PHYS103EM 2009 FALL 8/21/2009 page 1

INTRODUCTION PHYSICAL SCIENCE III

FALL 20091T

Yusheng Dou

1. PHYS 103

2. Fall 2009

Time: M6:00 –8:50PM

Classroom: 227 Peltier Hall

3. InstructorDr. Yusheng Dou

Office: 227A Peltier Hall

Office Hours: MWF 9:30-11:40 AM, M2:00-4:30 PM

T 10:30 – 11:40 AM

Phone: 448-4880

E-mail:

Web:

4. Catalog Description

Phys 103. Basic Physics Laboratory 1-0-3. Laboratory experiments in mechanics, heat, and sound.

5. Prerequisite Credit or registration in PHYS 101.

6. TextbookSelected Experiments in Physics by NSU Physics Staff. This text is available for purchase at the Nicholls Bookstore.

Required Supplements Handouts, with pertinent references, will be provided by the instructor and are available at the course website at blackboard.nicholls.edu.

7. Student Outcome Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

explore and encounter physical examples of the topics mastered in Basic Physics, PHYS 101.

become proficient in laboratory procedures, which include attention to safety, observations, and documentation.

8. Tentative Schedule*

The following is a list of laboratory experiments*.

Date / Topics
Aug 24 / Exp 1 - Measurements
Aug 31 / Exp 2 - Graphical interpretation of experimental information
Sept 7 / LABOR DAY Holiday, NO CLASS
Sept 14 / Exp 3 - The Acceleration due to Gravity
Sept 21 / Exp 4 - Vector Addition and Subtraction
Sept 28 / Exp 5 - Projectile Motion
Oct 5 / Exp 6 - Work and Energy
Oct 12 / Exp 7 - Centripetal Force
Oct 19 / Exp 8 - Moment of Force: Static Equilibrium
Oct 26 / Exp 9 - The Simple Harmonic Motion of a Spring
Nov2 / Exp 10 - Densities of Liquids and Solids e(inert atm., FTIR, NMR)
Nov 9 / Exp 11 - Coefficient of Linear Expansion
Nov 16 / Exp 12 - Specific Heat of Solids

* All parts of this schedule are subject to revision as events may warrant, and should not be construed as a contract. Students will be notified of any changes. Notifications will appear on

9. Course Requirements

See Methods of Evaluation

10. Methods of Evaluation (Undergraduate)

The student can earn up to 500 points. The letter grades are assigned in usual fashion: A (≥90%), B (80-89%), C (70-79%), D (60-69%), and F (<60%). An adjustment of this scale may be made at instructor's discretion. The points are assigned in these areas:

  • Data and Analysis (240 pts): The student will earn up to 20 points, during each lab, for the data and analysis. These will include tables of data, calculations, and, when applicable, graphs or drawings.
  • Lab Reports (60 pts): The student will earn up to five points for each lab report. The lab report should be no greater than one type-written page (12 pt font, double-spaced). This report will be a simple summary of the experiment and results; it will serve as an abstract, not a full lab report. The student will submit these reports, in class, one week after performing the experiment. There will be a one-point penalty for every day that the report is late. See document on Blackboard for more details about format.
  • Online Quizzes (75 pts): These are administered through Blackboard and are generally due one week after an experiment is completed in the lab.
  • Final Exam (125 pts): The final will be cumulative and consist of written and practical components. The final will cover material from all 12 laboratory experiments. The Final Exam will be given on the last day of class (Nov. 30, 2009)

11. Make-ups

Make-ups will be determined by the instructor on a case-by-case basis.

12. Academic Honesty Policy

Cheating or scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated. In cases of academic dishonesty the instructor may dispose of the matter by invoking a maximum sanction of immediate expulsion from the course and the issuance of a failing grade.

13. Attendance

Attendance is strictly required.

14. Drop Date Statement

The last day to withdraw from the class with a "W" is Wednesday, October 28, 2009.

  1. Academic Disabilities Policy

If you have a documented disability that requires assistance, you will need to register with the Office of Disability Services for coordination of your academic accommodations. The Office of Disability Services is located in Peltier Hall, Room 100-A. The phone number is (985) 448-4430 (TDD 449-7002).

16. Academic Grievances

The proper procedure for filing grade appeals or grievances related to academic matters is listed in Section 5 of the Code of Student Conduct and at following link:

17. Continued Learning Following an Extreme Emergency

In order to make continued learning possible following an extreme emergency, students are responsible for:

  • reading regular emergency notifications on the NSU website;
  • knowing how to use and access Blackboard (or university designated electronic delivery system);
  • being familiar with emergency guidelines;
  • evacuating textbook and other course materials
  • knowing their Blackboard (or designated system) student login and password;
  • contacting faculty regarding their intentions for completing the course.

Faculty are responsible for:

  • their development in the use of the Blackboard (or designated ) software;
  • having a plan for continuing their courses using only Blackboard and email;
  • continuing their courses in whatever way suits the completion of the course best, and being creative in the continuation of these courses;
  • making adjustments or compensations to a student’s progress in special programs with labs, clinical sequences or the like only in the immediate semester following the emergency.

***THIS SYLLABUS IS NOT A CONTRACT AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***

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