Physics 218: Fall 2009

Midterm3 on 24th Nov: Sec 810-812 A-M @6pm in HELD100 N-Z @7:05pm in HELD111. Sec 816-818 A-M @6pm and N-Z @7:05pm in HELD 113

Fall 09 P218: Join and discuss class issues, homeworks, etc.

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Instructor: Prof. Rupak Mahapatra (email: mahapatra@physics.tamu.edu)

Office: 419 ENPH, Phone: (979)845-8624

Office Hours: MWF 11:15am-12:15pm or by appointment

Class Times: MWF 10:20-11:10 (Sections 810-812), 12:40-1:30 (Sections 816-818)

Midterm Exams: In the evening; dates: Sept 29, Oct 27, Nov 24 (Place TBA).

Midterm 1: Average for sections 810-812: 63%, sections 816-818: 72% . Click here for midterm1 solutions.

Final Exam: Dec 15 8:00-10:00am (Sections 810-812), December 14 10:30am-12:30 (Sections 816-818)

Textbook: Don't Panic by William H. Bassichis: A Guide to Introductory Physics for Students of Science and Engineering, Volume I, Mechanics, 5th Edition

Physics Help Desk: 211 Heldenfels. Mon-Thur 9am-4pm, Fri 9am-noon.

Homework:You are expected to work all of the homework problems before each recitation. You should also work on all the problems and exercises at the end of each chapter of the book. Only end of chapter exercises need to be turned in every week.

Recitation and Laboratory: Recitation sessions meet in 118 Heldenfels Hall for the first hour, followed by a laboratory session for the remaining two hours. In recitation sessions you can work on problems in a team with other students and discuss course material with the TA. Short quizzes may also be given to be solved individually.

You have to pass the Lab separately with at least 70% of score in order to receive a passing grade for the course. The lab grade is based on attendance and the contributions you make during lab sessions. The laboratory involves teamwork, and has no makeup labs.

Exams:There will be three common midterm exams in the evening. There will also be a final exam. Tentative dates are as given above. No notes or books are allowed in the exams, some formulas may be provided if necessary. You must bring student ID to all your exams. All exams will count towards the course grade. The exam solutions must show the steps and must be correct to receive full score; sometimes correct steps with incorrect answers may be given partial credit. Solution with correct answer, but incomplete steps will receive no credit. No makeup exams, except as permitted by the University, are given.

Grades:Exam grades may be curved depending on special conditions for a particular exam. The course grade will be determined as follows:

• Homework and Recitation Quizzes: 15%
• Laboratory work: 5%
• Midterms: 15% each
• Final: 35%

Collection of Old Tests (courtesy: Dr. Tatiana Erukhimova)

ADA Policy:The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities, in Room 218 of Cain Hall or call 979-845-163.

Honor Code: The Aggie Honor Code states, An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do. Further information regarding the Honor Council Rules and Procedures may be found on the web at http:www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor

Lab Instructions: For STEPS

Math Quizzes:

Here you can find several math quizzes to gauge your level of preparedness in calculus for this course. Normally, you would expect to easily get right 9 or 10 questions out of 10 within about 10 minutes or less. If you consistently cannot get to that point, your current skills in calculus are significantly lower that the average for this class. There is no credit for these quizzes, they are to help you assess your calculus skills.

Schedule

* Lecture notes adapted from Prof. Dave Toback's notes.

Collection of Old Tests (courtesy: Dr. Tatiana Erukhimova)