PHYS 2054 Discussion–Spring ‘09 (Section: 3456, 4072 7151)
Instructor: Tomoyuki Nakayama
Office: NPB 2155
Office Phone: 352-392-0310
Email:
Web: http://www.phys.ufl.edu/~nakayama/phy2054.htm
Office Hour: Monday 11:45am-12:35pm (M5) & Friday 3:00-3:50pm (F8)
Class structure & Objective:
We will focus on solving problems in discussion. Problem-solving skill is an essential part in physics and to pass the course with a decent grade, you need to be able to solve problems with intermediate difficulty in a short amount of time. For each important topic, we review theory briefly, and then we work through problems. I will demonstrate detailed calculations on the board, so the pace is not so fast. Therefore, you should not just copy the board, but try to solve problems on your own. Especially important is to think physics. Make it sure why I’m applying a specific formula to a specific problem. If you have trouble following my calculation/explanation, don’t hesitate to stop me and ask questions. Be interactive as much as possible, which is a key to succeed in the class and to enjoy the discussion. Also, don’t hesitate to give me a feedback. Your opinions or suggestions are indispensable to enhance the quality of the discussion sections.
Grading:
The discussion section grade is worth 15 % of your course grade. The grade is based on your weekly quizzes.
Quiz:
You will have 9 quizzes in total. The quiz takes place almost every week and we use the last 20 minutes of Tuesday class. Normally each quiz is on chapters covered during the previous week. It also corresponds to the homework problems due on Sunday of the same week. You will be allowed no more than 2 documented absences. This enables you to make up your missed quizzes up to twice. You have to provide the documentation as soon as possible so that I can schedule your make-up quiz within one week of the missed quiz. No make-up quiz will be given after I hand out the solution and post it online. If the situation does not allow you to get any proof but you believe you have a proper reason to get a make-up, just ask me. You need to bring your calculator (Scientific calculator is recommended.) Formula sheets are not allowed. At the end of the semester, 10 % of the total points will be dropped (i.e. the score will be divided by 0.9.) and the grade will be rescaled to out of 15 by the professors. We will try to maintain the quiz average from 6 to 7 out 10, which will be appropriately curved up to the desired average of 7.5 out of 10.
Each quiz consists of 4 problems and graded out of 10. Typically, two problems are same as or similar to the problems solved in the discussion, and one of which will be announced in the class. One is selected from WebAssign homework problems and modified. The last one is a new problem that you have not seen before. Partial credits will be given for all the problems. You have to show all work to get full credit.
Office Hours:
Office hours are pooled by all the TAs, which means you can see any TAs on their posted office hours. If you want to see me at any other times, you may just walk in my office or make an appointment by email.
Attendance & Announcement:
Attendance will not be taken, but I strongly urge you to attend every class. You are expected to acquire all problem solving skills discussed here and more than half of the quiz problems are similar to those worked in discussion. Important announcements are given at the beginning of the class, so please come on time. If you miss a class, you will need to check my website for announcements and the quiz schedule. If the information posted in the discussion website does not match with that in the main course website, follow the information in the discussion website. It is your responsibility to keep yourself informed.
Accommodation:
If you are granted a classroom accommodation from the university, please let me know so that we can make an arrangement. You will need to provide me with an official letter from the Dean of Student Office.
Academic honesty:
Each student is expected to keep high standard of academic honesty, and I deal with any types of cheating strictly. You should avoid any suspicious behavior during the quiz. Do not let your eyes wander around during the quiz. You are not allowed to use a cell phone. Since a correct answer mysteriously appears without necessary steps may be considered cheating, you must show all your work. You are not allowed to tell or ask the quiz problems to the students in my other sections. Telling and asking quiz problems are regarded as cheating. All violations of academic honesty will be reported to the University.