielsen Hall, Room 170

CLASS WEB PAGE: http://www.nhn.ou.edu/~abbott/Phys-1114-Spring-2014

1. Course Description, Objectives, and Prerequisites

Physics 1114 is a quantitative introductory physics course for non-science majors. We will use mathematical equations to help us understand how nature works.

The goal of physics is to understand the physical universe and to accurately describe and predict what is observed. An understanding of physical principles may help you perceive the world around you in a more comprehensible, enjoyable, and fascinating way.

In order to solve a problem, you must critically examine the information available in a given situation, determine an effective method to approach the problem, and carry through to the solution, including a critical examination of the final answer to see if it is reasonable. These skills are not only essential to solving problems in physics, but to solving problems in general, and are applicable to many situations in many different environments. We will use various methods and techniques to help develop these skills.

High School Algebra 2. This course requires the use of algebra. A discussion on some algebra techniques that we will be using in this course can be found in the book's appendix. I highly recommend you do not attempt this course until you have mastered the necessary algebra that will be used in this course.

2. A Word About Physics

3. Course Philosophy

I want you to enjoy Physics 1114. The material we will be covering is fascinating and applicable. It’s implications can be observed in almost everything you interact with every day. In order to make this class as interesting and useful as possible, I will need to get feedback from you. Please feel free to ask questions in class and to come by my office during office hours.

As stated in Section 2, you can only learn physics by personally interacting with the material and solving problems. Consequently, I emphasize three methods of learning in this class:

1. Reading and thinking about the assigned material before it is discussed in class.
2. Solving problems using the physics concepts and principles, including specific problem solving techniques.
3. Discussing the material and solving problems in class, including working with your classmates.

Thinking about problems and solving them on a regular basis will allow you to learn and appreciate the subject matter in a natural way, without having to cram everything at the last moment. Remember that this is a four hour class so you should spend about eight hours per week outside of class interacting with the material.

4. Course Structure and Assignments

Almost every week you will have two assignments due. On Thursdays you will have a group problem which will be worked in your discussion section and homework will be due on Mondays at midnight. A calendar listing the tentative due dates for course assignments is attached as the last page of this syllabus. The calendar may be revised at the discretion of the professor.

Your final grade will be based on the assignments described in the remaining part of Section 4:

It is important that you read the material that will be covered in class before we discuss it in class. Therefore, you will be asked to read every chapter before we discuss it in class. You will need to purchase a "clicker" at the bookstore to answer the in class questions. In addition there will be interactive questions given during the lecture. You should register your clicker at iclicker.com . Class lectures will be used to clarify and elaborate on concepts which were difficult to understand during your own study. Class lectures will not necessarily cover all material that you are responsible for learning, but will primarily cover the material that you did not understand during your own reading and study.

4.2 GROUP PROBLEMS

During your discussion section, you will work on problems with other students who have been assigned to a group with you. Groups may be rearranged during the semester. The groups will allow you to work together with your peers to understand the material. Group activities will primarily consist of working on problems. All activities in the group are cooperative, not competitive, with everyone in the group receiving the same grade on the group assignment. A good group member is not necessarily one who knows the answers. A good group member is one who comes prepared and regularly participates in the group discussion, who enters into the spirit of trying to help his or her fellow group members answer questions, work problems, and better understand the material.

Homework will be assigned on a weekly basis. The homework will consist of about 15 problems. The homework will be done online at http://webassign.net . You will need to purchase an access code online. Webassign helpful hints . Homework will be due at Midnight on the date specified. Here are some suggestions for how to get the most out of the homework:

1. Read the problems as soon as you get them. You don’t have to spend any time working on them; just think about them as you read and study the material.
2. Don’t procrastinate. You will have a week to work on the problems. Don’t wait until the last minute to do them. Many students find that it is very helpful to attempt the problems even before the material is discussed in the class lecture.
3. Ask Questions. If you are having problems with the homework, seek help. You may discuss the problems with your classmates, with me during office hours, or with the discussion section instructor.
4. Do not use online HW solution guides or use solutions from friends!!

Although you may discuss the homework with your classmates, all submitted work must be your own. I encourage you to talk with others in order for you to get a general understanding of the problem. Use of online HW solutions is considered cheating and use of them should be highly discouraged. Doing the homework is the one of the best ways to prepare for the exams.

There will be three midterm exams and a final. The midterm exams will be held during the regular class time and will cover material from 2-3 chapters. The final will be comprehensive, covering material from the entire semester. The best preparation for these exams is a thorough understanding of the material including an understanding of the problems done for homework and during discussion section. Problem solving techniques used during the discussion section will also be used on the exams.

5. Grading

Your grades will be based on all of the assignments discussed in section 4. There will be one scheduled make-up exam at the end of the semester that anyone can take. Your lowest exam score will be dropped. In the event of a University closure on the date of the make-up exam, the make-up exam will not be offered. Excused absences for medical reasons will be accepted. I will need a signed notice from your doctor along with his or her telephone number. If at all possible, please inform me before any exam of any medical difficulties. Your final grade will be based on the points shown below. This chart may be modified at the discretion of the professor. Any modifications will be announced to the class.

Assignment	Points
In Class Questions	160 points
Group Problems	13 assignments @10 points each=130 points
Homework	11 assignments @20 each=210 points
Midterm Exams	3 exams @100 points each=300 points
Final Exam	1 exam @200 points each=200 points

Your lowest group problem score will be dropped.

If you take the optional makeup exam, your lowest exam score will be dropped.

The following criteria will be used for determining letter grades:

The actual letter grade will be determined as the semester progresses. Your grade will be calculated with and without including in class questions and the higher score will be used for your final grade. The grade distributions will be approximately: A (>875 points), B (>750 points), C (>625 points), D (>500 points), F(<500 points). If you have any questions about the grade on a particular assignment, you should discuss your questions with the professor within two weeks after the graded assignment has been returned. I will not discuss any assignments after this two week period.

If you turn in all of the HW and Group problems and receive at least 80% of the points. And receive at least 80% of the points on the in class questions and receive at least a D on all of the exams, you will receive at least a C in the course. There will be no extra credit points available

6. Policies

6.1 CALCULATORS

You will need to use a calculator for exams. Using a preprogrammed calculator in an exam to store information not available to the entire class, including solutions or equations, is considered cheating.

6.2 CHEATING

The University policy on cheating will be followed. See the student handbook under academic misconduct for a description of infractions and policies.

6.3 STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact me personally as soon as possible so that we can discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation in this class and facilitate educational opportunities.

6.4 RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS

It is the policy of the University to excuse any absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide without penalty for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays. Please notify the professor in advance of any excused absences due to religious holidays.

CALENDAR OF IMPORTANT DATES