PHY 108 - College Physics I - Spring 2018

Instructor: Dr. Epaminondas Rosa, Jr.

Office: 302 Moulton Hall

Phone: (309) 438-8368

E-mail address: erosa@ilstu.edu

Website: http://www2.phy.ilstu.edu/~erosa/phy108.html

Class meetings:  Mon Tue Wed Thu, MLT 214, from 12:00 noon to 12:50 p.m.

Labs: Sec. 2- Mon, MLT 217, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. - Lab Instructor: Dr. Ross Bogue (rbogue@IllinoisState.edu)

           Sec. 3- Mon, MLT 217, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. - Lab Instructor: Manuela Burek (mdburek@IllinoisState.edu) .

           Sec. 4- Mon, MLT 217, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. - Lab Instructor: Zachary Mobille (zdmobil@IllinoisState.edu).

Office hours:  Tue & Thu from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., or by appointment.

Texts:

1) "Physics" by Cutnell & Johnson, any edition, Wiley:

             https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Physics%2C+9th+Edition-p-9780470879528

2) "Experiments for PHY 108/109 College Physics I & II" published by Stipes.

Overview:

PHY 108 is the first semester of a two-semester sequence of algebra and vector based physics. We work on physics principles and their applications solving problems in mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, and waves. The lectures and lab sessions are designed to provide an active learning experience.  Simple things like reading the material in the textbook before the lecture may help a lot. Special attention to the first chapter in the textbook is strongly recommended. It contains the basics of trigonometry and vectors to be used throughout the semester.

Important: If your algebra and trig skills are a little rusty, work on them. Appendices A through E in the textbook may help.

Grading:

There will be at least nine quizzes, of which the 7 top scores will be kept. There will be three tests of which the lowest score will be dropped. There will be eight lab activities of which the lowest score will be dropped. The final exam is comprehensive and will not be dropped. In short:  

The grading scale is as follows:

Check your grades online in Reggienet at

https://reggienet.illinoisstate.edu/xsl-portal

             Tentative Schedule

General policies and recommendations:

There is no makeup work for labs, quizzes, and exams. Pre-Labs are due at the beginning of each lab section, and the lab reports are due at the end of each lab section. Late pre-labs and lab reports will not be accepted. 

A scientific calculator is allowed only for the lab sections. Use of phones, computers, tablets, or similar devices is not allowed during lectures, quizzes, tests and the final exam.

You are responsible for any material covered in class whether or not you are present. Materials in the required sections (as well as labs) not covered in the lectures may be tested. Any kind of behavior that disturbs the lectures, exams and lab sections is not acceptable, and may impact your grade negatively. It includes but is not limited to talking, making noises, and using electronic devices such as cell phones, computers, tablets, etc. All incidences of cheating and misconduct will be handled via the University Code of Student Conduct and Guidelines for Academic Integrity. Check 

https://deanofstudents.illinoisstate.edu/conflict/conduct/code/academic.php

Exams and quizzes are close-book. You will be provided a formula sheet and will be allowed to use it during quizzes, tests and the final exam. It should contain your name and may be required to be turned in with the exam. Borrowing of books, notes, calculators, or any other materials is not allowed. This syllabus is tentative and may change at the discretion of the instructor.

If you need special accommodation to fully participate in this class, please contact Student Access and Accommodation Services at (309)438-5853, or visit the office in 350 Fell Hall.