Course Syllabus
Course Description
Second semester in the calculus-based majors/engineering physics sequence. Topics include wave interference, optics, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic induction and radiation, and a small intro to relativity and quantum mechanics. Chapters (un)covered are: 22–38. This is fun and exciting material. We will start with Optics - chapters 33-35.
Instructor Information
Dr Jonathan Pugmire
(435) 283-7534
GRSC 316
Office Hours: Posted on my door or email me to make an appointment. You are welcome to drop by my office anytime.
Course Objectives
We will use physics as a vehicle to learn to apply scientific reasoning and computational skills in a variety of contexts. Students will learn to think deeply about the physical universe and how to solve problems. Students will become familiar with important scientific laws and principles and will learn that science is a process to gain knowledge.
Required Materials
-
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach, 4th edition by Randall D. Knight (ISBN: 9780133953145).
You should have access to it all still from last semester. Make sure you get all three parts of the complete bundle (textbook with Modern Physics, the Student Workbook, and the MasteringPhysics web access code). Get it from Snow College online bookstore here (You can buy the textbook used but need a new student workbook and online access to Mastering Physics.).
- Graphing Calculator
Corequisites:
- Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 2225.
Prerequisite:
- PHYS 2210, PHYS 2215, Calculus II, some proficiency with spreadsheets (such as Excel)
Course schedule
See a 2-page daily calendar here.
Quizzes
Frequent quizzes will keep you apprised of your progress. You may raise a RAQ quiz score by up to 50% by watching two episodes of the approved videos.
Homework
Homework will be assigned every chapter on the MasteringPhysics website; click on the "Access Pearson" in the menu on the left. You are strongly encouraged to study in groups to achieve understanding, but what you turn in must be your own work––don't turn homework in without understanding it. I would much rather you ask me about homework problems than look up solutions on Chegg or other sites. Paper is cheap so use lots of it. Write every step neatly. Draw diagrams and figures. Communicate well and use the Model, Visualize, Solve, Assess problem-solving strategy outlined in the textbook. Each chapter’s assignment will be due a day or so after we finish discussing the chapter in class.
We also do the student workbook that came with your textbook bundle. Do all of the questions/problems except the ones listed here. The workbook exercises really help cement the concepts in your brain and prepare you for the tests!
Homework that is late for any reason other than a pre-approved legitimate excuse will be worth 50% up to one week late; thereafter no credit will be given. No late work will be accepted after November 29.
Tests:
Tests are another great opportunity to learn. There will be five multiple-choice tests in the testing center before the final exam. Testing Center hours are here.
Final Exam:
During the scheduled final time (Tuesday, December 10, 2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.) in the classroom. It will be comprehensive.
Participation
Ask questions in class, come to office hours, and help other students. For serious students such as yourself the majority of your learning will take place outside of class time. A large part of the participation grade will come from your answering/discussing one of the questions from each chapter in front of the class. Both asking and answering questions should prove you’ve delved deeply into the chapter material. You are responsible for information given through Canvas announcements. Please try to learn as much as you can in this class. Mutual respect, participation, and effort are keys to making our journey as a community of learners succeed.
Help
You are encouraged to see me during my office hours and at other times by appointment. Please also frequent the Math Lab; use your classmates and Canvas as other resources. I will do all I can to help you learn physics; please avail yourself of all the resources at your disposal. Stay caught up, and don’t stay lost for more than a few hours at a time. Please read some thoughts on how to have a Better Learning Experience.
Grading
| Homework: | 30% |
|---|---|
| Quizzes: | 15% |
| Tests: | 25% |
| Participation: | 10% |
| Final Exam: | 20% |
The following grading standards will be used in this class:
| Grade | Range |
|---|---|
| A | 93% to 100% |
| A- | 90% to < 93% |
| B+ | 87% to < 90% |
| B | 83% to < 87% |
| B- | 80% to < 83% |
| C+ | 77% to < 80% |
| C | 73% to < 77% |
| C- | 70% to < 73% |
| D+ | 67% to < 70% |
| D | 63% to < 67% |
| D- | 60% to < 63% |
| F | 0% to < 60% |
Canvas Information
Canvas is where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course. For helps with Canvas, view the Canvas Helps course or the Canvas Student Guides.
To access Canvas, go to snow.edu and click on the three-line overflow menu in the top right corner. Then scroll down to "Canvas Login". You will use your Badger Web username and password to access Canvas.
To reset your password for Badger Web and Canvas, contact Advising (435-283-7313) or visit the Snow College IT website.
For other Canvas questions, contact the Teaching and Learning Center (tlc@snow.edu or 435-283-7341).
Policies
My Attendance policy is here.
Institutional Policies
The Snow College Institutional Policies Canvas course contains updated policies about:
- Academic Integrity;
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);
- Attendance;
- Belonging and Student Support;
- Excused Absences;
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA);
- Religious Observance;
- Title IX; and
- Triggers.
It is your responsibility to be aware of and follow these institutional policies.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|