PHYSICS 121

University of Maryland

Department of Physics

Prof. A. Hassam

TITLE:

Fundamentals of Physics I (4 Credits)

INSTRUCTOR:

Prof. Adil Hassam

Room 3307, A V Williams

Phone: 301-405-1417

Email: hassam@umd.edu

Web site for this course: http://terpconnect.umd.edu/~hassam/121/

Office hours:  Wed 10-11, Fri 11-12, and immediately after class. 
Also by appointment (please email or call)
I am always available by email.

PREREQUISITE:

Previous work in trigonometry or MATH 115

TEXT:

Knight, Jones, and Field, College Physics (2nd Edition)

PHYS 121 LAB MANUAL (NON-TUTORIAL) (UMCP)

LECTURES

MWF 1:00pm- 1:50pm (PHY 1410)

SECTIONS:

Day

Recitation

Lab  (PHY3306)

TA

0201

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is the first semester of a two-semester sequence in introductory physics.  The subjects covered this semester will be mechanics, energy, and heat.  This is a non-calculus sequence, but it does make extensive use of algebra, trigonometry, and elementary geometry.

HOMEWORK:

Homework will be done online using the Mastering Physics site associated with our textbook (www.masteringphysics.com).  The assignments will be posted on the course web site about two weeks in advance.   Late homework will not be accepted except in the case of illness. Your lowest homework score will be dropped.  Solutions will be posted on the course website after the due date.

RECITATIONS:

Regular homework problems will be discussed at Recitations (see Extra Help below for locations for homework help).     

LABORATORIES:

The laboratory experiments are a very important part of this course.  More than one unexcused absence from labs will result in an F for the course.  Laboratories are directed by Prof. Eun-Suk Seo.  If you must miss one or more labs, discuss with your TA, in advance if possible, how the work will be made up. 

EXAMS:

Hour exams:

Final exam:

Wed, Mar14

Wed, May02

 
Monday, May14, 130-330pm

(PHY 1410)

EXTRA HELP:

I will be available after each lecture to answer questions.  Or make an appointment via email or phone.  Your TAs will also have office hours in the Course Center (PHY 0208).  You may get help from anyone in the Course Center.  Free coaching for Physics 121 is also available from experienced volunteers at the Slawsky Clinic in PHY 1214, Monday through Friday from 10 am and 3 pm.  You are encouraged to seek help at the first sign of difficulties.

GRADING:

Your semester grade will be based on the following percentages: 

Hour exams

Homework

Quizzes

Laboratories

Final exam

30%

15%

5%        

20%

30%

MISSING LECTURE:

If you miss a lecture, you are responsible for finding out from a classmate what was done in class.  Some material may be posted on the course web site. 

DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICE:

If you have a documented disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations, please contact me as soon as possible.

TIPS FOR DOING WELL:

Bottomline:  

1. Attend lectures

2. Do the HW

1) Study the material in the textbook before and after the material is discussed in lecture.

2) Freely ask questions in lecture and in recitations - INTERRUPT!

3) Work all of the homework problems.  This is how you learn physics.  You are allowed and encouraged to discuss homework with anyone you wish.  However, in order to learn, you should initially make a serious attempt to solve the problems by yourself.

4) Seek help immediately if you do not understand the material.  If you have difficulties with the homework, try to analyze what is causing you problems.  That is the first step towards better understanding.  Don't wait until just before exams.

5) Remember that you are responsible for material discussed in class, including demonstrations, even if it does not appear in the textbook.     Exams will be based exclusively on material done in class and in HW.

HONOR CODE:

The University of Maryland, College Park has a nationally recognized Code of Academic Integrity, administered by the Student Honor Council.  This Code sets standards for academic integrity at Maryland for all undergraduate and graduate students.  As a student you are responsible for upholding these standards in this course.  For more information on the Code of Academic Integrity or the Student Honor Council, please visit http://www.shc.umd.edu.  I will ask you to sign the Honor Pledge on all examinations: "I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this examination."