This course basically deals with the fundamental concepts in classical mechanics. The emphasis will be on understanding the concepts of the underlying theory and to use it to solve problems in real situations.  P205 is a calculus based course, hence it is expected that the students have a good background in calculus, algebra and trigonometry.

 Supplies:      Calculator with scientific functions, protractor and a ruler with centimeter markings.  Bring them to class, lab, and exams.  It is strongly recommended that you buy a graphics calculator such as Texas Inst. TI-83.

                        A detailed schedule of topics to be covered in this course is attached.  Because of shortage of space I will refer to all those topics as "physics" here. You are expected to show your prowess and understanding of physics by being able to solve problems in each of the areas given in the schedule.  

Departmental objectives of this course for you are:

(1)   To identify the fundamental principles of physics, generalizations and theories that relate to various kinds of motions, forces, energy, momentum, torque etc.

(2)   To use principles of physics and numerical methods to analyze and solve problems  that mostly deal with the technological world around us.

(3)   To apply the course material to improve thinking, to build concepts again with the ultimate aim of  being able to solve problems in physics.

(4)  To work as a team in a group of students to enhance your knowledge and help members of the group to achieve their goals.  To be able to communicate the results of your findings verbally and in writing.  To use the scientific method of inquiry, of doing experiments in physics, of analyzing your observations, and reporting your observations, results, conclusions, and probable sources of errors in a scientific manner.

 Bellarmine University Goals and Expectations are:    This course includes the following goals and expectations of the Bellarmine University that are linked to the above listed objectives of the course.  Please refer to the University catalog for details:      Scientific Knowledge   Code 3(a,b,c,d);   Quantitative Literacy  Code 6(a,b,c,d);  Thinking Skills   Code 7(a,b,c,d);  Communication Skills code 8(a,b).

              The three instructional components that form the basis of this course are:  Discussion/Lecture, Recitation/Group Problem Solving, and Group Laboratory work.  These are described below individually.  After the basic theory and definitions of terms have been discussed the main emphasis will be on solving numerical problems, which will be taken from practical real-life situations.  Both solved and unsolved exercises from the textbook or handouts will be discussed.  Please bring the textbook to class and recitations.   

             Every student enrolled in this course is EXPECTED to attend all the sessions which will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

             Every session will start with a 15 to 20 minute discussion on the reading assignment given to you in the previous session.  Students will be divided into groups of three.   I will ask the questions or I will demonstrate an experiment and ask questions pertaining to that demonstration.  It is expected that groups will compete with each other to answer or discuss the question thoroughly. Emphasis will be on student participation. This session will concentrate on building concepts. In the next thirty minutes I will try to discuss with you the underlying mathematical or analytical part of the topic that we are considering in a summarized form.  During this time also we will try to establish a dialogue among ourselves, so that we can understand what assumptions and simplifications are being made in arriving at a certain specified result.   In this part of the session we will not simply repeat reading assignment but will also look at other independent explanation of concepts and go to greater depth in important areas.  Textbook will be followed closely for definitions, laws, rules and solved and unsolved examples.  Questions from students are always welcome in any part of this  session.   

                        We will be using collaborative methods of learning to solve problems.  You will be asked to form groups of three or at the most four students.  The details will be discussed in the first recitation class.  In recitation class we will solve problems given at the end of chapters. After a problem is assigned each group will try to find a method to solve it within five minutes and actually solve the problem if possible.  Successful group will be asked to come to the board and explain it to other students and get involved in a discussion. Similarly, solutions to homework problems, quizzes, and exams will be discussed. Problems, other than the homework problems will also be solved in the recitation class with emphasis on student participation.  This is also the time when I will help you individually in building concepts, comprehension and skills required to solve physics problems.           

