Physics 103
General Physics - Spring 1998

Prerequisites:

• Algebra and trigonometry.

Materials Needed:

• Text: Serway & Faughn, College Physics, Saunders, fourth edition.
• Physics 103 Lab manual, Hayden-McNeil (1997).
• Lab notebook: preferably hard bound with cross-hatched ruling.  Bring to first laboratory meeting (week of Jan 26).
• Calculator: preferably with trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions.  Know how to use it, and make sure batteries are charged for exams.

Lectures:

• 11 am MWF in 1300 Sterling Hall.
• Prof.  J. C. Sprott (3285 Chamberlin, 263-4449, sprott@juno.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.

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.

Laboratory:

• Follow the instructions in the laboratory manual.
• The experiments are to be written up during the laboratory period in the lab notebook.
• Have your lab instructor initial and date the work before you leave the lab.
• The lab notebook is not to be taken from the lab except with permission of your instructor.

Homework:

• The homework problems are assigned in the syllabus for each week and should be handed in at the beginning of the Monday lecture the following week.
• 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 reserve in the Physics Library (4220 Chamberlin).

Hour Exams:

• Exams will be given in class on the following Fridays:

February 20	Chapters 1-4
March 27	Chapters 5-8
April 24	Chapters 9-12

• 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.
• The exams will be graded and handed back in your discussion section.
• Solutions will be discussed and placed on reserve in the Physics Library (4220 Chamberlin).

Final Exam:

• The final exam will be at 12:25 pm on Thursday, May 14 (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
Labs and homework	100 points
TOTAL	600 points

• Lab and homework 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.
• 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, 3rd 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.

• Course Instructors
• Consultation Room Schedule
• Open Discussion Sessions
• Study Group Candidates
• Old 103 Exam #1 from 1995 (also on reserve in Physics Library)
• Old 103 Exam #2 from 1995 (also on reserve in Physics Library)
• There is no Old 103 Exam #3 or Final, and so don't ask
• Exam Rooms and Procedures
• Exam #1 (also in Microsoft Word format)
• Exam #2 (also in Microsoft Word format)
• Exam #3 (also in Microsoft Word format)
• Final Exam Information
• Final Exam Review
• Final Exam (also in Microsoft Word format)
• Grade Histograms
• Course 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