Physics 1110

Summer 2012

Physics 1110 Course Syllabus

Quick information Lectures: Recitations: Professor: Office: Phone: e-mail: Web page: MTWRF 9:15AM to 10:25AM in Duane G-1B20 MTWRF 11A-12:10P in Duane G-2B75, 77, or 60 Charles Rogers Duane F-631 (in the Gamow Tower) (303) 492-4476 Charles.Rogers@colorado.edu http://www.colorado.edu/physics/phys1110/phys1110_sm12/

Course materials (available at the bookstores) 1. Essential University Physics, Volume 1, Richard Wolfson. 2. Tutorials in Introductory Physics, by Lillian C. McDermott, Peter S. Shaffer, and the Physics Education Group, to be used in the recitation sections. 3. Homework: Tutorials in Introductory Physics, by Lillian C. McDermott, Peter S. Shaffer, and the Physics Education Group, written homework sets. 4. Audience response clicker, for participating in the in-class conceptual questions. 5. SmartPhysics pre-lectures access package. Introduction Physics 1110, General Physics 1, is the first semester of a two semester sequence in introductory physics. We will cover topics in mechanics, Newton's Laws, concepts of energy, work, conservation of energy, rotational motion, gravity, sound, waves, fluids, and heat. The summer course is taught with five weekly lectures, and five weekly recitations. We use the recitation to practice problem solving and to sharpen your reasoning about physics. The material is presented at a level that requires some calculus, algebra, and trigonometry. What we cover and why The material we will cover is at the foundation of our technological society. Most of the material involves discoveries no more than 300 years old (of course, even the ancients knew some things about physics). We are so comfortable with technologies like television and home computers, that it is easy to forget just how recent these developments are. We live radically more convenient, typically longer, and perhaps more enjoyable lives due to the revolution in physical and biological science over the last couple of centuries. This course aims to introduce you to our Physics 1110 Syllabus 1 Summer 2012

Physics 1110

Summer 2012

present understanding of how the world works, and shows you how to use important tools of physics to understand and solve problems on your own. The text The text we will use is "Essential University Physics" Vol. 1, by Richard Wolfson. I will cover Chapters 1 through 19 in Wolfson at a rate of roughly four chapters per week. There are many excellent books covering introductory physics. Wolfson's is one of the best. The textbook is one of the best tools you have in the class. READ CHAPTERS BEFORE WE COVER THEM IN CLASS. If you do, you'll get much more out of the lectures. The Recitations, Tutorials and Tutorial Homework This is a chance to work in a smaller setting with fellow students and trained teaching and learning assistants. Tutorials are designed to enhance your understanding of key principles dealt with in the class. You will hand in "tutorial homework", and work through worksheets in small groups at your own pace. It's more important for you to understand the material than to "cover" all the questions. You must take responsibility for your own learning! If you find yourself ahead of your partners, try to explain some physics to them. (Explainers learn even more than listeners.) Remember to bring your workbook to tutorial every recitation! You will receive participation points for taking part in each tutorial. Tutorial Homework: There will be a written homework assignment on the tutorial material, due each week on Wed. and Fri. The PreLecture Activity We will be using the SmartPhysics 'PreLectures'. These are 15 minute videos covering the material that we will treat in lectures. The PreLectures also include a number of questions to be answered at the end of the video. You will receive participation points for this activity.

Physics 1110 Syllabus

Summer 2012

Physics 1110 Grading

Summer 2012

Your course grade is determined by a combination of your performance on exams, homework, and in class participation. A total of 900 points are available as follows:

Course component Exam 1 (Monday, June 11, Duane G1B20, 11AM) Exam 2 (Monday, June 18, Duane G1B20, 11AM) Exam 3 (Monday, June 25, Duane G1B20, 11AM) Exam 4 (Monday, July 2, Duane G1B20, 11AM) CAPA sets (twice weekly CAPA, due Tues. and Thurs. 5PM) Written Homework (twice weekly written problems due on Wed. and Fri. at start of lecture) In-Class 'clicker' problems, PreLectures, and tutorial participation (points for your in-class participation and answers) Final Exam (Friday, July 6, Duane G1B20, 9:15AM) Total Points:

Points 100 100 100 100 100 100

100

200 900

There will be four midterm exams, each worth 100 points. Homework will provide 200 points and associated in class questions provide 100 points. The final exam will provide 200 points. Exams Exams are scheduled as above. You are allowed to bring a single 8.5"x11" sheet of with whatever information you care to have on it to the exam. Calculators are allowed as well. CAPA Homework We will be using the CAPA on-line system for homework assignments. Homework (all ten of the homework sets) will be handed out on the first day of class. CAPA sets are typically due Physics 1110 Syllabus 3 Summer 2012

Physics 1110

Summer 2012

Wednesday at 9PM and Friday at 9PM.The CAPA system is available on the internet at http://www.colorado.edu/physics/CAPA/Cindex.html, or from the course home page at http://www.colorado.edu/physics/phys1110/phys1110_sm12/ CAPA is a tool that provides you with immediate feedback on your solutions to homework problems. If you take the time to start homework early, there is no reason why you cannot have a perfect homework score by the end of the class. The first homework will review the use of CAPA. In addition to CAPA assignments, there will be two written homework assignments each week. These assignments will be from the Homework: Tutorials in Introductory Physics, by Lillian C. McDermott, Peter S. Shaffer, and the Physics Education Group, will typically be due in the homework turn-in box in the Physics HelpRoom by 5PM on Wednesdays and Fridays. In-class 'Clicker' responses We will also be using an audience response system to allow in-class questions and answers to conceptual questions during lecture. Typically, we will have brief periods of lecture, followed by a series of multiple choice questions. Class discussion is encouraged. After a short period for discussion, you will use your 'clicker' (an electronic transmitter used for audience feedback during lecture. Purchase your clicker at the CU bookstore to answer the question. You receive 1 participation point for an answer, and for occasional questions 3 points for the correct answer. The internet resources, web page, and e-mail The web page for Physics 1110 provides information on the class activities, contact information for all the staff, course notes, access to the CAPA system, and access to a variety of online resources. I strongly encourage you to use the Physics 1110 web site and provide me with feedback on course services that youd like to see included. E-mail and the webpage are essential channels of communication in this course. Be sure to check your email for important messages at least once a day. Your scores and items such as exam solutions will be posted on our Desire2Learn site.

Physics 1110 Syllabus

Summer 2012

Physics 1110 How to succeed in this course

Summer 2012

The course topics that we will cover in Physics 1110 are among the greatest intellectual achievements of humans. Don't be surprised if you have to think and work hard to master the material. However, try to remember that humans like you and me CAN understand all of this information. You can perform very well in this class if you follow this time-tested system: 1. Read the chapter material before lecture and recitation. If you read it first, it'll sink in faster during lecture. 2. Take notes on your reading and try to write down questions you may have. If you ask those questions in class, I will try to answer them. 3. Come to class. Stay involved in class and recitation. Come to office hours. 4. Start the homework early. Give yourself the time to work and understand. Remember that its possible to have a perfect homework score by putting in the effort and time. 5. But first: Do the reading. Dont try the homework until you finish the reading. 6. Work together. Physicists often work in groups. You need to do your own thinking, but talking to others is a great way to sort out your own thoughts. 7. Dont get behind. Its very hard to catch up. 8. Dont give up. YOU CAN MASTER THIS MATERIAL AS HAVE OTHER HUMANS!

Physics 1110 Syllabus

Summer 2012