Catalog Description, Phys 260 - University Physics II

This is the second course in the sequence of general physics (250-260-270) suggested for students in the physical sciences and mathematics. Definitions, concepts, and problem solving will be emphasized. Topics include electricity and magnetism (material properties; electric and magnetic fields, forces, energy; induction, potential, charged particle motion, and circuits). Calculus will be an integral part of the course work.

Course Objectives

The course objectives are to develop ability to understand concepts and definitions of electricity and magnetism, to increase the capacity for critical and logical thinking, and to apply methods used in the study in our lives. The course will emphasize rigorous problem-solving in electricity and magnetism using interactive instruction, educational software, computer applications important for science and engineering students, and cooperative learning. Class activities will require students to be responsive, to think, and to perform hands-on tasks. Key concepts of new material will be discussed in lectures.

As a scientist or an engineer you will often be required to work in a group setting as well as alone. This course will encourage collaborative teamwork, a skill that is valued by most employers. As you study together, help your partners to get over misconceptions, ask each other questions, and critique your partner's homework. Teach each other! You will be surprised at how much you can learn by teaching.

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

Students enrolled in Physics 260 must have already satisfactorily completed Physics 250 (University Physics I) and Physics 251 (University Physics I Laboratory), Math 126 (Calculus I), or equivalent, and must be enrolled in or have already satisfactorily completed Math 227 (Calculus and Analytic Geometry II) or its equivalent. In addition students enrolled in Physics 260 must be also enrolled in or have satisfactorily completed Physics 261 (University Physics II Laboratory). There will be no exceptions to these requirements.

Textbook

UNIVERSITY PHYSICS with Mastering Physics, 11th edition, by Young and Freedman (Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0805387684). The textbook should be available in the University Bookstore before the start of the semester. This textbook will be used for the entire University Physics sequence (Physics 250, 260 and 270). The bookstore will also be selling some additional study guides, but these are optional and should not be needed.

Grading Policies

Your grade for the course will be based on your performance on the homework, quizzes and examinations according to the usual distribution as shown in Table 1 below. The weights assigned to the homework and exams are shown in Table 2.

Assignments

Readings: You are responsible for reading the textbook and working assigned problems. It is important that you always read the assigned material before coming to class.

Mastering Physics: Individual homework assignments in the course are to be done on the MasteringPhysics computer homework system. These assignments will generally be due just before class time. MasteringPhysics will tell you if your numerical answers are correct. You will receive credit for correct numerical solutions automatically by MasteringPhysics. However, in addition you must be prepared to turn-in at the beginning of class a valid written solution using a good problem-solving strategy. These assignments may be collected and graded on occasion. You should keep your solutions in a three-ring binder for easy access. As a general rule homework solutions will not be posted. The burden is on you to make sure you find out how to solve the problems by getting help before they are due or by asking about them in class.

Group Homework: In addition to individual homework assignments there will also be group homework assignments. These assignments will usually be complex problems that may involve making estimations and assumptions, researching on the web, and completing fairly complicated calculations.

In-Class Activities: In-class activities will include a variety of different things ranging from individual quizzes based on the reading material to group problem solving assignments completed during class time. These will be submitted for grading at the end of the class.

Examinations

The examinations for this course will be given during class time according to the schedule shown below.

Final examination

The final exam for the course will be comprehensive. It will include material from all three exams plus new material covered after Exam 3. The exam will be given according to the university mandated schedule which is reproduced below for your class.

Attendance

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of everyone during every class meeting. Class time will include activities that should help you understand the material we are studying. If you miss class you are jeopardizing your success and members of your group.

In addition, everyone is expected to take exams during the regularly scheduled exam periods with the rest of the class. As a general rule, makeup examinations will NOT be given except for very unusual circumstances. If you are unable to take an exam you may schedule a makeup examination by requesting permission from the instructor before (except in the case of unforeseen circumstances) the regularly-scheduled exam period. A serious reason is required to warrant the scheduling of a makeup exam.

Drop / Audit Policies

• Due to the nature of this course with the interactive group work required and also due to the relationship between the course and the laboratory, students will not be allowed to audit PHYS 260. If you choose to not complete the course for a grade then your only option is to drop the course and receive a grade of W by the University deadline for dropping a course.
• If you choose to drop the course you must also drop the lab since they are co-requisites.

Disability Accommodations

In compliance with university policy, students with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids or services) for this course must contact the Office for Student Disability Services in DUC A-200 of the Student Success Center in Downing University Center. The phone number is 745-5004. Please DO NOT request accommodations directly from the professor or instructor without a letter of accommodation from the Office for Student Disability Services.

Classroom Policies

• Food and drinks are NOT allowed in the classroom.
• Cell phones, pagers, and similar devices must be turned off and stored away during class time.
• The laptop computers in the classroom are for specific classroom activities only.
• Do not install or modify any software on the laptop computers.
• Do not use the computers to check email during class time.
• Do not use the computers to instant message or chat with anyone ever.
• Do not submit or view homework assignments on Mastering Physics during class time.
• Do not browse the internet during class time unless it is part of a class activity.