General Information
Kevin Crosby (lecture)
DSC 204 x5855
kcrosby@carthage.edu
http://personal.carthage.edu/kcrosby/
Office Hours: MTWF 11-12;
Brian Schwartz (lab)
DSC B6B x6042
bschwartz@carthage.edu
Course Prerequisites
PHYS 104 (or equivalent)
To fully engage with the material in this course, you will need to be comfortable with basic physics through mechanics, and mathematics through the pre-calculus level.
Course Description
A student’s introduction to physical science requires, initially, an understanding of the methods, approaches, and assumptions that are part and parcel of the discipline. This course, along with Physics 104, provides an overview of these issues, as well as a basic grounding in physics. This course applies the understanding developed in Physics 104 to understand real-world situations and to develop hypotheses to explain phenomena. These topics are covered in a contextual format that emphasizes conceptual understanding, without extensive mathematical rigor. The approach is holistic, integrating a wide range of physical disciplines into a way of describing the physical world. Readings are taken from classic texts such as Sir James Jeans’ The Philosophy of as well as topical texts. This course is suitable for all liberal-arts students.
Course Objectives
- Develop modern physics principles and ideas and examine their applications in technology and science.
- Introduce and establish measurement technique and experimental design considerations
- Develop facility with modeling physical systems
Requirements
Homework
Homework will be assigned on a weekly basis (see schedule), and is the single most important element of the course. If you can do the homework problems, chances are good that you will succeed in the course. Homework is administered through the WebAssign system and is automatically graded. Three attempts are allowed for each problem. Late homework is not accepted so that solutions may be made available in a timely manner. While collaboration is encouraged, each student should submit homework that reflects their own understanding of the problems.
Homework Quizzes
Quizzes covering the assigned problems will be given each Friday Wednesday. Lowest quiz will be dropped (excluding missed quizzes). Quizzes are typically graded out of 10-15 points. Missed quizzes may not be made up for credit. If you have a pre-arranged athletic or academic trip on the day of the quiz, you may take the quiz early. A week's notice is required to arrange an early quiz.
Exams
There will be two in-class exams and a final exam. Each exam is 5% of the overall course grade. The final exam is weighted at 10%. You may bring one 8.5"x11" sheet of notes to each exam. Exams may not be made up. If a medical emergency causes you to miss an exam, the missed points will be added to your Final Exam. Documentation is required.
Laboratory
The lab time will be used to further understanding of the concepts covered in lecture. The lab activities will will be somewhat open-ended investigations organized around a central question or set of questions. Lab reports and format requirements will be discussed in a separate handout.
Projects
There will be significant final project in which you will have the opportunity to investigate an area of interest and present your findings to the class in a formal presentation. More details in a separate handout.
Attendance
You are expected to attend and participate in all classes. We will often have in-class exercises. These cannot be made up. It is expected that you will read the material before class so you will be prepared to participate.
How to succeed in this course
- Keep up with the work. (repeat the last sentence three times)
- Ask questions. (repeat the last sentence three times)
- Check the blackboard site often.
- Approach the science with enthusiasm.
- Trust your ability to think and reason (but not necessarily your intuition!).
- Be respectful of your classmates.
- Look for physics happening all around you.
Grading and Policies
Homework 25%- Homework Quizzes
15 %30% - In Class Assignments 15 %
- Laboratory
15%20% - Project
10%15% - Exams 20%
Academic Honesty
Students are bound by the terms of the Carthage College Academic Honesty Contract in the Student Handbook. Any act of academic dishonesty is sufficient cause for failure of the course.
Learning Accommodations
If you have a disability-related need for accommodations in this course, please contact the professor during the
first week of class. You will also need to provide documentation of your disability to Diane Schowalter in the
Advising Center, x5802.
Course Calendar
The daily schedule of assignments and readings is available here.
Textbooks and other supplies
Required Texts:
- Physics Matters: An Introduction to Conceptual Physics, Trefil/Hazen