                        Lab handouts will be given to you before the start of experiments.  Each group will be provided with  a set of instruments.  Please read  the theory and procedure  carefully before you start doing anything.  Questions are most welcome if you don't understand a particular aspect of the experiment.  Format for writing lab reports will be discussed in the first lab session.  Try to finish writing lab reports in the lab itself. In case you cannot finish writing the lab during the scheduled time, you may take it home to finish it.  Each group  should discuss  among themselves the results obtained.  The questions at the end of these hand-outs are designed to test your understanding of the theory underlying that experiment.  Please answer those questions to the best of your ability.  I will let you know when you may submit a report  as a group or as an individual.   Please note:  When no experiments are scheduled, part of the  lab session will also be used for recitation / discussion session.

 Assessment strategies to achieve the goals and outcomes:

 Laboratory Reports: .   Each lab will be graded for 10 marks, and the average obtained in all the experiments will contribute 15% towards your grade total.  

 Quizzes:  Almost in every recitation class, there will be a QUIZ based primarily on the subject matter covered in the last few lectures.  The duration for the quiz will not be more than 10 to 15 minutes. Quizzes contribute 15%  towards your grade total hence are an important part of evaluation.  Any missed quiz will be given zero points (see also Absences). There will be about 8 quizzes in total out of which 6 best will be counted towards your score.  So you can miss at most two quizzes!  No makeup quizzes will be given.

Participation in Discussions:  Your effort in participating in discussions held in class or in recitation class will be noted.  Naturally your attendance is a part of this observation also. You will be awarded up to a maximum of 5% towards your grade total. 

 Group Homework:    Homework problems will be assigned as soon as a particular topic is covered in class.  These problems are taken mostly from the textbook.  You can attempt these problems in your group or by having discussions across groups.  However, every student will record these solutions in a homework notebook. Solutions to these problems will be discussed in the recitation class or made available in the reserve section of the library.  Homework may also be in the form of an essay on a scientific topic of interest.  From time to time I will ask you to submit your notebook and I will grade it by checking the correctness of a few randomly selected problems.  Marks are also given for sincere effort in solving the problem. Since solutions to homework problems will be discussed, your responsibility will be to see that your homework is done correctly.  You may also be assigned Group Homework, which you will submit as a group.  Marks obtained in this case will be given to each member of the group. If you are having difficulties please ask me to help you.  Homework will earn you 10% towards your grades total.  

              The material to be covered in hour exams will be decided in class.  No makeup exam will be given. Best two out of three exams will be counted towards your grades.

                   Final Exam:       Wed.,  Dec. 11,  2002,   8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.           

            The final exam will be a COMPREHENSIVE exam and will encompass everything taught in class.  Higher weightage will be given to the material covered in the last four weeks.  Any change in the schedule or the content of the final exam will be announced at least 3 weeks in advance.           

Grading:         Your grade for the course will be based on the total points obtained  in the following categories:

                        Quizzes                        15%     Lab                                         15%

                        Two out of 3 exams      30%     Home Work                            10%

                        Final Exam                   25%     Participation in discussions          5%

To give you an indication of your progress during the semester, guidelines for letter grades are:

                        Letter grades for the course will be based primarily on your points total for the course.  In a few cases of students on the borderline between two letter grades, unusual excellence in one component of the course (Laboratory, exams, or ATTENDANCE) may result in the student's receiving the higher of the two grades.  Course grades in P205 are NOT curved.  This means, if all students do A work, everyone will receive an A.  Similarly if all students do failing work, all students will...  

Disability Services:  

Students with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids or services) for this course must contact the Disability Services Coordinator (Room 225 Horrigan Hall or 452-8150).  Please do not request accommodations directly from the professor.  

I will be available to you in my office for consultation and help.   My office hours are as follows:             Mon.,  Wed.,  Fri. ------  11:00 a.m.  to 12:30 p.m.  

                        Apart  from these  timings,  if you need any help  feel  free to come over at any time to my office.  Please  leave a message if I am not in my office,  so that  I can get in touch with you.  You may also give me a call at home

                                    Office Ph. #  452-8436         Home Ph #  339-1546

Phys 205                        SYLLABUS

 TITLE:   GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I