Course Info » Syllabus
Physics 2010 Syllabus
- Class Info
MWF 2-2:50 PM (Lecture 100) in Duane G1B30
- Lectures
Prof. Dmitri Uzdensky
Contact: Uzdensky at colorado.edu, (303) 492-7988
Office: Duane F835 (8th floor, Gamow tower)
Office hours: Tuesday 11-12 in the Help Room, or after class, or by appointment
- Labs/Recitations
Prof. Steven Pollock
Contact: steven.pollock at colorado.edu, (303) 492-2495
Office: Duane F1013 (10th floor, Gamow tower)
Office hours (tentative): Monday 3-4 in the Help Room (just after class), also Friday 1-2 (just before class), and any time by appointment (email!)
- Text
Physics: Principles with Applications , any edition (probably best to keep it 5th or higher), D. Giancoli
*Optional/alternative * --Thinkwell Physics 1, S. Pollock (this is a multimedia text, with lots of 10-minute mini-lectures and supplementary notes/animations/examples) This was originally designed to align with Phys 1110 (so here and there a little calculus is mentioned), but mostly it will work fine (if you prefer to watch than read).
- Overview
Physics 2010 is the first semester of an algebra-based sequence in college physics focusing mainly on mechanics. We emphasize conceptual understanding and problem solving skills. Our goals are for you to continue developing knowledge and intuition about how the world works, to learn to approach physics problems on both qualitative and quantitative levels, and to relate classroom physics to the real world in which you live. We want you to feel confident in the material, and ideally get excited about it!
- Disclaimer
This syllabus is as accurate as possible at the time of writing. Announcements about changes will be made in class, and posted on the web, and will take precedence over this syllabus. You are responsible for what is said in class, whether or not you are in attendance.
- Prereqs
Basic algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. College level logic, enthusiasm, and curiosity will be helpful as well!
- Grading
For more details, please see our detailed grade page!
| Graded Item | Weight |
|---|---|
Midterms (each) |
12% |
Final Exam |
24% |
Lab and Recitation |
15% |
CAPA |
15% |
Written HW |
10% |
Clickers/Surveys |
Extra Credit (5% max) |
- Participation and Clickers
We will use clickers during lectures, to help you learn the material. You need to purchase an "iClicker" from the bookstore. Either the “iClicker” or “iClicker +” will work.
Your iClicker responses count only as extra credit points. You will receive 2 points for participation, and 1 additional point for correct answers. Clickers start counting the second week of class. We also give you full clicker credit for the 3 days with your lowest scores, to accommodate dead batteries, sore throats, broken alarm clocks, and fresh powder.
Your iClicker responses count only as bonus (extra credit) points: they REDUCE exam weight by up to a max of 14% of midterm exam total (i.e. 5% of your course grade).
There may also be occasional online surveys which add in to this extra credit.
Information on how to register your iClicker is here
- Exams
There will be three midterms and a final: Locations will be announced here!
Exam Date Time Location Midterm 1 G1B20 and G1B30) Midterm 2 "" Midterm 3 "" Final TBA
You may bring a 8.5 in. x 11 in. paper to each exam, with your own handwritten notes. On exam 1, you are allowed one side only. On exam 2, you may write on the back too!(I.e. you get TWO sides for exam 2) On exam 3, you may add a 3rd side (2nd sheet, of course). On the final, you may write on the back (so by now you have FOUR sides for the final)! Calculators with scientific notation are allowed. (But, no phones, no calculators with internet access, "electronic crib sheets", etc!)
It is your responsibility to make sure you have no conflicts with these exams! If you have a conflict, you should retake Physics 2010 in a semester when you can make it to all the exams. If you are absent for a serious medical reason, or with prior approval from Prof. Uzdensky or Prof. Pollock, you may be excused from 1 midterm. Medical excuses must be submitted no later than 1 week following the exam. There are no makeup exams.
Students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities, or other conflicts or issues must let us know early in the semester (first two weeks) so that your academic needs may be appropriately met. Students with religious obligations that conflict with the exam dates should contact us early in the semester (first two weeks) so that accommodations can be made. (Details below)
- CAPA Homework
You will get a weekly printed personalized homework (everyone’s is slightly different) with a CAPA ID # which changes each week. The ID number is printed on your assignment (or use the "PIN-Getter" link). Log onto CAPA to "hand in" your answers. Work out your solutions on paper first! One advantage of CAPA is the instant feedback on how you are doing. Also, you get the opportunity to change wrong answers without penalty. You get multiple tries (6) on each problem, with no points off for wrong answers. If you get it wrong all 6 times, that particular problem is "closed out" but you can still work on the others. You can log off and return at any time.
