PH
100-3A Preparatory Physics (Summer, 2003)
Lecture: Monday,
Wednesday
Professor: Dr.
Office
Hours: M
Course Prerequisite: MA
106 or equivalent
Course Text: Beginning Physics I, Mechanics and Heat by
Alvin Halpern; tentative coverage is Ch 1-8
Objectives
The primary objective of this course is to offer
an introduction to the principles and procedures of elementary physics in order
to prepare you for an entry into the Trigonometry or Calculus based College
Physics sequence. No physics background is assumed for this class. Although it
will be impossible to cover all of the material to be eventually encountered in
the subsequent college physics sequences, PH 100 is designed to provide you
with a solid foundation in the most basic concepts for either course. More
importantly, you will be exposed to the physics solving approach and procedures
required to succeed in either course.
Tests and Exams: Two in-class tests (1 hour) and one comprehensive
final exam (2.5 hours) will be given. Textbook and notebooks are not allowed in
the exams. One letter-size formula information sheet is allowed. A calculator
may be used. There will be no make-up tests & exams except for the most
extraordinary circumstances (documented illness, etc.). The tests &
exams will be based on problems related to (but often with important
differences) homework problems and problems discussed in class. The intent of the test & exam problems
will be to test your understanding of physics principles and to test your
ability to apply these principles to practice.
To do well on the tests & exams, you should do the reading
assignments before class, pay attention to lectures, and personally work all of
the homework problems when they are assigned.
The tests & exams will be graded on a step-by-step basis, with
partial credit awarded for correct steps and techniques even if the answer is
wrong. Full credit will be awarded only
if the right answer is obtained for the right reason.
Homework:
The homework schedule will appear on the
web at http://homework.phy.uab.edu
In order to solve homework problems, you
need internet access and a web browser (Netscape 4 or Internet Explore 5 is
recommended.) Homework will be administered via the web using CAPA. The first
assignment will be handed out in class and contains a CAPA id and student
number. These are needed to log onto the CAPA system (http://capa1.phy.uab.edu ) and
enter your answers. Subsequent ids can be retrieved from the web interface. Solutions
will be available via the web after the assignment closes. This system allows
you to keep trying the problem until you get the right solution. It is
therefore quite possible that most students will receive a perfect score on the
homework.
Late homework will not be accepted.
Students who do not have internet access
can use computers in CH394 (This room is also called
A card key is required to enter
Grading:
Homework: 30% (300
pts)
2 Interim Tests (1 hr each) 15+15=30% (150+150=300 pts)
Final Exam (2.5 hr) 40% (400
pts)
TOTAL: 100% (1000 pts)
Tentative Schedule:
# |
Date |
Text |
Topics |
1 |
June 2 (M) |
CH 1 |
Introduction and Mathematical Background |
2 |
June 4 (W) |
CH 1, CH 2 |
Measurement, Units, Significant Figures, Motion in a straight line |
3 |
June 9 (M) |
CH 2 |
Motion in a straight line |
4 |
June 11 (W) |
CH 3 |
Motion in a plane |
5 |
June 16 (M) |
CH 3 |
Motion in a plane CH1-3 Review |
6 |
June 18 (W) |
TEST 1, CH 4 |
Test 1 (CH 1-3), Forces and Equilibrium |
7 |
June 23 (M) |
CH 4 |
Forces and Equilibrium |
8 |
June 25 (W) |
CH 5 |
|
9 |
June 30 (M) |
CH 5 |
|
10 |
July 2 (W) |
CH 5 |
|
11 |
July 7 (M) |
CH 6 |
Work and Mechanical Energy |
12 |
July 9 (W) |
CH 6 |
Work and Mechanical Energy |
13 |
July 14 (M) |
CH 6 |
Work and Mechanical Energy, CH4-6 Review |
14 |
July 16 (W) |
TEST 2, CH 7 |
TEST 2 (CH 4-6), Energy, power and simple machines |
15 |
July 21 (M) |
CH 7 |
Energy, power and simple machines |
16 |
July 23 (W) |
CH 8 |
Impulse and linear momentum |
17 |
July 28 (M) |
CH 8 |
Impulse and linear momentum |
18 |
July 30 (W) |
CH 1-8 |
Review |
19 |
August 6 (W) |
Over Chapters 1-8 ( |