Physics 151.02 Spring 2018 - Dr. L. Kent Morrison

General Physics I (algebra-based), section 002

Physics 151
University of New Mexico
Spring 2018

Course Description

Welcome to Physics 151, the first semester of algebra-based introductory physics. This semester we will be covering the basics of physics: kinematics and dynamics in one and two dimensions, rotational motion, and conservation of energy and momentum. Most likely we will also get to study thermodynamics, fluids, oscillatory motion, and waves. This course is fantastic in that satisfies premedical, predental, preoptometry, and certain technical requirements. No previous knowledge of physics is assumed; however, problem solving requires good algebra skills and a working knowledge of trigonometry is helpful.
I hope that you do well in this course. You will need to work hard to succeed. I can only do so much to cram the concepts that we will cover into your brain, the rest is up to you. If you are willing to really think about what you are reading, to do the homework, and most importantly to let me know when you're still not getting something, then I'm sure we can have a very successful class for everyone.

Prerequisite: Math 123 (Trigonometry)

Prerequisite: Math 150 (Pre-Calculus) or Math 162 (Calculus I) or Math 180 (Elements of Calculus I)

Text and other material 

The textbook used for this class is the third edition of College Physics: A Strategic Approach by Knight, Jones, and Field, Pearson Addison-Wesley, 2017. The second edition of the textbook will be fine for reading assignments, but you must get a third-edition Mastering Physics access code. Various text supplements are available and may be helpful but are not required. You will need a simple calculator with trig functions that you should bring to class regularly. You will need it for in-class exercises, tests and homework. You will also need to bring to class a smart phone, laptop computer or tablet if you have one. If you do not have one, I will provide you with a workaround.

Problem Session, P157.001, Wednesdays 2:00-2:50

The 1 credit hour problem session is very helpful for understanding the material and getting a better grade, however it is not required. Although this class is not required, students who take P157.001 generally do better on tests and understand the material better. There are no tests or homework in P157.001, to get credit you must attend at least 75% of the classes and participate in the group work done in class.

Learning Outcomes

The overall objective is that the students can describe physical phenomena using a variety of models and develop certain analytical skills associated with problem solving. By the end of the course, the student should be able to:

• Convert units within the S. I. system as well as between S. I. and the U. S. customary system
• Analyze vectors by
  1. resolving a vector into components
  2. finding the magnitude and direction of a vector from its components
  3. performing vector addition using both the graphical and component methods
• Select the appropriate equation to use in solving new and different one and two-dimensional constant-acceleration problems
• Sketch free body diagrams
• Apply Newton's laws of motions to solve for unknowns in new and different static and dynamics problems
• Apply conservation of momentum to predict characteristics of collisions
• Use the law of conservation of energy in solving new and different motion problems
• Apply the first law of thermodynamics to predict certain thermal responses of a substance
• Calculate the pressure in a stationary fluid at arbitrary depths
• Describe the fundamental properties of waves and periodic motion.

Tutoring help

• Teaching Assistant, Tutoring Table/problem sessions are all in Regener  room 111, TBD

I will announce later how you can receive extra credit by attending the Tutoring Table sessions

• The Center for Academic Program Support (CAPS, see caps.unm.edu)
• Private tutors

Homework

Mastering Physics (MP) is the on-line homework system and it is required. MP comes free with new texts purchased in the bookstore. Once you have an access code for MP, you can register at Getting Started Student Registration.  All homework assignments are graded (The first HW is called "Introduction to MasteringPhysics" on how to use MP). The MP assignments are listed in the Class Schedule (see link below). 

1. The pre-lecture assignments are due at 1:00 pm before class. If you complete your pre-lecture assignment late, you will get no credit for it. 
2. The regular homework assignments are due at 11:59 pm the day after the material is covered in class. The regular homework assignments can be turned in late, but you will be penalized 10% for each day it is late.

You should begin the pre-lecture MP assignments before coming to class. Your new book comes with an MP package (no extra cost to you). If you have a used book you need to buy the Mastering Physics package from the bookstore or you can go on line with a credit card and buy it. To buy MP access online, go to masteringphysics.com then click on the title of your textbook. Then click Buy Now and follow instructions.  Whether your MP package came with the text or whether you bought access from the bookstore or online, everyone must register on line and complete the "Intro to MP" assignment and start becoming familiar with MP. I will delayed the due date for the assignments for Chapters 1 & 2, so you will enough time to register in MP You can register simply by following the instructions available online at masteringphysics.com. 

