Spring 2006                                                                             Call No. 13053

                                                                                                MTWRF  11:00-11:50 pm

 

Physics 113, General Physics I

 

Course:           Physics 113 is a one semester general physics course concerning the principles and practical applications of mechanics, vibrations and wave motion.  This course will introduce you to the basic concepts and principles of physics that apply to your major/minor and will show you how to apply those concepts to real life problems.  One of the main objectives of this course is to help you develop your problem-solving skills.

 

Lectures:        Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday in room 1110 Rood Hall from 11:00 to 11:50 pm.  Mondays are either Quiz or Exam days.

 

Instructor:      Bob Scherzer

                        Office: 2220 Everett Tower

                        Phone: 387-4959. Email: Scherzer@wmich.edu

 

Office Hours: Monday 10-10:50 am, Friday 9-9:50 am in my office or by appointment.         

 

Textbook:       College Physics (7th edition) by R. A. Serway and J. S. Faughn (2006) Thomson Brooks/Cole.  It should be brought to every lecture.  We will try to cover Chapters 1-9, 13, 14 during the semester.

 

Prerequisite:   Math 110 (Algebra I)

 

1.      It is Department Policy that a grade of “C” or better in a prerequisite course is required before enrollment is permitted in the next-sequence course.  A student who does not meet this requirement must drop this course as soon as possible and no later than the no-refund deadline.

 

2.      It is University Policy that the number of times a course may be taken is limited to three (including withdrawals). A student whose current enrollment is in violation of this policy must drop this course as soon as possible and no later than the deadline for no refund of tuition.

  

Corequisite:    Physics 1140 (General Physics I Lab)

 

Assignments:  Assignments will be made on Friday of each week rather than day-to-day.  It is assumed that you have the maturity to budget your time to your best advantage in this class.  The earlier in the week you read the material and complete the assigned problems, the more meaningful the lectures will be.  I will not collect the problems you have worked.  We will work out these problems in class.  You are to use these problems as a guide to how well you understand the textbook and the lectures.

 

Calculator:      A pocket, non-programmable calculator will be needed and should be brought to all exams and lectures.

 

Quizzes:          There will be eight 30-minute quizzes,  each counting 30 points (3%) for a total of 240 points (24%) toward the final grade.  You will be quizzed on all the material covered in the previous week.

 

Exams:            There will be four one-hour exams.  The highest three will each count 150 points (15%) for a total of 450 points (45%) toward your final grade.  You will be tested on all material covered since the previous exam.  No make-up exams or quizzes will be given if you miss one exam/quiz.  If you miss an exam/quiz, you will receive a zero.  The only exception to this policy is a major medical problem or death in the immediate family.  Proof will be necessary.

 

 Final Exam:   The comprehensive (Chapter 1-9, 13, 14) two-hour final exam will take place on Wednesday, April 26th from 8:00-10:00 am in 1110 Rood Hall.  It will count 310 points (31%) toward the final grade.

 

                        Quizzes and exams will be based in part on assigned problems.

 

The Best way to prepare for quizzes and exams is to practice by solving problems individually or in groups.

 

Point Allocation:                     8 quizzes @ 30 points each  = 240

                                                3 Exams @ 150 points each = 450

                                                1 Final Exam @ 310 points  = 310

                                                                                                1000

Grading Scale:           A    920-1000

                                    BA   860-919

                                    B     800-859

                                    CB   740-799

                                    C      600-739

                                    DC   540-599

                                    D      480-539

                                    E       <479

 

Tentative Schedule:

Jan. 16, Quiz                Feb. 6, Quiz                 Mar. 13, Quiz

Jan. 23, Quiz                Feb. 13, Quiz               Mar. 20, Exam 3             Apr. 10, Exam 4

Jan. 30, Exam 1            Feb. 20, Exam 2           Mar. 27, Quiz                  Apr. 26, Final Exam

                                    Mar. 6, Quiz                 Apr. 3, Quiz                             8:00-10:00 am