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PHY1033C
DISCOVERING PHYSICS (P) - FALL 2018


CLASS TIME & PLACE: T 8-9 & R  8 Period in NPB #1002

Instructor: Neil Sullivan

Office: NPB #2235

Email: sullivan@phys.ufl.edu

Office Hours:
M and W:  8th P. Feel free to email for an appointment outside office hours


TEXTBOOKS: 

   "Physics for Poets" (5th Ed.) by Robert H. March;  (McGraw Hill, publisher)
  

REFERENCES: 

   "Einstein's Cosmos: How Albert Einstein's Vision Transformed Our Understanding of Space and Time (Great Discoveries) “  by Michio Kaku (W.W. Norton, publisher)

    "Great Experiments in Physics: First hand accounts from Galileo to Einstein"  (2nd Edition) by  M.H. Shamos (Editor); (Dover Publications, NY)

PREQUISITES:  None

DESCRIPTION:
An overview of the great ideas about the laws of the Universe that shape our daily lives, ranging from the quantum revolution that has lead to magnetic resonance imaging and the modern electronics of our cell phones, to structure and evolution of our Cosmos. A few simple experiments will be carried out in class.

EXPECTATION:
It is expected that students read textbook chapters thoroughly at least once preferably before the class and review lecture notes timely.  Students should work on HW problems diligently.  The laboratory part of the course is important and should be completed.  

GRADING:

Assigned work:  In addition to short problems, short essays will be assigned  on topics covered in the course.

Homework:     Selected HW problems and writing assignments will be tested in the exams.  

In-class Quiz:   There will be 4 in-class quizzes. 20 - 30 mins will be given for each quiz. 

Laboratory:      There will be 8 laboratories on Tuesdays.  Please review the Laboratory Guidelines.  

Writing Assignments: This course meets the State of Florida undergraduate writing requirement (Gordon Rule 2) by which you must submit at least 2000 words of original writing over the full semester. You will accomplish this by writing about 5 article summaries, each 500-700 words in length, over the semester. An article summary is a short essay describing the contents of a scientific article that is relevant to the course and the lectures. Examples of topics will be given in class

Exams:       There will be one Midterm exam (in-class) and one Final exam (not cumulative). Some exam material will involve writing in addition to elementary  problem solving. Please check the Course Calendar for the exam time and date.

Policy on missed Exam or Quiz:
Consistent with university policies that can be found at https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/attendance.aspx

Composition of Grade (Total 100)
Quizzes
10
Homework
25
Laboratory 15
Mid Term

25

Final
25

Projected Grading Scale*
Grade A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ E
G. Pt. 4.0 3.67 3.33 3.0 2.67 2.33 2.0 1.67 1.33 0
Score >= 90 >= 80 >=70 >= 65 >= 60 >= 55 >= 50 >= 45 >= 40  

*The passing grade for Physics majors is C and above. The actual grading scale may vary depending on numerous factors within +/- 2.5 points out of 100.

STUDENTS with DISABILITIES: Students who require accommodation for disabilities must first contact the Dean of Students Office. That office will provide documentation, which the student must bring to his/her instructors during the first week of the semesterContact the Disability Resources Center for information about available resources for students with disabilities.

COUNSELING and MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: Student facing difficulties completing the course or in need of counseling should call the on-campus Counseling and Wellness Center at (352) 392 1575.

ACADEMIC HONESTY: Each student is expected to hold himself/herself to a high standard of academic honesty. Under the UF academic honesty policy, unauthorized assistance or the use of unauthorized resources is strictly forbidden on work-for-credit. Although discussions among the students are highly encouraged, you are to work alone on all homework assignments unless specified differently. Fabrication or falsification of excuses or related documentation is also a violation of the UF academic honesty policy.  Violations of this policy will be dealt with severely. There will be no warnings or exceptions.

ONLINE COURSE EVALUATION: Students are expected to participate in course/instructor evaluations.  These evaluations are conducted online typically during the last 3 weeks of the semester.  Summary results of these assessments are available.