Physics 9A Section A Syllabus for Spring 2002

Topics
Physics 9A is the first course in the "physics 9 series", a calculus-based introductory physics series for science and engineering majors. Physics 9A will cover aspects of what is called "classical mechanics". This includes (but is not limited to): Motion in 1, 2, and 3 dimensions (Kinematics); Newton's Laws of motion (Forces); Energy and momentum (from collisions to conservation); Rotations (extension of Newton's Laws)

Course texts
The standard 9A text: Sears and Zemansky's University Physics (at least Vol. 1), 10th ed. (Young and Freedman). Should be available at the UCD Bookstore.
The standard 9A lab manual (available at Navin's or free online at http://www.physics.ucdavis.edu/Classes/Physics9Lab/Physics9Lab.html).
You should have a lecture notebook, a lab notebook, and a discussion notebook (check with your TA for details).

Discussion and Lab
For this section of 9A only, Discussions and Labs are combined into one entity called a "Discussion/Lab" or "DL".
DL attendance is mandatory and roll will be taken! Attend only 9A Section A DLs and only attend the DL you have enrolled in. Discussion/Lab notebooks will be collected (please check with your TA for details). Labs start right away on Monday, April 1st 2002.

DL sections for Physics 9A section A
1. MW, 1:10pm-3:30pm (W section lets out at 3:00pm), Clay Bratton, RO 166
2. MW, 3:40pm-6:00pm (W section lets out at 5:30pm), Clay Bratton, RO 166
3. MW, 6:10pm-8:30pm (W section lets out at 8:00pm), Tracey Johnson, RO 166
4. TR, 8:00am-10:20am (R section lets out at 9:50am), Sayan Basu, RO 166
5. TR, 10:30am-12:50pm (R section lets out at 12:20pm), Sayan Basu, RO 166

Exams, Quizzes, and Homework
Over the quarter, there will be two short (~15 minutes each) quizzes based on homework and discussion problems.
There will also be one midterm (50 minutes) and a final exam. Homework will not be collected. This gives you the freedom to pace yourself. But it is absolutely critical that you do the homework since the discussion, quizzes, midterm, and final will be largely based on homework problems. Homework will be assigned in lecture and posted on the web. Some solutions will be made available. You are encouraged to work in groups and help each other on homework and in discussion.The final exam is on June 11 from 10:30am-12:30pm in RO 66. If you know you cannot take the final exam as scheduled, you should not take the course at this time or enroll in another section. Cheating of any kind on exams and quizzes will not be tolerated. Make-up quizzes will not be given. Arrangement for a make-up midterm must be made PRIOR to the day of the exam, with the following exception: If I cannot be reached prior to the exam, and you are sick, obtain written documentation from the health center. Regrades of exams and quizzes will be accepted within ONE WEEK only of the exam's return. Attach a note with your grievance to the exam. Do not write on the test itself. Regrades should be directed to me, either following class or at my office.




Grading
30% Quizzes
35% Midterm
35% Final Exam
DL's will be graded on a pass/high pass/low pass basis where a high pass or low pass will shift your grade by 1/2 of a grade point up or down respectively (e.g. C+ to B- or C+ to C, etc.).
Systematic failure to attend DL will result in failure of the entire course.

Course Philosophy
This 9A section is somewhat different than the other 9A sections offered here at UC Davis. There are fewer lectures per week and more discussion sections. The labs and discussions are combined into one entity called a "Discussion/Lab" or "DL" taught by the same TA per DL section. Fewer lectures mean you, the student, will have more time to work on physics in small groups with other students. This course is designed to facilitate the self-motivated student who prefers working problems, tinkering in the lab, and working in small groups to sitting in a lecture hall.

Do not rely on the lecture alone to pull you though this course! The lecture will provide valuable context, examples, demonstrations, and "big picture" aspects to what you are studying. But the bulk of the course is contained in the DL's, the homework, and the reading. Learning the material must be an active process on your part. Studies show that most meaningful learning takes place through a combination of active thinking, doing, and listening. Lecture is only one small part of that. You must attend DL, do the reading assignments, and do the homework to get the most out of this course.

How to do well in this course