PHYS102 – The Physical World 2, Fall 2009

Tu/Th,    1:05-2:20  a.m.                        CW 102

 Textbook: The Physical Universe, Krauskopf and Beiser

 Instructor:  Dr. Brian R. Washburn

CW 36B, (785) 532-2263; washburn@phys.ksu.edu

Office hours: M/W/F 2:30-3:30 PM or by appt.

 Introduction:  Welcome to the second semester of The Physical World, or PWorld 2.  This semester, we will examine the natural world using the physical concepts you have already learned in PWorld 1.  (If you have not taken PWorld 1, you may still take this class, but please talk to me within the first week of class).  We will discuss the physical basis of chemistry, earth science, and astronomy.  We will describe how the natural world works, and examine why we think that explanation is correct.

In this class, we will use many technological tools to assist you to learn the material better.  We will use “clickers” to allow you to answer questions posed in class.  Lectures and grades will be posted on k-state online.

 Grading:  

Class-Participation:  On the first day of class, you will pick up a clicker and write down its number.  This will be your number for the entire semester, be sure to get the same clicker every class period.  Please fill out a registration card, with your name and the number of your clicker.  I will have a record of your responses throughout the semester, which will be used for your final grade.

Exams: Exams will be based on homework, in-class concept tests, lectures, and text book readings.  Review sheets will be distributed before exams as study guides.  One of the three in-class exams will be dropped, but no make-up exams will be given.  If you will be away on a university function on the day of a test, I can probably arrange for you to take the test before the scheduled date, provided that one week's advanced notice is provided and an official letter on letterhead paper is produced.  Last semester’s exams will be provided as a study guide, but this semester’s exams will potentially cover all topics covered in class, not just those on last semester’s exams.

Homework and Reading Questions:  You must do the assigned homework and reading questions in order to pass the class. 

1) Homework (HW):  Once per week questions and problems will be assigned.  All assignments will be due beginning of class on Thursday.

2) Pre-class Reading Questions (RQ):  Once per week, you must respond to the reading.  Think of four questions that come to mind when you are reading the assigned material for the week.  Then submit these questions to me via email at thephysicalworld2@gmail.com (please put the RQ number in the subject heading).  I will read your questions before class.  You need to have your questions submitted before class on Tuesday.  See homework schedule for details.

Term Paper:  One of your assignments will be to write a 5 page (double-spaced) paper about a current scientific topic.  You will be given a list of suggested topics, or you may use one of your own design.  On October 8th you must submit your topic along with an annotative bibliography and abstract.  The final paper is due in class on November 24th.  See homework schedule for details.

Disabilities:  If you have any condition such as a physical or learning disability, which will make it difficult for you to carry out the work as I have outlined it or which will require academic accommodations, please notify me and contact the Disabled Students Office (Holton 202), in the first two weeks of the course.

Plagiarism:  Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and may be punished by failure on the exam, paper or project; failure in the course; and/or expulsion from the University. For more information refer to the “Academic Dishonesty” policy in K-State Undergraduate Catalog and the Undergraduate Honor System Policy on the Provost’s web page: http://www.ksu.edu/honor/.

Copyright:  This syllabus and all lectures copyright August 2009 by Brian R. Washburn.