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| Contents: |
 | Knight, Randal K: : Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Volume 1(with Mastering Physics) |
- Scientific Calculator: Any style you are comfortable using!
- Computer Access: At home or on campus.
Note: Volumes 1 - 2 will be used for physics 8A,B, and C. Students continuing on in the sequence may consider purchasing a "Full edition" which contains both volume one and two.
Optional materials:
- Student Study Guide with selected Solutions, for Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Knight, Vol I
Assessment and Grading
Your course grade will be based on a percentage of the total points in the class as follows:
| Final Grades:
note that grades on individual assesments will be weighted to agree with the points listed at left. For example, if mastering astronomy activites may total 175 point, the total will be multiplied by 150/175 at the end of the class. |
Hopefully, no one in physics 4A will have to worry about getting a "D" or an "F" , but if you aren't turning in assignments, your point total may be less than 65%, and then you will have to worry about it!
Ancient Physics Proverb #1: It is far wiser to turn in what you have on time, and get some points, then to prolong your work past the due date and get none
Lab Write-ups will be due on the week following the last lab session for a particular lab (some labs may take more than one week to complete). Since labs are on Tuesdays, this means that the complete lab report will be due no later than the start of class on Wed of the following week. You may turn them in one class session late, but they will be given a maximum grade of 90%. If you are unable to attend class for a legitimate reason, then you can still get 100% if you bring in the lab when you return. After that, no points will be given except in the unlikely event that the instructor agrees (ahead of the due date) that more time is in order. Note that labs in physics 8A will include "traditional" lab experiments, computer simulations, and assigned problems. Approximately half of your time in physics 8A will involve completing the lab activities and reports. For approximately half of the labs reports, you will have the option of turing in one lab write-up for the entire team. Other reports must be done individually. More information will be provided in class and in the class schedule.
Ancient Physics Proverb #2: If a group works on a single lab report, than each section of the lab report should glow with the collaborative efforts of the entire group.
Note on efficiency
| While I encourage neat and thorough write-ups (utilizing computerized tables, graphs, and including illustrations) you should be aware that each write up is worth only a small fraction of your total grade. Be wary about investing more time than necessary on a single lab report at the expense of studying for exams and doing homework problems. In other words "pick your battles wisely!" |
Extra Credit: There isn't any! Please don't ask to do it. The participation points will reflect your efforts to go "above and beyond" the normal class requirements.
Homework
problems from textbook and from the mastering physics website are assigned in the schedule/syllabus. These are to be worked out outside of class, and discussed in class. All assigned problems are to be done in Mastering Astronomy. A majority are also in the end of chapter problems in your textbook, so you can work on them "off line" and submit them later on-line for credit. You will see a few problems on quizzes in a similar form to those assigned..in some cases, the tested problems will be indetical to assigned problmes.Working problems are a very important part of the physics course, so be sure to set aside 5 - 10 hours a week to work on them. There will be 15 homework assignments, all due Weekly on Wednesdays unless otherwise indicated in the class schedule. Remember that when you register for Mastering Physics, you need to give the class ID: MPHARPELL0001so your work counts for credit! Late work will be accepted, but it is automatically marked down to 50% after the due date and time. You generally can turn it it up to three weeks late for half credit. After three weeks, the % will go to 25% or zero at your instructors discression.
participation and attendance
You are strongly encouraged to come to class prepared with questions about material covered in lecture, on line, in the text, or simply from current events you have heard about. About 5% of the total points possible in the class will be assigned at the discretion of the instructor for your "informed participation" in class. Of course, if you don't come to class you can't participate! Coming to office hours can also help in this regard, especially if you can't make it to class.
Field Trips
Field Trips to LLNL, LBL, Chabot Science Center, and elsewhere are being considered. At least one field trip will definitely take place...It will be on Tuesday and will replace the regular lab and lecture session. Suggestions for other field trips are welcomed. The dates are still to be arranged. Students who cannot attend a field trip will be provided with an equivalent project.
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