Physics 121 K.Chesnel

Fall 2008 - section 3

Instructor:Karine ChesnelClass hours: T Th 3:00 – 4:20 pm

Office N319 ESCClassroom: MARB 445

801-422-5687

Office hours: W Th 11am-noon

Class website:

You will find an electronic version of this syllabus, the class schedule, lectures notes and other material.

Course objectives: The aim of this course is to learn the principles of Newtonian Mechanics, and apply these principles to real life situations. The concepts that we will study will give you the necessary tools to describe the motion of object under the influence of forces and torques, from the human scale to the universe scale. Learning Newtonian mechanics will provide you the necessary frame to further study Physics in the Classical view, but also will give you a very useful knowledge for completing your study in all scientific fields, as Chemistry, Biology, Geology, and Engineering degrees.

Textbook:Serway and Jewett: Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 7th edition, Volume 1.

Class supplement: the “Physics 121 section 3 Class Supplement", available at the bookstore, is necessary for this class. It contains chapter outlines, study notes, homework problems, lab instructions, the math reference sheet, exam and homework cover sheets.

Course Identification Digit: when you enroll to this class, you should receive a personal course identification number (CID) sent to you by email through Route-Y. This CID number is necessary to confidentially record your work, including homework, quizzed and tests. You will need to specify your CID number on each piece of work you return for grading; otherwise it will result in zero credit.

I-Clicker: we will be using the i-Clicker during the lectures. In order to be able to answer class quizzes and questions, you need to get your own i-Clicker device at the bookstore, and then register it for this class at the following website:

Lectures: It is highly recommended to attend the lectures twice a week. We will be reviewing important concepts and problems, and there will be in-class quizzes for each lecture, that will give you credit.

Math Prerequisites: you will need a solid background in algebra, trigonometry and calculus in order to successfully pass this class. If you do not feel as strong in these areas, you are encouraged to take Math 110 (algebra), Math 111 (trigonometry) or Math 112 (calculus) concurrently, or take these classes first before enrolling for Phys 121, or get a tutor to help you acquiring the necessary mathematical tools.

Physics Prerequisites: If you have not taken a high-school or college physics class for a while, it is recommended to take Phys 105 and Phys106, prior to take this class.

Calculator: you will need simple scientific hand calculator. You can also use a graphic calcultor if you have already one, but it is not required.

Homework: You will have homework assignments twice a week, as indicated in the Class schedule for this semester. The homework problems are located in the Class Supplement available at the bookstore. The homework assignments are due by 7pm on the date listed in the Class schedule and are to be returned in the slots, just outside the auditorium room 445 MARB. Please place your homework in the slot corresponding to the first digit of your CID. Your homework will be graded and returned in the slots corresponding to your first two digits of your CID, so you can find it easily. It typically takes about a week for your homework to be graded and returned. Late homework will receive no credit.Additionally to the regular homework problems described in the Class Supplement, there will beonline homework assignmentson the Class website. The instructor will give you further indications during the semester.

Walk-in Labs:You will have a lab assignment once a week. You will be assigned a day in the week to accomplish your lab. The lab is located at S415 ESC and is open from 7am to 9pm. The list of the lab assignments is provided in the Class supplement. Follow the indications and submit yourlab report by 9pm in the slot corresponding to the first digit of your CID- in the box located inside the room. Late lab report will receive no credit.

Tutorial Lab:Teaching assistants will be available in the Tutorial lab N361 ESC, to help with your homework and questions related to this class. The tutorial lab is open from Monday to Friday all day. Also solutions to homework problems will be posted in the hallway near N361 ESC.

Exams: You will have three midterm exams, and a final exam. All the exams will be administered at the Testing center during the time periods indicated in the class schedule. Make sure to plan your time to take the exam accordingly with the TestingCenter hours, so your have enough time to finish all the problems. Unless exceptional circumstances, no exam will be administered outside the time period allocated for it at the testing center. If you miss the exam, you shall receive no credit.

Appeals: No score or points on homework, lab or exams will be discussed or modified once attributed, unless obvious mistake. If you feel that there is an obvious mistake in the grading process, you can write an appeal and place it in the appeal box, or talk to the professor about it.

Excuses: In case ofexceptional circumstances, and if you talk to the professor about it, late homework and late Lab reports might be accepted. In exceptional situations,time for taking the exam outside the allocated time period may be arranged. No more than 3 excuses for the entire semester will be accepted.

Final grades:Your final score will be calculated as following

Midterm Exams30%

Final20%

Homework25%

Labs15%

Quizzes10%

Your final grade will be assignedaccording to a typical scale (this scale might be adjusted later):

A: 95 or moreC+: 70or moreD-: 40or more

A-: 90or moreC: 65or moreE: below 40

B+: 85or moreC-: 60or more

B: 80or moreD+: 55or more

B-: 75or moreD: 55or more

Honor Code Standards:While attending BYU, remember that you promised to uphold the principles of the honor code. This means honesty in your academic work. Cheating will result in a failing grade and other disciplinary action by the university.

Prevention of Sexual Harassment: BYU’s policy against sexual harassment extends to students. If you encounter sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, please talk to your instructor, contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 378-5895, or contact the Honor Code Office at 378-2847.

Students with Disabilities: BYU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability that may adversely affect your success in this course, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office at 378-2767. Services deemed appropriate will be coordinated with the student and your instructor by that office.

Children in the Classroom: Having small children in class can be a distraction for the entire class. Please make other arrangements for child care rather than bringing children to class with you.