物理代写： PHYSICS 113 Fundamentals of Physics I

PHYS 113

Fundamentals of Physics I

Lectures: MWF, 09:00-09:50, S02-0003A

Discussions: Refer to Course Catalog

Prof. Alioscia Hamma alioscia.hamma@umb.edu ISC 1-1150
617.287.6044

Office Hours: TBD

Course Description

Calculus-based first physics course for physics majors and students with a serious inter- est in Physics. No previous knowledge of Physics is required, but very good knowledge of pre-calculus, algebra and trigonometry is expected. Calculus (MATH140) is a co-requisite. PHYSIC 181 is a co-requisite for Physics majors. This course places significant empha- sis on qualitative and conceptual physical reasoning as a complement to the mathematical quantitative aspects. The students are expected to take a very active participation in the class. Learning to solve problems in Physics is one of the main goals of this course. Some problems are solved together in class, and students will discuss them at the blackboard. Some of the topics will be discussed in depth, trying to see the limits of the theory and the necessity to go beyond it. The course is intended to give a solid preparation in classical mechanics, and at the same time prepare the students to the courses on thermal and modern physics. The course will provide the fundamental concepts and tools of Physics and discuss the relationship with other Sciences.

Textbooks and Course materials

Lectures are based on the book by R. Shankar Fundamentals of Physics: Mechanics, Relativ- ity, and Thermodynamics, Yale University Press, ISBN-10: 0300192207. The students who want to gain a deeper understanding of fundamental physics will find solace in the Feynman Lectures on Physics, vol 1, Addison Wesley. Moreover, my Lecture Notes (published on Blackboard site) will contain more details on the mathematical, methodological, and epis- temological aspects of classical physics. Assignments are hard-copy/pdf on Blackboard site given during discussion sessions. Practice problems will be published online on Blackboard site in pdf format.

Course requirements and Evaluation

Attendance of all classes is mandatory. As a rule of thumb, this is based on a honor sys- tem, as taking attendance is too time consuming for such a large class. Students’ active

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participation in class is evaluated. The participation score is based on both attendance and interaction during both lectures and discussion sessions – including discussion of problems at the blackboard. Constructive questions and comments in class discussion earn points added to your participation score. Students are also expected to return homework and take both the Midterm and Final exams in order to get a final grade.

Grading and grades distribution

Midterm and Final exams will be graded in this way. On the exam sheet you will find three types of problems, A, B, C. A problems are a bit harder, B problems are medium difficulty, and C problems are easy. You can solve all of them or just one of them, your choice. The grade for solving B problems is multiplied by .85, while the grade for a C problem is multiplied by .75. This means that if one solves perfectly a C problem gets C as a grade – and similarly for the B problems (hence the names). If you solve more than one problem, your grade will be the best (not the sum) of your attempts.

Homework problems are also divided in A,B,C, but even if you solve just the C problems you still get the maximum possible grade for homework. However, training just for C problems is likely end up with being able to solve only C problems at midterm and final exam.

Homework/Assignments Midterm Exam 1 and 2

20% Participation 15% 15% each Final Exam 35%

≥ 93.00 90.00 – 92.99 87.00 – 89.99 83.00 – 86.99 80.00 – 82.99 77.00 – 79.99

A 73.00 – 76.99 A- 70.00 – 72.99 B+ 67.00 – 69.99 B 63.00 – 66.99 B- 60.00 – 62.99 C+ ≤ 59.99

C C- D+ D D- F

through Blackboard site. Please

Course Policies

1. Announcements are given to students on a regular basis stay tuned.

2. Do not underestimate the value of questions during the lectures and discussions. In large lectures, many students are reluctant to pose questions that they fear may seem silly to either their colleagues or the instructor. This probably includes you. Almost always, if one student asks a question, there are several others who have been bothered by the same thing. Often such questions tell the instructor what is not clear to the students. Stopping the lecture and getting everyone together on the issue is much more useful than simply letting a lecture continue without clarification.
3. Use of electronic devices – including tablets, smart phones, and laptops – is not allowed in class. Usage of electronic devices during lectures has no demonstrated pedagogical value and it is in fact detrimental to understanding. Violation of this policy will result in penalties to your Participation score. You should equip yourself with a notebook for taking notes by hand, on paper. I may, at any time, enforce this restriction by

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Figure 1: How not to staple your homework.

checking the screens of any devices in use and asking students to leave the classroom. Anything other than the lecture, discussion and hand written notes are a distraction and a discourtesy to yourself and your fellow students.

4. As Lipke Auditorium is very large, in order to make class experience more interactive, it is important that students fill in the rows of the Auditorium starting from the front row and do not sit far away from the blackboard and the instructor.
5. Office hours are meant to discuss study methods issues, clarifications on subtler points of course materials, general pedagogical advice, or any other matter the student feels relevant. However, office hours are not meant to be a one-on-one tutoring on the material explained in class.
6. Tests and exams are closed book, closed notes, but one cheat sheet is allowed.
7. No makeup tests or exams will be given.
8. Students are expected to work out the solution of homework assignments independently. However, discussion amongst students is encouraged, as long as the final outcome comes from student’s original effort.
9. Assignments are given during the discussion session of Wednesday, and they are ex- pected to be returned in the same session the week after. In case of justified absence the homework can be returned within two days (that is, by Friday) to the TA. No late assignments will be accepted under any circumstances.
10. Homework has to be returned written or printed on normal sized paper and stapled correctly. It is very difficult to grade correctly homework that is difficult to read, so it is to the student’s advantage to write in a clear way. Please look at Fig.1 (taken from phdcomics.com) to see what is not an acceptable way to staple papers. Scores will be detracted accordingly.

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11. Homework is graded within two weeks from its delivery. The grades will be published on Blackboard site. Questions about the homework and its grading are to be addressed to the TA.
12. Students are responsible for all missed work (or missing homework), regardless of the reason for absence. It is also the absentee’s responsibility to get all missing notes or materials.

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Course Outline (subject to change)

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