CaliforniaStatePolytechnicUniversity
Pomona Course Syllabus
Energy and Society
PHY 301-01: 4 UnitsCo-requisites
CRN: 12933 Junior or Senior
Building/Room:8-348
Office: 8-229
Phone:(909) 869-4389
Lecture Time:M, W: 6 – 8 pm / Instructor:
Email:
Office Hours: / Steve Boddeker

M:11–noon; 2:30-3 pm; 8-9:30 pm
W:8-9:30 pm
After noon, Office Hours are held in the room of the previous lab/lecture
All 8-9:30 pm are in 3-2011
COURSE
DESCRIPTION / Physics 301 is a study of how petroleum, solar, nuclear, and other energy sources generate electricity, power vehicles, and the like. Emphasis is on elementary physics principles. Coverage includes historical patterns of societal energy use, renewable and nonrenewable resources, fuel conservation methods, and environmental impacts. Societal impacts include how energy production, transportation patterns, and similar effect various population groups including environmental justice policies.
TEXT(S) / Energy and the Environment 3rded. Robert A. Ristinen, Jack J. Kraushaar, 2016.
Or E-Book
COURSE
OBJECTIVES / Upon completion of this course, the students should understand the following:
  • An introduction to physics’ role as a basic science with a fundamental understanding the use of energy in our environment
  • To develop your skills in recognizing advantages and disadvantages of alternate and renewable energy resources as opposed to fossil fuels

COURSE POLICIES
HOMEWORK
QUIZZES
DISCUSSION
EMERGENCIES
ACADEMIC HONESTY / Each week new topics will be presented in order as indicated in the term calendar from Chapters 1 to 10 in the course book. Please check website for notes.
An assortment of Wiley homework problems will be assigned, typically from our Wiley book. Due dates are included on ourwebsite.
Quizzes (5 min) generally will be administered at the end of the lecture period weekly. The quizzes will include material that will be covered during the current & previous lecture and/or reading assignments.
Our course is focused about Group Presentation / Discussions. These will have varied formats depending on group dynamics, but generally will be a presentation of one side of an issue. An opposing group will present the other side of the issue.
If any unforeseen events occur, please contact me immediately, i.e, email. Response to all emails will be within three school days, usually less than three days.
You are expected for follow the University Policy regarding Academic Dishonesty as described in the University Catalog. The department takes this very seriously.
EVALUATIVE
CRITERIA / Homework / Quizzes10 %
Exam 1 / Exam 215% / 20%
Group Debate / Presentations / Critiques10% / 15% / 10%
Final Exam20 %

GRADING

/

Grade

/ Grade
Points / Numerical
Equivalent / Grade / Grade
Points / Numerical
Equivalent

SYSTEM

/ A / 4.0 / 90-100 / D / 1.0 / 60-69
B / 3.0 / 80-89 / F / 0.0 / 59 & below
C / 2.0 / 70-79
GRADING & EVALUATION POLICIES
RED FOLDER / Class exams (and homework to some extent) are graded by sections which may result in granting partial credit. Most homework and exam problems with numerical solutions will be posted to our website.
Upon completion of each presentation, each group will email a short summary which will promptly be posted on our website. In addition, each group’s summaries of select Presentation Critiques will be posted to our website.
Plusses & minuses will only be assigned in borderline grades
(i.e. C+: >79.0 & less than 79.5, B-: >79.5 & less than 80.0)
After the first exam, grades are posted online in rank order. Since no identification is displayed to find your “grade” you shouldmatch your online homework and quiz grades to the posted grade sheet.
Don’t Stress out!!!
Mon / Notes / Physics 301 (meets M, W)
1-Jan / Jan 1st - Holiday / Intro (Transportation, Environmental Justice, Energy sources, Survey, etc)
Ch 1 - Kinematics, Newton’s Laws
8-Jan / Ch 1 - Newton’s Law(Air Friction,Gas mileage) / Work/Energy / Power
Ch 1, Ch 2, Ch 3 - Conservation of Energy and Momentum and Thermodynamics
15-Jan / Jan 15st - Holiday / Start Presentations
Ch 2, Ch 3 Electro-magnetic Induction / P = IV / Ohm’s Law / Fluid Dynamics
22-Jan / Finish Ch 1 Energy Fundamentals, Ch 2 Fossil Fuels, Ch 3 Heat Engines
Exam 1 (Fundamentals as introduced in Ch 1 – 3) 50 minutes
29-Jan / Ch 4 Renewable Energy: Solar, Start Ch 5
5-Feb / Ch 5 Renewable Energy: Alternatives
Ch 6: Nuclear Energy
12-Feb / Ch 7 Energy Conservation, (Finish Ch 6)
Ch 8 Transportation
19-Feb / Ch 8 Transportation
Exam 2 (Ch 4 – 7) 50 minutes
26-Feb / Ch 9 Air Pollution
5-Mar / Finish Ch 9, Ch 10 Global Effects
12-Mar / Comprehensive Final Exam (Mar12th - Mon, 6 pm) Room 8-4

Course Syllabus - Page 1 of 2

01/2018