PH 100-3A Preparatory Physics (Summer, 2003)

Lecture: Monday, Wednesday 3:00-5:05 pm in Campbell Hall 445

Professor: Dr. Sergey Mirov, e-mail: mirov@uab.edu , Phone (205) 934-8088 

Office Hours: M 10:00-12:00 in CH 421B or by appointment (934-8088).

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 Del Square.) See below for more information. Homework due is strictly enforced by a computer. It is absolutely critical to work these problems yourselves when they are assigned, since this will help to lock in understanding of the physical principles learned from class and the textbook and develop problem-solving skills, which will be necessary for any type of success on the exams.  Developing the necessary problem solving skills will only come from personally going through the struggle of working homework problems yourself.

Del Square: Physics Computer Classroom

A card key is required to enter Del Square. If you have already a UAB card key (e.g., a card key to a UAB dormitory), you can use it. However, you need to activate it for Del Square. If you do not have a UAB card key, you need to buy one at UAB key control office. If you need more information, ask Charita Cadenhead (phone: 975-8094, email: charita@phy.uab.edu )

 

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

Newton's Second Law

9

June 30 (M)

CH 5

Newton's Second Law

10

July 2 (W)

CH 5

Newton's Second Law

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)

FINAL EXAM

Over Chapters 1-8 (4:15pm-6:45pm)