PH101: General Physics I

Spring 2009
Robert Hamner

Instructor: Robert Hamner (roberthamner@gmail.com)

Graduate TA: Ranjan Dharmapalan (ranjan.d@gmail.com)

Course Description: This is an introductory algebra/trig-based course in classical

mechanics, heat and waves for students in science.

Course Topics: Kinematics in one and two dimensions, Newton's laws of motion, work
and energy, conservation of energy, linear momentum, collisions, rotational motion,
oscillations, gravitation, heat, waves.

Course Goals and Objectives: Upon completion of the course, you should have a basic
introductory understanding of classical mechanics on both a qualitative and quantitative
level. You should be able to solve basic mechanics problems using algebra and
trigonometry. You should then have the necessary background so that you can take
PH102.

Learning outcomes for 100- and 200-level physics courses

1.) Application of basics laws of physics:

Students will be able to apply basic laws of physics to formulate a solution to a
problem.

2.) Data and mathematical relationships representation:

Students will be able to represent data and mathematical relationships using tables,
equations, graphs and words.

3.) Draw conclusions from experimental data:

Students will be able to draw valid conclusions from experimental data.

4.) Magnitude estimation and dimensional analysis

Students will be able to estimate the magnitude of the solution to a problem and will
be able to exclude wrong solutions based on such estimates or by use of dimensional
analysis.

5.) Effective teamwork:

Students will be able to collaborate and perform effectively in team activities.

6.) Discrimination between reliable and less reliable information:

Students will be able to discriminate between reliable and less reliable information in
their decision-making.
Learning outcomes for PH 101

1.) Knowledge of Newton’s laws of motion:

Students will be able to answer conceptual questions that require knowledge of
Newton’s laws of motion, and use Newton’s laws in the analysis of physical
problems.

2.) Understanding of the significance of conservation laws

Students will be able to answer conceptual questions that require knowledge of
conservation laws, and use them in the analysis of physical problems.

Course Format: Studio physics is a format that combines the lab and the lecture into
one class. The class will have two lecture/lab sessions a week, and one recitation. The
lecture/lab sessions will generally be a one hour lecture followed by a one hour group
exercise or lab, and the recitation session will be mostly devoted to problem solving.

Students will be expected to know basic algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

Textbook: Serway and Faughn, College Physics, Vol. I, 7th Ed.

Homework: Homework will be handled with webassign: http://www.webassign.net/

Students are encouraged to work together on homework, though each student’s
assignment will have different solutions. It will help you to fully understand how to
solve each problem as the material on the tests will be related.

Grading: There will be an in-class exercise most days, and these will be collected at the
end of each session. You will be allowed to drop your three lowest in-class grades.
There will be 2 one hour exams and one comprehensive final exam. Exams will be
closed book, but students will be allowed to bring in a formula sheet for reference.

In-class work: 20%

Homework: 20%
Exam I: 15%
Exam II: 20%
Final Exam: 25%

Attendance: You will not be able to make-up any missed in-class work. If you have a
valid excuse for missing a class (birth of a child, you are a member of an athletic team
that has to leave town, etc.), you can drop that exercise so that it will neither help you nor
hurt you. If you have a valid excuse for missing one of the exams, the missed percentage
points will be absorbed by the other tests (for example…missing the first exam means the
second will count 25% and the final will count 35%).

You do get to drop your three lowest in-class exercises, so you are “excused” for three
days regardless of the reason.
Office Hours: I will generally be around my office from 11 to 1 on Mondays and
Wednesdays. Graduate Student office hours can be found here:

Academic Misconduct: All acts of dishonesty in any work constitute academic

misconduct. The Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Policy will be followed in the event
of academic misconduct.

Disability Accommodations: To request disability accommodations, please contact

Disabilities Services (348-4285). After initial arrangements are made with that office,
please contact me.