GENERAL PHYSICS I
FALL 2009 SYLLABUS

PHY101 General Physics I - MWF 9:00 - 9:50AM

Instructor: Dr. Rulison [Office: G-318 (See office door for scheduled office hours), Phone: 404-364-8409, E-mail: mrulison@oglethorpe.edu]

Purpose: This is the first course of a two-semester sequence in introductory algebra-based physics. The purpose of the course is to develop in the student a fundamental and thorough knowledge of mechanics (statics and dynamics), work/energy and impulse/momentum methods, rotational motion, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves. Problem solving and physical reasoning skills will be emphasized.

Text: Physics-8^th Edition by Cutnell and Johnson. This text incorporates a number of study aids which should be considered an integral part of your reading. These include solved example problems within each chapter, a chapter summary with checklist of important formulae and concepts, questions and conceptual exercises at the end of each chapter, and problems at the end of each chapter. Also of interest are special sections on applications of physics, and special supplements on problem solving techniques and methods. See also the text website at:
        http://bcs.wiley.com/he-bcs/Books?action=index&itemId=0470223553&bcsId=4768.

Prerequisite: Analytic Geometry - MAT103.

Homework: Homework problems will be assigned from each chapter. These will be turned in and one or more problems will be chosen at random for grading. Homework will count toward your final grade as shown on the assignment sheet. Late homework will not be accepted.

Tests: There will be three tests given on the dates shown on the assignment sheet. The material to be covered on each test will be announced in class well in advance of each test. NO MAKE-UP TESTS OR POSTPONEMENTS WILL BE GIVEN!!

Final Exam: There will be a final exam given during the regular final exam period (8:00 AM Wednesday, December 9). This exam will be comprehensive.

Class Attendance: While class attendance is not required, the student is responsible for all material and information covered in class (including changes of schedule and assignment). Since this is primarily a problem-solving course with a large proportion of class time devoted to solving problems, attendance is strongly recommended.  A grade of FA may be assigned if it is the instructor's opinion that failure is the result of excessive absences.

Dropping the Course: The course may be dropped with a grade of W through Friday, October 30 (provided that the student's work to that point has been of passing quality). After this date the grade of W will be assigned only in the case of withdrawal from the University or prolonged illness.

Academic Honesty: As students and faculty at Oglethorpe University we are members of a society of scholars with all the opportunities as well as obligations attached to such a designation. We therefore agree to govern ourselves accordingly. The use of any information, not provided by the instructor, during an exam will be considered cheating. Representation of someone else's work as one's own is plagiarism.  In such cases the student(s) will be referred to the Honor Council for a hearing and possible disciplinary action. It is the duty of anyone witnessing behavior in violation of the University Honor Code to report the violation.  Refer to pages 103-112 of the 2008-2010 Bulletin for a complete description of the Honor Code.

Cheating:    a.  The unauthorized possession or use of notes, texts, or other such materials during an examination.
                  b.  Copying another person's work or participation in such an effort.
                  c.  An attempt or participation in an attempt to fulfill the requirements of a course with work other than one's original work for that course.

Plagiarism: Plagiarism includes representing someone else's words, ideas, data, or original research as one's own, and in general failing to footnote or
                 otherwise acknowledge the source of such work.  One has the responsibility of avoiding plagiarism by taking adequate notes on reference
                 materials, including material taken off the internet or other electronic sources, used in the preparation of reports, papers, and other
                 coursework. 

NOTE: A grade of C- or better is required for each PHY1XX/PHY2XX level course required for the major or minor.

GENERAL PHYSICS I
FALL 2009 SCHEDULE

GRADING

Note that Incomplete (I) is given only under the rarest of circumstances. Refer to page 97 of the 2008-2010 Bulletin for a summary of requirements.