Physics 121.6 General Physics Course Outline

Physics 121.6 General Physics 2007 - 2008 Instructor Course Objectives Syllabus Textbooks/Materials Prerequisites Internet Access Grading Tests Academic Honesty Tutorials Office Hours Lecture Examples Mathematics Requirements Help Desk Laboratory Printable version

Instructor

Course Objectives

• A calculus based survey course of basic physics principles.
• Study some of the applications of physics to technology and other scientific fields.
• To give a solid grounding in basic physics that will serve as a basis for further study in physics or other scientific fields.
• Develop analytical and mathematical skills that will be applicable to many scientific endeavours.
• Demonstrate the application of the scientific method through laboratory experiments.
• Develop an appreciation for how scientific measurements are made.

Syllabus

The general topics to be covered are:

• Mechanics
• Fluid Mechanics
  
• Oscillations and Waves
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Light and Optics

See the Lecture Schedule for a more detailed list of topics.

Required Materials

1. Physics for Scientists and Engineers, by Serway and Jewett, 7^th Edition, (Thomson, Brooks/Cole)
2. A Laboratory Manual for Physics 121.6, Revised 2003
3. TurningPoint RF Response Card (Clicker) from Turning Technologies, Available from the Campus Computer Store.
4. Calculator. Note: Some classes require a specific brand of calculator. In this class any scientific calculator may be used.

Supplementary Materials

1. Student Solutions Manual and Study Guide, by Gordon, McGrew, and Serway.
2. Multiple Choice Questions for Physics 111.6
   

Prerequisites

Physics 30, and MATH 110.3, and either MATH 116.3 or MATH 112.3. The MATH prerequisites may be taken concurrently with Physics 121.6.

Internet Access is Required

The class web page will be used throughout the course for posting announcements, assignment questions and solutions, test solutions, assignment and test marks, and many other supplementary materials. In addition the Reading Quizzes will be handled exclusively through the web site.

Grading

Note: The laboratories are an integral part of this course. Completion of all the laboratory experiments is mandatory to receive a passing grade in the course. If you do not complete all the labs your grade calculated without the laboratory component, or 49%, whichever is less, will be your final grade.

Mid-Term Tests and Final Examination

Mid-Term Tests are normally about 90 minutes long and are on the lecture material that was covered from the previous test (or from the beginning of the year) to about a week before date of the test. The Final Examination is 3 hours long and covers the whole year’s work. The Mid-Term Tests must be scheduled outside the lecture time.

The Tests are scheduled:

Information on exam rooms, details of the exam format, and the material that will be covered on each test, will be announced prior to each test (see the Tests page). Some students will have a timetable conflict with one or more of the tests. As the date for each test draws near, arrangements will be made for those students to write the test at an alternative time.

Academic Honesty

Cheating in any form, including plagiarism (copying), is treated as a serious offence by the University. You should familiarize yourself with the material contained on the University website http://www.usask.ca/honesty.

Tutorials

• provide more worked examples than are possible in the lecture.
• instruct you on the best techniques to approach complex problems.
• provide additional material that will help you prepare for the Tests and Final Examination.
• privide more opportunity for discussion and interactive learning.

Office Hours

• I will endeavor to be in my office (room 251) and available at the above times. There will be times when I am unavoidably called away. I will try to let you know in advance if I am not going to be available at the above times.
• You are welcome to come to see me at other times as well, if I am available.

Lecture Examples

Mathematics Requirements

This optional 3-evening non-credit Extension course is intended for students who have registered in Physics 111.6, Physics 121.6, Astronomy 101.6, or General Engineering 124.3.  The course will review the mathematical concepts and techniques that are used in a first-year physics or astronomy course.  Topics covered will include linear, quadratic, and simultaneous equations, graphical representation, exponents and logarithms, trigonometric functions and identities, units, scientific notation, significant figures, and vectors (different material will be covered each evening).

Registration Information: Phone Extension Division at 966-5539

Help Desk

• Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm

A few tips to make your visits to the Help Desk productive:

• If you have a question about a concept or about the course material, try to have a specific question in mind.
• If you are requesting help with a specific problem, make an honest attempt to solve the problem before visiting the Help Desk. The tutor will usually begin by asking how you went about your solution: he/she can then tell you if you have taken the right approach to the problem. If you have your work with you he/she might also be able to point out any specific mathematical errors.
• If you have no idea how to start a problem, or if you got started but took the wrong approach, the tutor will try to point you in the right direction. Once you get the problem started, the tutor will ask you to try to complete the solution yourself.
• Do not leave it to the last moment. Bear in mind that the Help Desk may get busy just before an assignment is due and prior to a test or exam, so you might have a long wait. Also remember that the Desk could be closed at any time due to unforeseen events such as illness, snowstorms, etc.
  

Laboratories

• General Information
  
• Term 1
• Term 2

General Information

Term 1

Tue. Sept. 11    2:00 pm         Lab Section L01     Room 175 Physics
Wed. Sept. 12  2:30 pm         Lab Section L02     Room 103 Physics
Thu. Sept. 13    2:30 pm         Lab Section P03     Room 175 Physics

You should bring with you your copy of “Laboratory Manual for Physics 121.6”, Revised 2003. Please read the introduction before the introductory session.
If you cannot attend the introductory session for your lab section come to one of the others. If you cannot attend any of the introductory session please see Stan Shadick in room 132.1

Term 2