Syllabus Physics 9A, Spring 2003
Dr. Zachary Fisk 201 Phys/Geo, 752-3467
RESOURCES: The text for the course is University Physics (11th edition) by Sears, Zemansky, Young & Freedman. You are responsible for all assigned sections of the text in addition to lecture material that may not be covered in the text.
HOMEWORK AND QUIZZES: Assigned homework problems will be listed on the website when a chapter is started in lecture. The homework will not be collected. There will instead be five closed-book, closed-note quizzes of ten to fifteen minute duration. (Dates are given in the schedule) The quizzes will consist of homework problems with the numbers changed, or problems similar enough to the homework that they can easily be solved by a student who has successfully completed the homework. Though a calculator may be needed, NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN FOR ANSWERS WITHOUT WORK SHOWN. Most useful equations and constants will be provided. You will, however, be expected to remember some of the more basic/simple equations. Problem solutions will be made available on the
website in pdf format AFTER the quiz. Each student's lowest quiz score will be dropped. Make-up quizzes will not be given (except under circumstances such as prolonged illness). However, arrangement may be made to take a quiz EARLY if necessary.
EXAMS: (Dates are given in the schedule.) The exams will be closed-book, and no notes or formula pages will be allowed. BLUE BOOKS, 8 1/2 x 11 Engineering or Law, are required on midterms; you MUST bring one on exam days. Most useful equations and constants will be provided. Calculators are allowed, though again, NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN FOR ANSWERS WITHOUT WORK SHOWN. Arrangement for make-up exams must be made PRIOR to the day of the exam, with the following exception: If I cannot be reached prior to the exam, and you are sick, obtain written documentation from the health center. Regrades of exams will be accepted within ONE WEEK only of the exam's return. Attach a note with your grievance to the exam. Do not write on it. Regrades should be directed to me, either following class or at my office. You must take the final exam at the time given in the schedule, except in case of emergency (an airline reservation is not an emergency), or if you wish to take the final EARLY because you have THREE or more finals on this day--and can furnish proof.
DISCUSSION: It is imperative that you attend discussion session. The opportunity to ponder questions in an atmosphere more intimate than the lecture hall has proven crucial to students' understanding and success in the course. Among the activities: group problem-solving and discussion of topics in the text. Attendance is mandatory. A poor attendance record in discussion may lower your grade a 'half-step', i.e. B- to C+, C+ to C, etc.
GRADING: Quizzes will count for 23% of your grade. Each of the midterm exams will count for 20%. The final exam will be comprehensive and will count for 37% of the total. Your lab grade will be combined with your lecture grade after the latter has been determined, but FAILING THE LAB will result in FAILING THE COURSE. The class will be graded on a curve. For exams, the mean will be given, as well as a rough breakdown of letter grades. Cases of suspected cheating will without exception be referred to Judicial Affairs.
MISCELLANEOUS: The website for the course is http://www.physics.ucdavis.edu/Classes/Physics9AsecC/, where you will find much important information: syllabus, schedule, homework assignments, homework solutions, and various important and sometimes late-breaking announcements. Check it often!