Physics 103
General Physics - Fall 2002
(tentative)

Prerequisites:

• Algebra and trigonometry.

Materials Needed:

• Text: Serway & Faughn, College Physics (Vol 1), Saunders, sixth 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 9).
• 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@physics.wisc.edu) and Dr. Matt Briggs (3502 Sterling, 265-3304), meb@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 evenings (room to be announced):

October 3	Thursday	Chapters 1-4
October 31	Thursday	Chapters 5-8
November 26	Tuesday	Chapters 9-12

• There will be no makeup exams.  If you know of a conflict, you must discuss it with your TA during the first two weeks of class.  In case of an emergency, you must promptly contact either Prof. Sprott or Dr. Briggs.
• 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 day following the exams.

Final Exam:

• The final exam will be at 5:05 pm on Thursday, December 19 (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. There will be no dropped score.

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 Mary Anne Clarke, Instructional Program Manager (2520 Sterling, 262-2629, maclarke@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.
4. Make a notebook in which you work all the homework problems correctly, written by you in a way that you understand, as you go through the course.
5. Make up practice exams for yourself and try taking them using only your sheet of notes in the allotted time.

Final exam Thursday, Dec 19, 5:05 pm, 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
• 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