Course description: This course will introduce you to some of the fundamental ideas in physics. The emphasis will be on the qualitative understanding of these concepts but with some quantitative work illustrating the scientific method. The principles of physics will not simply be presented in the abstract; the course will also show you how they relate to workplace and everyday life experiences.
Learning Objectives In this course you will learn to:
These learning objectives are interwoven throughout the course. With every lecture and nearly every assignment you will be challenged to apply the qualitative and quantitative methods of science to explain physical phenomena as well as consider the related societal issues. Examples include: Why don't satellites need propulsion to stay in orbit? How many solar cells are required to supply the electrical energy for a single family home? How and why do men and women differ in their vision, hearing, and movement? What is the greenhouse effect and how do cars contribute to it? You read about the dangers of radiation from cell phones, high power electrical lines, nuclear power, and the ozone hole; which of these is a serious hazard?
Required Textbook: P. Hewitt, Conceptual Physics, either 10th or 9th Edition.
Grades: Your grade will be computed by the following recipe: Midterms (20%,15%,15%); Homework (20%); Quizzes and Class Participation (10%); Final Exam (20%).
Homework: Homework will be assigned regularly and collected at the beginning of each class period. Solutions will be posted, both on a board in the hallway and as PDF files on the course web site. Late homework is not accepted since the solutions will be discussed and posted when homework is due. However, you may miss up to three homework assignments with no penalty. Each homework assignment will be 6 points; an average of 5 points or better is A-level, between 4 and 5 points is B-level, etc.
Quizzes: Before each class you should read the chapter that will be discussed that day. Quizzes will be simple questions from that chapter. If absent for lecture, a quiz may not be made up however you may miss up to three quizzes with no penalty.
Participation: Active participation in class, such as answering questions, is strongly encouraged (and will count towards your quiz grade).
Midterms: There will be three midterms with exercises and problems similar (sometimes identical) to those given as homework. Your best midterm will count 20% of your course grade, the other two will count 15%. You will not need scantron forms or “blue books” but bring a photo ID, a calculator and a pen or pencil. I’ll give you more details just before the first midterm; also see the exams webpage. Exams will be "curved" and the rubric relating numerical scores with letter grades is: over 90 points is A-level, over 80 points is B-level, etc.
Final: The final exam will be similar to the midterms but a little longer and comprehensive (i.e., material from the entire course). Check the calendar for the date and time of the final exam; also see the exams webpage.
Attendance: I will not be calling roll or marking attendance, however, you are responsible for all the material discussed in class. If you miss class, contact your classmates or myself to find out what you missed.
Writing: For homework you will write about one to two pages per week. Typical homework questions require three or four sentences to answer. You are expected to understand the physics, organize a logical reply by comparing and contrasting facts, principles, and ideas then write a clear and concise explanation. Questions on the midterms and on the final will be similar in format. While the grading will be based primarily on content, you are expected to use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. It is important that you view good writing as part of the thinking and learning process, not just something you're graded on.
Laboratory: Physics 1L is a one-unit laboratory course associated with Physics 1. It is not required unless you need a lower-division lab science to satisfy GE requirements.
Ethics: Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San José State University, and the University’s Academic Integrity Policy requires you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty are required to report all infractions to the Office of Judicial Affairs. The policy on academic integrity can be found on the SJSU website.
Disabilities: If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires that students with disabilities register with DRC to establish a record of their disability.
Emergencies: If you hear a continuous alarm or are told to evacuate the building, walk quickly to the nearest stairway at the end of each hall. Do not use the elevator. Take your personal belongings with you. Be quiet and follow instructions. Move away from the building and do not return until informed by police or coordinators.