Policy
Welcome to the sophomore-level comprehensive physics course, part 2. The following class policy is designed to make your learning as effective and pleasant as possible. If a particular aspect of the policy is not working, I retain the right to change it as we go along. However, I will try my best to be fair in the event of any changes.
My office is Workman 349 (3rd floor of the new Workman Center), my office phone is 835-5610, my cell is 575-517-9422, and my e-mail address is raymond@kestrel.nmt.edu. You are urged to communicate with me if you need to discuss class material. I maintain an open door policy. However, e-mail is usually the quickest and easiest way to contact me. Please see me immediately if you feel you are having trouble with the class.
Here is the web page for this course.
Please check this address regularly, as assignments and other information appear there.
The text for this course is “A Radically Modern Approach to Introductory Physics – Volume 2”. This is available from the New Mexico Tech Bookstore.
Learning is not a passive experience. You will be expected to participate actively in all aspects of the course. I expect you to learn the basics of physics. Perhaps even more importantly, I expect your abilities in critical thinking to increase as a result of the work you will do in the next 4 months. This includes your ability to set up and solve problems and your skill in expressing your thinking in written and verbal form. To this end, you will frequently be asked to present and defend your reasoning, both on paper and in front of your classmates. I don't want this to be a frightening or humiliating experience, so I will do my best to maintain a friendly, supportive atmosphere in the classroom. I ask you to do the same.
Attendance at all class meetings is highly recommended. You are responsible for all information imparted in class whether you are there or not. The recitation in particular is extremely useful for sorting out any difficulties you might be having. Missing a test or not handing in the paper will result in a grade of -2 on the 0-4 (F to A) scale, unless you are excused. Makeups will be given if you were sick or couldn't attend a test for some other sensible reason. However, I must be informed of the need for a makeup test at the earliest possible time.
The following written and oral work will be assigned:
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Before we start the discussion of each assigned chapter or part of a chapter, you will be asked to read the appropriate material in the texts. Then you should write a short (1 page) typed chapter report for handing in which contains the following information:
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A summary of the main points covered in the reading assignment. (Make this short – no more than 1 page.)
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A listing of issues you didn't understand.
The last point is probably the most important, as it will serve as the basis for much class discussion.
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Problems will be assigned for each chapter. Written problem solutions will be handed in as specified. In writing up problem solutions, remember that equations are phrases that need to be embedded in complete sentences. Your written solutions have to be coherent and understandable to the grader. Spelling and grammar are important. The problems will serve as a basis for discussion during class sessions, so come prepared to explain your answers or the difficulties you had obtaining answers. The recitation section will be used for group solving of problems and individual consultation.
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Three hourly tests will be given during the semester. The time and content will be announced at least one week in advance.
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A paper will be assigned. More details will be given on this separately.
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There will be a final examination.
Your grade will be derived as a composite of your performance over the semester, as specified below. Remember, if you don't understand something, an intelligent explanation of your difficulties is as good as a correct answer during oral classwork. In thinking about problems and lab reports, by all means discuss the material with your friends. However, once the discussion is over, write up the material yourself. Test papers are, of course, expected to be entirely your own work.
Grades will be weighted as follows:
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Hourly tests ————————————————- 36%
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Chapter reports ——————————————– 10%
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Paper ———————————————————– 20%
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Assigned problems —————————————- 14%
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Final exam ————————————————— 20%
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Total ———————————————————– 100%