Important notes for registering:

1. The UNM Zip code is 87131
2. Our Course ID is MPMORRISONSPRING2018
3. Your Student ID will be your nine digit Banner ID

Learning Catalytics.We will be using Learning Catalytics instead of IClickers for in class exercises. Learning Catalytics uses your networked device (either a smart phone, tablet or laptop) that you must bring to every class. To register in Learning Catalytics go to Getting Started on Learning Catalytics Student. If you do not have such a device, let me know and I will provide a workaround. If you do not get a new book, you will need to purchase an access code for Learning Catalytics from learningcatalytics.com (which is $12 a term or $20 a year). The LC access code comes free with a new book.

Attendance Policy  Regular and punctual attendance is required. UNM Pathfinder policies apply, which in part means instructor drops based on non-attendance are possible. This policy applies regardless of the grading option you have chosen.

Dropping the class.  If you drop the course then please let me know. Sometimes this information does not get to me and this can lead to grade difficulties at the end of the semester

Accommodation Statement  Accessibility Services (Mesa Vista Hall 2021, 277-3506) provides academic support to students who have disabilities. If you think you need alternative accessible formats for undertaking and completing coursework, you should contact this service right away to assure your needs are met in a timely manner. If you need local assistance in contacting Accessibility Services, see the Bachelor and Graduate Programs office.

Course Grade 

Tests, homework assignments and Learning Catalytics responses will go into making up your final grade. There are four semester tests and a final exam. Each of the four tests is worth 100 points. I will drop the lowest grade for these first four tests. The final exam is worth 100 points and will be comprehensive. The final exam will not be one of the tests that is dropped, you must take the final exam. Homework is worth 100 points. Learning Catalytics exercises are worth 100 points (you receive credit for participation, and for getting the correct answer). In summary:

1. Four midterm tests, each worth 100 points.  I will drop the lowest test score.
2. Comprehensive final exam, 100 points
3. Homework (MP), 100 points
4. Learning Catalytics class participation, 100 points.

Thus there are a total of 600 points. No makeup for tests will be given. Grading scale: The numbers below represent the percentage of the 600 possible points. For example, a grade of 90 means 90 percent of 600 which is 540 total points. The grades will not be rounded off, so you need 73.000% to get a C.

• 97-100: A+
• 93-96.9: A
• 90-92.9: A-
• 87-89.9: B+
• 83-86.9: B
• 80-82.9: B-
• 77-79.9: C+
• 73-76.9: C
• 70-72.9: C-
• 67-69.9: D+
• 63-66.9: D
• 60-62.9: D-
• Below 60: F

To earn a C- or better for the course a student must earn a score of 70 or higher on at least one test (this could be test 1,2, 3, 4 or the final exam) and have an overall average of 70 or higher.

Tests will be curved, if necessary, to fit the above scale. You grade will never be lowered by the curve. Do not miss class, and do not miss a test! If you miss one test of the first three, that score will be dropped. There are no make-up for tests, homework or for Learning Catalytics exercises. If you miss class then you have a zero for that day's Learning Catalytics exercises no matter what the reason is that you missed class, however I will drop the two lowest Learning Catalytics grades. That is, you can miss two classes and still receive 100% of your participation grade. If you miss a homework deadline (no matter what the reason) then you can submit late homework up to 10 days. However your score is reduced  by the Mastering Physics system by 10% for each day late, so after 10 days, you will receive a zero. This does not apply to the Pre-homework problems, there is no credit for late submissions of the Pre-homework problems.  If you have a reason for missing a homework due date, let me know and I will give you an extension for the due date.

According to the UNM Schedule of Classes (see link to Final Exam Schedule at www.unm.edu/~unmreg), the final exam is scheduled for TBD in Regener 103, the regular classroom . There is no excuse for missing the final exam or for taking it at a different time except for a real emergency. For example, leaving for the holidays early is not a real emergency. Students who have many finals on that day or who have a conflict in the times of finals should read the discussion in the Final Exam Schedule link at www.unm.edu/~unmreg.  The overall grade given in MP is NOT your true grade since I drop one test and weigh the various components of your grade differently.  You can always check with me for a grade check.

Course Calendar

Here is the listing of all important dates, including exams, and a general schedule of the topics to be covered.   This calendar is tentative and may be changed.

SCHEDULE OF HOMEWORK DUE DATES AND TIMES (TENTATIVE)

In an effort to meet obligations under Title IX, UNM faculty, Teaching Assistants, and Graduate Assistants are considered "responsible employees" by the Department of Education (see pg 15 http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/qa-201404-title-ix.pdf). This designation requires that any report of gender discrimination which includes sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and sexual violence made to a faculty member, TA, or GA must be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at the Office of Equal Opportunity (oeo.unm.edu). For more information on the campus policy regarding sexual misconduct, see: policy.unm.edu/university-policies/2000/2740.html