General Physics I (PH 101)
Spring 2010


 
Instructor:
Dr. Sergio Fabi            Office: 321, Gallalee Hall, Box. 870324, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 35487-0324
                                    Phone: (205) 348-2565, Fax: (205) 348-5051. Email: fabi001@bama.ua.edu
 
Teaching Assistants: 
Mike Wofsey              Office:  TBA Gallalee Hall, Box. 870324, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 35487-0324
                                   Phone: (205) 348-8582. Email: wofse001@crimson.ua.edu

Hwachol Lee               Office: 218, Gallalee Hall, Box. 870324, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 35487-0324
                                    Phone: (205) 348-TBA. Email: hlee45@bama.ua.edu
 
 
Time and Place: Lectures: Tuesday, Thursday. 3:00pm - 4:15pm - Room 227, Gallalee Hall.
Laboratory Sections: Wednesday. 1:00pm - 3:00pm (section 002)  6:00pm - 8:00pm (section 003)- Room 203, Gallalee Hall.
Office Hours:
Open door (just walk into my office anytime) or by appointment (Room 321, Gallalee Hall)
Help Desk:
Click here
Text Used:
Serway and Faughn, College Physics Vol. 1 (Seventh Edition) or an earlier edition if you prefer.
Prerequisite:
MATH 113 (If you have not pass this class you cannot take this course)
Credit:
4 hours
PH101 Web Site:
http://bama.ua.edu/~fabi001/PH101Spring10.html
Course Numbers and Sections: CNR: 12880 (section 002) - CNR: 16093 (section 003)

Learning Objectives:

This class will introduce physics: the scientific method to find, appreciate and report facts about the foundamental aspects of Nature.
The lecture sections will emphasize the methology of the Science: the discipline for seeking knowledge based on the three basic steps put together by Galileo:

1) Observations
2) Formulation of a scientific theory
3) Experimental verifications

The lecture part will be focusing on the second point above, based on a historic approach to the problem, development of a formal introduction of the class materials and its applications. The laboratory part of the class will introduce the measurement techniques, data handling and analysis. The lectures will contain worked out examples (problems), similar to those assigned in the homework and exams. During this course, students should develop a qualitative and quantitative understanding of basic topics which are: kinematics in one and two dimensions, Newton's laws, work and energy,  linear momentum, collisions, rotational motion, conservation laws, oscillations, gravitation, fluids, wave motion (including sound) and thermodynamics.

It is expected that the students read the appropriate textbook section before each class.This is essential for being able to follow the class and for achieving a good grade. You have to think of the book being not just a support for the class, but as the starting point for your own studing. Because of time limitations, lectures are necessarily brief, students should use class time to clarify questions regarding the reading material. This can happen through discussions with their peers or the instructor.
The understanding of basic mathematics, as covered e.g. in Math 113, is thus an essential class pre-requisite. It is expected that the students are familiar with algebra, quadratic equations, and systems of equations, trigonometry, powers and logarithms. Knowledge of calculus is not required to follow this class.

Class Format:

The course will emphasize fundamental concepts and problem-solving techniques of physics using interactive instruction, computer-based techniques, and cooperative learning. There will be a separate lab and lecture section. It is a good idea to keep notes as some of the in-class examples will be similar to the exam problems. This should encourage class attendance.
The group in-class activities will include lab experiments and exercises. The exercises will consist of real-world problems and computer simulations.
It is essential that you read the textbook, as the lectures will not cover all the material. Make sure to study the introduction to each chapter: it is easy and very helpful to understand the motivations.
 

Homework:

The reason for doing homeworks is to learn how to solve preblems in order to pass the exams.  The homework are assigned and submitted on the web, using an online free service provided
by the Universiry of Texas at Austin. Click here for instructions. The Unique number fot this course is 76594.
It is important to understand how to work a problem and not just check the boxes. Students can resubmit problems if they are incorrect, up to a maximum of 7 attempts. The numerical values in the problem are different for each student, but are not changed each time a problem is resubmitted.

