Physics 103
General Physics - Fall 2001

Prerequisites:

• Algebra and trigonometry.

Materials Needed:

• Text: Serway & Faughn, College Physics (Vol 1), Saunders, fifth edition.
• Physics 103 Lab manual (available at University Book Store).
• Lab notebook: preferably spiral-bound with cross-hatched ruling.  Bring to first laboratory meeting (week of Sep 10).
• Calculator: preferably with trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions.  Know how to use it, and make sure batteries are charged for exams.

Lectures:

• 1:20 and 2:25 pm MWF in 1300 Sterling Hall (You may attend either or both lectures.)
• Prof. Clint Sprott (3285 Chamberlin, 263-4449, sprott@juno.physics.wisc.edu) and Prof. Brenda Dingus (4219 Chamberlin, 265-3375), dingus@physics.wisc.edu.
• The lectures supplement but do not substitute for the reading.
• Read the assigned material before lecture.

Discussion sections:

• Your discussion section will be led by your TA who will be your prime contact and source of assistance.
• General questions about the homework are allowed before it is due, but don't expect your TA to work out the solutions for you in advance.
• Quizzes will occasionally be given and will count toward your grade.

Electronic Aids:

• All of the instructors are available by e-mail, and there is an e-mail list for the entire class that will occasionally be used for important announcements.
• The course has a home page on the World Wide Web at https://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/phys103/ where you will find up-to-date course information and links to useful resources.
• The textbook publisher (Saunders) has a Web site with sample solutions, practice exercises and tests.

Laboratory:

• Follow the instructions in the laboratory manual.
• The experiments are to be written up during the laboratory period in the lab notebook.
• The lab notebook is not to be taken from the lab except with permission of your instructor.
• The laboratory grade will be based on your participation in the lab, your lab notebook, and on a quiz given at the beginning of the following lab period.
• You may use only your lab notebook, not the lab manual for the quiz.

Homework:

• The homework problems are assigned in the syllabus for each week and should be placed in the appropriate box outside the lecture room at the beginning of the Wednesday lecture.
• Put your name, your TA's name, and your section number on your homework.
• Late problem sets will not be accepted.
• Homework will count toward your grade.
• Feel free to discuss the homework with others, but make sure the paper you turn in is not simply copied from someone else.
• The solutions will be discussed in your discussion section and placed on the Web and on reserve in the Physics Library (4220 Chamberlin).

Hour Exams:

• Exams will be given at 5:45 - 7 pm on the following Thursday evenings (room to be announced):

October 4	Chapters 1-4
November 1	Chapters 5-8
November 29	Chapters 9-12

• If you have a conflict with any of these exam dates or with the final exam, you must notify your TA during the first two weeks of class.
• The exams will be closed book, but you will be allowed one 8.5 x 11-inch sheet of paper on which you may write anything you wish (both sides).
• Solutions will be discussed, and answers will be placed on the Web and on reserve in the Physics Library (4220 Chamberlin).
• There will be no lecture on the Friday following the exams.

Final Exam:

• The final exam will be at 10:05 am on Sunday, December 16 (room to be announced).
• It will cover the entire course (Chapters 1-14) with equal weight.
• You will be allowed two 8.5 x 11-inch sheets of notes.

Grading:

• The course grade will be made up of the following components:

3 hour exams	300 points
Final exam	200 points
Laboratory	50 points
Homework/discussion	50 points
TOTAL	600 points

• Lab and discussion grades will be assigned by your TA and will be normalized to the distribution on the hour exams.
• Letter grades will be assigned based on the total number of points accumulated.

Consultation Room:

• Room 2402 Sterling is staffed by TA's from Physics 103 during much of the week.
• See the schedule card on the door and on the Web.
• You may ask questions of any of the TA's or come during the hours that your TA is there.
• You may also make an appointment with your TA at any mutually convenient time and place.

Study Groups:

• You are encouraged to form study groups in which you jointly work the homework and prepare for exams.
• If you don't know anyone in the class with whom you would like to study, you can leave your name and e-mail address at https://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/phys103/studygrp.htm.

Complaints and Concerns:

• If you have a non-subject-matter question or concern that cannot be resolved by your TA or professor, contact Jean Buehlman, Instructional Program Manager (afternoons in 2520 Sterling, 262-2629, buehlman@facstaff.wisc.edu).

Alternate References:

• To see the same topics explained differently, try the following on reserve in the Physics Library (4220 Chamberlin):
• Blatt, Principles of Physics, 3rd edition
• Cutnell and Johnson, Physics, 4th edition
• Giancoli, Physics, 4th edition
• Jones and Childers, Contemporary College Physics, 2nd edition

General Advice:

• Physics is not something you read and memorize, rather it is something you learn how to do.
• Try the following study procedure:
1. Read the chapter prior to lecture, so that you will know what it's about.
2. Listen carefully to the lecture and take notes.
3. This is crucial: Do not go back and read and re-read the chapter until you "understand it." Rather, start working problems, going back through the chapter to clarify points as they come up.

Final exam Sunday, Dec 16, 10:05 am, Chapters 1-14 (room to be announced).

• Course Instructors
• Consultation Room Schedule
• Open Discussion Sessions
• Study Group Candidates
• Publisher's Web site
• Homework and exam solutions
• Practice Exam #1
• Practice Exam #2
• Practice Exam #3
• Practice Final Exam
• Hour Exam Rooms and Procedures
• Final Exam Rooms and Procedures
• Exam Grades
• Comments on Grading
• A Statement about Academic Misconduct
• Extended Access to Student Information
• Greater University Tutoring Service (GUTS)
• Physics Department Home Page
• UW Physics Club