Physics 1
Physics Reasoning and Calculation
SacramentoState Shea - Fall 2007
COURSE SYLLABUS
Catalog Description: An introduction to the analytical skills for Physics 11ABC and Physics 5AB. Emphasis is on developing reasoning and problem-solving skills, including conceptualization, visualization, and interpretation of written description of natural phenomena, and on the connection of physical laws to the mathematical techniques used in their solution. No prerequisites. 2 Units
Course Information: Discussion/Activity TTh 7:30 - 8:20 a.m., Sequoia Hall 325
Book: No textbook is required but you will need to refer to an introductory physics book several times during the semester. You can check one out from the library or refer to one in the PhysicsTutoringCenter, SQU 124.
Instructor:Dr. Michael Shea, Professor of Physics
Office: SQU 432, E-mail:
Voice Mail: 278-6540 (leave a voice mail)
Mail: SQU. 230 (Physics Dept. Office)
Web Page:
Office Hours: T Th 9-10 a.m. Tutoring Center SQU 124
Learning Objectives: The overall goal of this course is to prepare you to be successful in a college level physics course. To do this you will work to:
become a better problem solver,
improve your ability to use mathematics to describe and understand the natural world,
develop a sense of what it means to know and understand basic science concepts,
develop an effective study regimen to be used in a college physics course,
improve your confidence and over come your anxiety as you begin your study physics.
learn basic physics concepts and mathematical representations of motion, forces, and measurement, three of the first topics you will learn in your physics course.
The key words in stating the objectives of this course are, “...... you will work to...”. In this course you are the learner and must take the responsibility to learn. My job as the instructor is to organize the week-to-week topics you will study and to evaluate your work. Like everything else you do, the amount of effort you put into this course will be proportional to how well you will be prepared to take your first college physics course.
Course Grading:
Homework 50 pts
Quizzes100pts
Midterm Exams (2ea)200 pts
Final Exam150 pts
Total Pts500 pts
Homework:There will be weekly homework assignments to give you the opportunity to improve your problem solving ability and to learn some basic mathematical techniques used in introductory physics courses. Assignments will be given out on Tuesdays and will be returned at the beginning of class on the following Tuesday. No late homework will be accepted. Homework will be evaluated and given a score between 0 and 4 based on a “Homework Rubric” that will be handed out and discussed in class. Your final homework points will be based on what score you get on most of your assignments.
Quizzes: There will be ten quizzes given on Thursdays in class. You generally will be able to consult with your group members for the last five minutes of the quiz time before turning it into me. There will be no make-up quizzes. Quizzes will be graded on abases of ten points. You can use one 4”x 6” card with information on it in quizzes. The course is not about memorization and regurgitating facts.Most students find that they seldom have to look at these cards for information as they gain confidence that they have learned to think and reason their way to a solution.
Midterm Exam: Two midterm exams will be given during the semester. The exams will consist of four short answer questions and two or three problems. The exam will test how well you can apply your knowledge and showing your understanding of the mathematical and basic science content. No make-up exams will be given. Any points lost on midterm exams will be added to your final exam. You can use one 4”x 6” card with information on it in the first midterm exam and two cards in the second midterm exam.
Final Exam: The final exam will be comprehensive and must be completed in order to pass the course. You will have extended time on the final exam beyond the two hours designated for the course. A letter grade as well as points out of 150 pts will be given to your final exam. You can use three 4”x 6” cards with information on it in the final exam.
Final Grade: Two letter grades will be used to assigned and used to determine your final grade in the course. One letter grade will be based on the total points you accumulate in the class and the second will be the letter grade on your final exam. The higher of the two will be your final grade in the course.
The goal of this course is to make you a better learner and to give you some strategies to learn physics. I am hopeful that you will improve as the semester goes on. If your Final Exam shows this improvement, your final grade will reflect this.
Physics 1 Syllabus Page 1 of 2Shea Fall 2007