Class: M W F 12-12:50 pm,
Instructor: Dr. Hongtao Shi
Phone: 664-2013
Email: hongtao.shi@sonoma.edu
Office:
Office
Hours: Tu 1-1:50 pm, Th 2-2:50 pm and by appointment
Course
Description and Goals: This is the second semester of an algebra-based physics class, which
also requires geometry and trigonometry. You will be working on the Ideal
Gas Law, Thermodynamics, Electric Charge and Field, Potential, Electric Current,
Magnetism, Electromagnetic Waves, Wave Nature of Light, and Optics. The course
is designed for students in the biosciences with material selected to be of
use to Biological and Medical professionals, which should also give good preparation
for the MCAT. If time permits, Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity will also
be covered.
At the completion of the course you are expected to be able
to apply physical principles to investigate a variety of problems and provide
quantitative analyses consistent with the mathematical level of the course.
You are going to learn the methods of problem solving and critical examination
of the principles underlying each problem, not the mere memorizing of a method
of solution.
Required
Textbook: Physics,
2nd edition by Giambattista, Richardson,
and Richardson, published by McGraw Hill. ISBN: 9780078089817.
When
you purchase the book, make sure you also get the access codes to use both the ALEKS
and CONNECT
features to improve your math skills, and to complete the online homework
assignments. Use
the following course code to register for ALEKS:
VGDMT - AF6W3. The access codes should be bundled with the new textbook
for student purchase. If you decide to buy a used textbook or purchase an
online version of textbook, you need purchase the access codes separately.
CONNECT
provides guidelines for each homework assignment, i.e., how each homework
is structured, submitted and graded.
Grading Policy |
|
| 25% |
Final Exam, Friday 5/27, 11 am-12:50 pm. Comprehensive! |
| 20% |
Exam
1 |
| 20% |
Exam
2 |
| 20% |
Homework |
| 15% |
Quizzes |
| |
|
| Course
Grade |
Percent |
| A |
90-100 |
| B |
80-89 |
| C |
70-79 |
| D |
60-69 |
| F |
Below
60 |
A few things to remember:
1.
2. The lowest homework grade will be dropped when your class grade is calculated.
3. You are encouraged to work in a study group in doing the homework, discussing
the problems. You will be also asked to work on many in-class problems to
improve your understanding. If you are working on a research project which
involves physics, you are welcome to present your results to the class before
the end of the semester. You will earn extra credit by doing so.
4. All quizzes, exams are closed book/notes
and must be taken at the assigned time. You can bring one
(1) index card (3" x 5") to the class with equations and
formulas. No makeup will be given without a legitimate reason such as medical
emergency. So arrange accordingly. Be aware the makeup exam/quiz may be entirely
different from the original one.
5. I reserve the right to raise your grade
if exceptional effort and class participation are observed through the semester.
Strategies to succeeding in this course:
1.
Try your best to attend every class.
Your grades will suffer if you often miss the classes. Participate and ask
questions.
2. Read subject material before each class.
3. Start homework problems as early as
you can. Never fall behind!
4. Study and understand every pertinent
example in the covered topics. Try to understand which principles or laws
are employed, and how.
5. Come to my office at my office hours
with questions. Remember I am here to help you in any way I can so that you
can do well.
Disability: If you have a disability and need special consideration, please contact the Office of Disabled Student Services, located in Salazar Hall, Room 1049, Phone 664-2677. Important University policies, such as add/drop classes, cheating and plagiarism, grade appeal procedures, can be found at http://www.sonoma.edu/uaffairs/policies/studentinfo.shtml.
Email me if you have questions or comments.
Last updated 2/2/2011