Attendance and Makeup Policy:

I don't expect students to attend classes. You should have understand by now the importance of attendance since it is a crucial element in being able to pass the exams. If you're more than 15 minutes late to class, you will not be allowed to participate to the lecture. No makeup of labs or exams will be given. If you have a legitimate reason due to a health problem (no any kind of other excuses will be accepted) for missing an exam, then you must inform me as soon as possible. If the reason is acceptable, something might be worked out. The lowest grade of a lab and the lowest homework will be dropped. This will allow a limited number of missed grades regardless of the reason.

Book: Richard Feynman - Six Easy Pieces:

Physics is not all about making calculations, being able to apply a formula or both taking and analyze data. It's a science first of all. It's a possible way to look at, understand and enjoy Nature. Learning science therefore also means learning the scientific approach to the fundamental questions of how and why things are and work the way they do. This book represents a nice introduction to the topic of the Philosophy of Science. Written by Richard Feynman, one of the most acclaimed American physicist. Hence the reading of the book is essensial. I will assign the students one chapter randomly (chapter six excluded) on TBA and have a written report of that chapter due on TBA (no exception). The report has to be at least two pages long, one page containing a summary of the assigned chapter. The rest of the report must contain your personal opinions about the chapter, the whole book and physics in general. Please indicate on the right top corner of the report which chapter has been assign to you.

Exams:

EXAM 1: Tuesday, March 2nd  Room 227. Chapter: 1,2,3,4,5,6
EXAM 2: TBA  Room 227. Chapter: TBA

FINAL EXAM:  TBA Room 227.  Chapter: 1-14 (comprehensive)
Students may use a pocket calculator and ONE formula sheet (you can find a link in the Class Notes) for each Exams.
For the Final Exam all THREE formula sheets are allowed. You cannot add any extra formula or text in the sheets.
If you forget to bring the calculator/formula sheet(s) you will have to take the exam without them.

Best advice I can offer you: study, and study hard! This is physics and this is just the way it is.

Grading:

Yes I know they add up to 105%. This gives you a 5%  as possible extra credits. Do not ask for additional extra credit or permissiona for late submission.

Grading Policy:

 
Letter Grade
Numerical Grade
 Description.
(Min. percentage points)
A+ 
4.33 
 (97%)
A
4.00 
 Superior ability or attainment significantly beyond all minimum expectations (93%)
A- 
3.67 
 (90%)
B+ 
3.33 
 (87%)
B 
3.00
 Good ability or attainment which meets and exceeds many minimum expectations (83%)
B- 
2.67 
 (80%)
C+ 
2.33
 (77%)
C 
2.00 
 Ability or attainment which is acceptable and meets all minimum (required) expectations (73%)
C- 
1.67 
 (70%)
D+ 
1.33 
 (67%)
D
1.00 
 Ability or attainment which does not meet all minimum (required) expectations (63%)
D- 
0.67
 (60%)
F 
0.00 
 Attainment of some but not a number of important minimum expectations and is, thus, not appropriate for a minimum professional level of performance (0-59%).

Academic Misconduct:

Students are expected to follow the Code of Student Conduct, as laid down by The University of Alabama. All acts of dishonesty in any work constitute academic misconduct. In particular each student is expected to do his/her own work on quizzes and exams. Suspected violators of this policy will be referred to the Dean's Office in the College of Arts and Sciences. Students are encouraged to work together when studying and preparing for homework.

Disability Accomodations:

To request disability accommodations, please contact Disability Services (348-4285). After initial arrangements are made with that office, contact the course instructor.

Useful links:

HyperPhysics  - Web site that explains and organizes physics concepts using hyperlinks.
Aleks  - Online math tutor.

Tentative Schedule:

The class schedule can be found on the web (click here)

Class Notes:

Additional class notes (click here)
 


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