CAPA is due Tuesday at 11 PM. We give an automatic extension to 8 AM Wed morning. After that time, entries will not be accepted by CAPA. If you have problems, check the CAPA help page first. We will drop your lowest CAPA score when computing your final grade.
- Written Homework
In addition to the weekly CAPA there will be a longer, more in-depth homework assignment due most Fridays at 4 PM. Place these assignments in the TA boxes by the entrance to the Help Room. They will be handed back during lab. You are encouraged to work together on homework, but in the end, you are responsible for generating your own solutions and understanding. We will drop your lowest written homework score (which could be a zero if you missed an assignement) when computing your final grade.
- Labs/Recitations
There is a 2-hour recitation or lab each week in Duane G2B83. You must attend the recitation to which you are assigned. Lab/recitation materials are avaiable online, and YOU must print out your own copy and bring it each week.
Missed labs should be made up the same week, though there will be opportunities to make up excused lab absences at 1 (or perhaps 2) other times in the semester. Some weeks the lab may contain some pre-lab questions - these must be done before the start of your lab section and you will turn that in to your TA upon entering the lab.
On weeks with a prelab question, The prelab contributes 1/3, and the lab itself 2/3, to your total lab/recitation grade.
(Even if we don't have prelab questions, we still expect you to look over the lab before coming!)
We want to encourage you to actively engage, explore, and participate in lab.
You will receive full credit for the labs and recitations themselves as long as you are actively participating and engaging with the material. Your TA will look over your writeups each week, and will take off points (of the possible 3) for serious mistakes, but our understanding is that good effort will yield full credit.
Remember, if you receive a zero on more than 1 lab, you automatically fail the course! (That's because this course satisfies the CU lab requirement)
- Physics Help Room
Prof. Uzdensky, Prof. Pollock, and the TAs will have regular office hours in the Help Room (Duane G2B87), open from 9AM-5PM Mon-Fri. Times when specific TAs will be in the Help Room are posted on the Help Room schedule, but you can drop by anytime. If you need to see your TA or instructor privately, contact them directly.
- Lecture Notes and Solutions
Lecture Notes and solutions of the in-class concept tests (clicker questions), written homework, and exams will generally be posted on D2L and/or the course web site.
- Etiquette
The main etiquette policy is to be respectful and to not be distracting to your neighbors. It is perfectly OK to interrupt the lecture by yelling “Question!” - questions are good! We encourage collaboration, and discussion, which are essential skills in all professions. Of course, for all assignments, the work you turn in must be your own: in your own words, reflecting your own understanding.
And now the fine print...
- Incompletes
Rules of the University require that grades of incomplete (I) may be assigned only if “for reasons beyond the student’s control, the student is unable to complete the course requirements.” (I) requests must be made in person to Prof. Uzdensky or Pollock.
- Disabilities
Students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities, please let us know early in the semester (first two weeks) so that your academic needs may be appropriately met. You will need to provide documentation from the Disability Services Office in Willard 322 (phone 303-492-8671), email dsinfo@colorado.edu.
www.colorado.edu/disabilityservices
- Religious Holidays
We will make a strong effort to reasonably and fairly deal with all students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with exams, assignments or required attendance. Please send an e-mail to the instructor in the first week of classes if you anticipate a conflict.
www.colorado.edu/policies/fac_relig.html
- CU Behavior Policy
Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. We have the professional responsibility to treat all students with understanding, dignity and respect, to guide classroom discussion and to set reasonable limits on the manner in which they and their students express opinions. Professional courtesy and sensitivity are always important. Class rosters are provided to us with your legal name. We will gladly honor your request to address you by an alternate name or gender pronoun. Please advise us of this preference early in the semester.
www.colorado.edu/policies/classbehavior.html
www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/judicialaffairs/code.html#student_code
- Honor Code
We trust every individual in this class to understand and follow the CU honor code. Please respect that trust! It's a large class, and we realize there may be some temptations - we'll do our best to make the class valuable and worthy of your honorable behavior! Violations of the honor code may include: cheating, plagiarism, aid of academic dishonesty, fabrication, lying, bribery, and threatening behavior. All incidents of academic misconduct shall be reported to the Honor Code Council (303-725-2273). Students who are found to be in violation of the academic integrity policy will be subject to both academic sanctions and non-academic sanctions (including but not limited to university probation, suspension, or expulsion).
honorcode.colorado.edu
- Discrimination
CU policies on Discrimination and Harassment, Sexual Harassment, or Amorous Relationships apply to all students, staff and faculty. Anyone who believes s/he has been the subject of discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status should contact the Office of Discrimination and Harassment (ODH) at 303-492-2127 or the Office of Judicial Affairs at 303-492-5550.
www.colorado.edu/policies/discrimination-and-harassment-policy-and-procedures
www.colorado.edu/odh