PH106: General Physics with Calculus II

Spring 2009
Robert Hamner

Instructor: Robert Hamner (roberthamner@gmail.com)

Graduate TA: Zachary Burell (zmburell@gmail.com)

Course Description: Lecture and laboratory. Introductory calculus-based course in

classical physics, including electricity, magnetism, and optics.

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of the course, you should have a basic
introductory understanding of classical electricity on both a qualitative and quantitative
level. You should be able to solve basic problems using mathematics through differential
and integral calculus. You should then have the necessary background so that you can
take modern physics. Expected learning outcomes include but are not limited to:

General Learning Outcomes:

-Scientific method: You should be able to recognize and explain the scientific method,
and evaluate scientific information.

-Effective Teamwork: You should be able to collaborate and perform effectively in

team activities.

Course Specific Learning Outcomes:

-Conceptual Understanding: You should be able to answer conceptual questions which

require a solid understanding of electrical and magnetic forces.
You should be able to apply the concepts of electric fields and electric potential to
relevant problems.
You should be able to apply the concepts of magnetic fields to relevant problems.

-Application of Basic Laws of Physics: You should be able to apply the laws of physics
to formulate a solution to a problem.

-Analysis of Electric Circuits: You should be able to analyze electric circuits and
predict their function.

- Knowledge of optics: You should be able to solve problems which require the
knowledge of ray optics and optical image formation.

Course Format: Studio physics is a format that combines the lab and the lecture into
one class. The class will have two lecture/lab sessions a week, and one recitation. The
lecture/lab sessions will generally be a one hour lecture followed by a one hour group
exercise or lab, and the recitation session will be mostly devoted to problem solving.
Students will be expected to remember concepts covered in PH101/105, and an
understanding of the math covered in the prerequisites will be essential. It is expected
that the students are familiar with basic calculus, algebra, basic geometry, trigonometry,
and vector operations.

Textbook: “Serway and Jewett, Physics for Scientists and Engineers Vol. VII”
Older versions of the textbook are acceptable.

Homework: Homework will be handled with webassign: http://www.webassign.net/

Students are encouraged to work together on homework, though each student’s
assignment will have different solutions. It will help you to fully understand how to
solve each problem as the material on the tests will be related.

Grading: There will be an in-class exercise most days, and these will be collected at the
end of each session. You will be allowed to drop your three lowest in-class grades.
There will be 3 one hour exams and one comprehensive final exam. Exams will be
closed book, but students will be allowed to bring in a formula sheet for reference.

In-class work: 20%

Homework: 20%
Exam I: 10%
Exam II: 15%
Exam III: 15%
Final Exam: 20%

Attendance: You will not be able to make-up any missed in-class work. If you have a
valid excuse for missing a class (birth of a child, you are a member of an athletic team
that has to leave town, etc.), you can drop that exercise so that it will neither help you nor
hurt you. If you have a valid excuse for missing one of the exams, the missed percentage
points will be absorbed by the other tests (for example…missing the first exam means the
second will count 25% and the final will count 35%).

You do get to drop your three lowest in-class exercises, so you are “excused” for three
days regardless of the reason.

Office Hours: I will generally be around my office from 11 to 1 on Mondays and

Wednesdays. Graduate student office hours can be found here:

Academic Misconduct: All acts of dishonesty in any work constitute academic

misconduct. The Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Policy will be followed in the event
of academic misconduct.

Disability Accommodations: To request disability accommodations, please contact

Disabilities Services (348-4285). After initial arrangements are made with that office,
please contact me.