General Physics I (PH2414-01)

General Physics I
Spring 2022
MWF 11am - 11:50am

 

Dr. Michael Watson                                                

E-mail: michael.watson@lipscomb.edu

Office: 615.966.5819

Cell: 615.671.7544

 

Office Hours:  MWF 9am - 11am, 1 - 3pm; or by appt.
Office: MS210

Text:  https://openstax.org/details/books/university-physics-volume-1

Materials Required:  Scientific calculator, pencil/pen

Course Requirements:  Homework assignments, exams, final exam, lab work

Grading:                         Homework                     25 %

                                       Exams                             25 %

                                       Final Exam                      25 %

                                       Lab                                  25 %

                                                                                 ------

                                       TOTAL                              100 %

 

            Scale: A 90-100, B 80-89, C 70-79, D 60-69, etc.

 

Schedule and Content:

This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts in classical electrodynamics and optics. Mathematics is the tool used in physics to make predictions and interprete results. We will be using algebra based physics throughout the course. Many students think that they have difficulty with physics when mathematics is the problem.

The schedule for the course assignments and exams is within the course calendar on Canvas.

Lecture:

The powerpoint lectures are on Canvas. Please review the lecture before coming to class. I would like to use the lecture time to provide a brief summary of the sections and answer specific questions. The lecture time should be used to explore ideas and questions about physics and the homework, not click through slides. However, if I feel that there is not enough feedback from the students and the requisite work is not being conducted outside class, I will revert to slides and textbook. This is to ensure that everyone is covering the material in a timely manner.

Homework:

Homework problems are chosen from the Expert TA problem sets. You are encouraged to come to my office for help on homework. The problems illustrate the sort of skill set I expect you to develop in this course. You are allowed to work with others on the homework, but please make sure that the submission shows your effort. 

The each homework problem should be solved with the following format:

Picture (includes labels and vectors)

Given:

Find:

Equations:

Solution:

My expectation is that you will look over your homework and ask questions in class or during office hours.

 

Exams. Exams will be given covering specific chapters from the text. You will need to acquire a standard scientific calculator for use on the exam.

Final Exam. The final exam will be comprehensive.  It will be given on xxxxxxxxxx.  It may not be taken early.

Lab. The General Physics I lab is designed to reinforce the concepts you learn in class.  Every student in the lec­ture must be registered for a section of lab. The lab grade is included in the final grade.

Special Needs. We want to make every effort to ensure that each student has optimal access to educational opportunites.  Please notify me immediately if you have any special needs or have been diagnosed with a learning disability.

Class Policies. This class adheres to all Lipscomb University policies as described in the student handbook regarding codes of conduct, dress code, and academic integrity.  In the unlikely event that Lipscomb University (not Campus School) runs on a snow schedule, this class will meet one hour late.  Labs will also meet one hour late.

Cell phone and computer usage. The usage of cell phones and computers during this class FOR A NONPHYSICS PURPOSE is extremely distracting – if not to you and your fellow students, then at least it is to me. If I see you improperly using them, I will deduct points from your homework grade.

Dropping the Course. Please look over the Registrar website for exact dates for add/drop. If you have not officially dropped the course by the time grades are due, a grade will be assigned based upon the policies outlined by Lipscomb University.

Academic Integrity Policy. Adherence to Lipscomb’s Academic Integrity Policy is expected in this course, as a natural correlate of the integra­tion of Christian faith and practice with academic excellence.  As your professor, I pledge to deal fairly and hon­estly with each student. As students, I expect your work on tests and quizzes to be original. For homework and laboratory assignments, collaboration is generally allowed and encouraged. However, directly copying the work of another represents a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy. Penalties for integrity violations range from failure on the assignment involved to failure in the course. As professor, I am bound by the Academic Integrity Policy to report suspected violations to members of the adminis­tration. For clarification, refer to the University’s Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity Policy.

Class Schedule Disruption Policy. Except in the rarest of instances, Lipscomb University does not cancel classes or close offices.  However, should an event (weather-related or otherwise) occur that requires disruption of the entire Lipscomb University class schedule, students will be notified via multiple venues including the Lipscomb homepage (www.lipscomb.edu), a text message sent through LU ALERT (http://lualert.lipscomb.edu), and the  Lipscomb Weather Information Line (966-1836).  For information on possible snow-related closures or “late starts,” students should consult local television stations (2-WKRN, 4-WSMV, 5-WTVF and 6-WZTV, and Channel 9 on campus). Students should look for information regarding “Lipscomb University,” not “David Lipscomb Campus Schools.”

Attendance. Attendance is essential. University policy states that “any student who misses the equivalent of three weeks of any course may be dismissed from the course and a failing grade will be assigned.” For our purposes, a week of class is two lectures or one lab. Except in the case of unforeseen tragedy, make-up quizzes, exams and labs will not be allowed unless I (or your lab instructor) have approved the absence beforehand.  It is the responsibility of the student to schedule a make-up exam, quiz or lab within one week of the absence.  Failure to do so will result in a grade of zero for the quiz, exam or lab.

In addition, I ask that you please make every effort to be on time to class. If it becomes an issue, I reserve the right to give a pop quiz at the beginning of class that will count toward your quiz average.

Student’s Responsibility for Notification of Extended Absence. In the case of individual absences, students should contact their professors directly.  However, students who find themselves in circumstances which would cause them to miss classes for an extended period of time (e.g., missing a week or more of classes due to illness) should contact Steve Prewitt, Associate Provost for Student Academic Support, (steve.prewitt@lipscomb.edu; 615-966-5804).  The Associate Provost for Student Academic Support will communicate the student’s situation to the appropriate faculty members.  Students are expected to provide timely notification to the Associate Provost for Student Academic Support regarding any extended absence and may be required to provide supporting documentation for their absences.

Course Objectives:

Students who are successful in this course will be able…

1. To understand the methods of science, such as accurate observation, logical reasoning, and arriving at dependable conclusions, as well as an appreciation of the limitations of science;
2. To develop an appreciation of the order and design in the natural world as expressed in the laws of physics;
3. To acquire an understanding and develop technical skill in handling and using delicate scientific equipment;
4. To possess a professional attitude toward the sciences;
5. To understand professional opportunities in the field of the sciences;
6. To acquire a global perspective on the contributions of scientists from diverse cultures and backgrounds to the field of physics