Physics 9A : Summer 1998 : MWF 8:00 - 9:45 : 55 Roessler
Dr. Jack Osborne
537 Phys/Geo
916-752-5786
web: http://altair.ucdavis.edu/~jho/physics/phys9a.html
email:jho@ucdnpg.ucdavis.edu
RESOURCES: The text for the course is Physics (3rd Ed.) by Paul Tipler. This text and the lecture notes are the primary sources for the course. Other texts are available on reserve at Shields Library.
HOMEWORK AND QUIZZES: Assigned homework problems will be listed on the board and on the class web page each week. The homework will not be collected. Instead, there will be a closed-book, closed-note quiz of about 30 minute duration. The quizzes will consist of three problems. Two of the three problems will be similar enough to the homework that they can easily be solved by a student who has successfully completed the homework. Though calculators will often be required, NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN FOR ANSWERS WITHOUT WORK SHOWN. Most useful equations and constants will be provided. You will, however, be expected to remember some of the more basic (simple) equations. Problem solutions will be made available AFTER the quiz at Navin's Copy Shop. Each student's lowest quiz score will be dropped. Make-up quizzes will NOT be given (except under circumstances such as prolonged illness). However, arrangements may be made to take a quiz EARLY if necessary.
EXAMS: There will be only one examination, the final exam. The final will be closed-book and no notes or formula pages will be allowed. Most useful equations and constants will be provided. Calculators are allowed, though again, NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN FOR ANSWERS WITHOUT WORK SHOWN. If I cannot be reached prior to the final exam and you are sick, obtain WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION from the health center. The final exam is Friday August 7, 8:00-10:00am and will NOT be changed, except in an emergency (an airline reservation is not an emergency).
DISCUSSION: It is IMPERATIVE that you attend discussion session. The opportunity to ask questions in an atmosphere more intimate than the lecture hall has proven crucial to students' understanding and success in the course. Among the activities: group problem-solving, returning and discussing quizzes, discussion of topics in the text, and problem-solving by the TA. Attendence is MANDATORY. A poor antendence record in discussion may lower your grade a 'step', i.e. B- to C+, C+ to C, etc.
LABS: You MUST be enrolled simultaneously in a lab section. If you are not already enrolled in a lab section, you must enroll IN PERSON at the next meeting of a lab section that has space available. FAILURE TO TAKE AND PASS THE LAB RESULTS IN AN AUTOMATIC GRADE OF 'F' FOR THE ENTIRE COURSE. Any exception (e.g., use of a prior lab grade) requires Physics Department approval prior to the end of the first week of classes. Lab grades modify your lecture grade to give you your course grade. A HIGH PASS will raise your lecture grade one 'step' and a LOW PASS will lower your lecture grade by one 'step' except for grade 'A' (high pass) and 'D-' (low pass).
GRADING: Quizzes will count for 60% of your grade. The final exam will be comprehensive and will count for 40% of the total. The class will be graded on a curve. Documented cases of cheating will, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, be referred to Judicial Affairs.
ASSISTANCE: Ro 158 will be open from approximately 1 pm until 5 pm Wednesday and Thursday, staffed at various times by myself, discussion leaders, and lab TA's. A defintie schedule will be posted outside Ro 158 as soon as possible. Besides simply being a place to work, this resource is meant to provide an opportunity to discuss the material and problems with other 9A students, to become acquainted with other members of the Physics Department, to discuss difficulties in the course, to investigate a possible major in Physics, and to obtain help with assignments. I heartily encourage you to attend if you are having difficulty solving the problems. I will also have drop-in office hours every afternoon from 2 to 3 to handle administrative problems (not homework). I am also available by appointment. One of the BEST times to talk to me is immediately AFTER class, either in front of the lecture hall or at my office. One of the WORST times to attempt to discuss anything with me is immediately BEFORE class.
MISCELLANEOUS: There is a glass case (#9) outside room Phys/Geo 107 reserved for this class (9A-1). This syllabus, problem solutions, keys to exams, and various other important information (such as answers to even-numbered problems) will be posted there periodically throughout the quarter. Be aware!
SCHEDULE: (tentative)