Physics 100 is
the first semester of a one year algebra-based course, Physics 100 and Physics
105, that provides a general introduction to the subject designed for students
whose principle interest is not the study of physics. Physics
100 does not use calculus techniques. Students comfortable with calculus would
be better served through Physics 200/205, which covers the same material but
which uses ideas and techniques from calculus to provide a much more coherent
view of some topics.
You should also know that taking PHYS 100 does not preclude you being a physics major. If
you wish to switch (or add) the physics major, please let your instructor know.
Topics covered
include estimates, dimensional analysis, kinematics and dynamics in 2D, Newton’s
Laws, energy and momentum conservation, rotational dynamics, fluid dynamics,
and thermodynamics. Lots of dynamics in there because physics is all about
motion and how things change their motion!
Educational goals
for this class are to help you think “like a physicist:” that is,
to synthesize data, solve problems, and construct mental models from concepts
to help you form a worldview that can help you appreciate the physical world
with which you interact. These goals link with Hamilton
College’s educational goals, especially 1) Intellectual curiosity and
flexibility and 2) Analytic discernment.
Instructor: Jon
Gaffney; jgaffney@hamilton.edu;
Office: G052; Phone: 4228
Spacetime Coordinates:
9:00-9:50 am MWF, Science Center G041
Office Hours: Monday
and Tuesday, 10:00-11:00 am, or by appointment. Unavailable Thursdays.
Lab: You must be
enrolled in 100L, which meets Tu, W, or Th 1-4 pm.
Text: College
Physics, 3rd Edition, by Knight, Jones, and Field.
Other requirements for each class: Scientific calculator, writing utensil, good attitude.
Additional resources:
Please be aware of the QSR Center. I require you to visit there
at least once, and you may find it useful beyond that. I will use Blackboard
for communication purposes, and please check your email at least once daily for
messages.
Information regarding
specific policies can be found on Blackboard; located here is merely a summary
of them.
Grading:
|
Labs |
20% |
|
Homework |
15% |
|
Quizzes |
5% |
|
Participation |
5% |
|
Midterms |
3@10% |
|
Final Exam |
25% |
There is no curve in the course. Specifically, “no curve”
means that grading is not a zero-sum
game! You are all on the
same team, so help each other learn!
Lab grading
is determined by the lab instructors. They will report a score to me.
Homework grading
is a completion score. Late homework is not accepted. Feedback is provided in
proportion to the effort provided. You may use resources, but you must cite
them. See Blackboard for a more detailed and nuanced explanation for the
homework policy.
Quizzes will be short and typically include definitions (short exercises or written answers)
and/or problems that are nearly identical to homework problems. They will
usually be given when homework is due, and you will be allowed to use your
homework on the quiz (I will collect quizzes and homework together in class).
Participation refers to ways you can take an active role in the
learning culture for the class both during and outside of our meeting times.
There are many ways you can do this; see Blackboard for more.
Midterms will be held in evenings of September 14th,
October 10th, and November 16th, 7-9 PM, and the Final exam will be Monday,
December 11th, 7-10 PM. In preparing for the exams, you may
create a 1-page “cheat sheet” (8.5x11, one side only) that may
include anything except worked-out problems, and which must be handwritten
(unless you have a specific need that prevents such; speak with me). You are
allowed a scientific calculator on the exams, but no additional materials.
Other Policies:
Collaboration
is encouraged both during class and outside of class. However, collaboration
must be balanced with the ethical considerations of respecting others’
work and not claiming as one’s own. Make sure you understand the Honor
Code and its supporting materials; you will be held tightly to it. You are
expected to cite sources on your homework assignments. Further nuance and
explanation of this policy can be found on Blackboard.
Technology is ubiquitous in our society, and it is important
to balance its value as a tool for both investigation and communication with
its detriment as a distraction for oneself and others in terms of learning.
While I do not actively constrain your use of technology, I ask that you do the
following:
1) please inform me if your use of technology is a required part of your learning;
2) please use technology respectfully regarding both your and others’
attention to the course
3) constrain yourself to the Honor
Code. If you are unsure, leave your device in your pocket.
Further
explanation of this policy can be found on Blackboard.
Universal Access is a goal that I have for this course. I will be
recording our class meetings and posting those on Blackboard. When possible, I
will provide slides before class. I will also try to provide both written and
oral solutions to problems. I will strive during lecture to be respectful of
auditory and visual constraints (e.g., large, clear writing; repeating
questions). I will try to provide opportunities to give each of you a voice in
class both literally and by including a variety of activities. However, I am
still learning and ask for gentle feedback regarding ways I can improve. I will
appreciate your feedback.
Accommodations are available in case my efforts for UA are not
sufficient for you personally. Hamilton College will make
reasonable accommodations for students with properly documented
disabilities. If you are eligible to receive an accommodation(s) and would
like to make a formal request for this course, please discuss it with me during
the first two weeks of class. You will need to provide Allen Harrison,
Associate Dean of Students (Elihu Root House; (315) 859-4021) with appropriate
documentation of your disability. Please visit Hamilton’s accessibility website
for more information. Please note that
medical issues, including those that are related to biological sex (e.g.,
pregnancy) are expressly suitable for accommodation.