Course Syllabus
The course is "Introduction
to Physics I." It is the first in a four part sequence that covers most
aspects of traditional and modern physics. There is no prerequisite for the
course, but a parallel course in Calculus I or pre-calculus is strongly recommended.
There is no assumption that you have had a previous course in physics, but any
prior exposure may be of help to you. The language of physics is mathematics,
and we will learn to speak that language fluently. If you are concerned that
your mathematical background is not up to the challenge, speak to the instructor
or bring the matter up in class. A reasonable grasp of algebra is enough of
a start, if it is accompanied by a willingness to do math. In other words, if
you like to do math you will probably love (well, maybe not love, but at least
like) physics. We will teach you the requisite mathematics as we go along, but
be advised that learning the math as you learn the physics compounds the difficulty
of the course and will require added effort on your part - and on ours as well,
as we will expect you to visit the Physics department for help as you build
on your math background. We will proceed through the text, more or less, chapter by chapter.
The class meets three times a week, MWF 12:00 - 12:50 PM. It is expected that
you will attend class (see the attendance policy for details).
The laboratory portion of the course will meet once a week, starting
with the second week of classes. Lab sessions will alternate between traditional
laboratory assignments and homework help sessions. The lab schedule will be
as flexible as possible to accommodate your schedules - check with your instructor.
Labs count for 20% of the course grade. Missed labs receive a grade of zero.
Text for the course is Halliday, Resnik and Walker, "Fundamentals
of Physics", 7th edition, available in the bookstore. There may be copies of the 6th edition available to you. I will try to accommodate those who use the 6th edition (which, I am told, is no longer in print). There should be enough similarity between the editions for you to get by, especially if you can compare with a classmate who has the later edition.
Homework will be assigned for each chapter. Check the homework page
for details. Homework will be graded and counts as part of your course grade.
Homework is generally due one week after the assigned date. Late work will
not be accepted and incomplete or illegible submissions will receive little
consideration.
There will be three announced tests during the semester, perhaps several
unannounced short quizzes and a comprehensive final exam. Missed quizzes or
tests will not be made up, they just will not be counted. However, if you get the urge to skip a test, keep
in mind that the final exam will be comprehensive, and recall the old adage
about keeping all your eggs in one basket.
The instructor for the course is William Seeley:
