PH111L (Fundamentals of Physics I) Spring 2007

Course Professor: Scott Heinekamp (scotth@wells.edu) Zabriskie 203 ext 3361 (http://aurora.wells.edu/~swh/)
Teaching Assistant: Cathy Walker (Office hours: Wed, Thurs & Sun from 7-8 pm, and Mon 1:30-2:30, in the physics/chem library; or email (cwalker@wells.edu); or x2966)

Course Description
Here is the Lecture Schedule, where you will find the topics discussed, on which days. Here are the lectures. Fundamentals of Physics I is the first of the three-part introductory physics series, intended for scientists, 3/2 engineers, and pre-health-sciences students. To succeed, you "should" have taken high-school physics; courses that cover up to at least the calculus of derivatives (MATH 111 or its equivalent) are a pre-requisite. When these ideas are used, they will be introduced from the ground up, and it's possible that you'll find that calculus is easier to grasp through use of physics examples! With your knowledge of mathematics, please be ready to remain curious about the physical world, and to try to get its workings into your mind. Your physical intuition will develop as you think visually and mathematically. Essentially, we will learn how to describe and explain simple phenomena - motion in a three-dimensional world - using the language of mathematics. It's really about learning to think in the most direct way, about nature.

Textbook and other Tools
Wolfson Essential Universtiy Physics (vol. 1) is our text. It is brand new and intentionally terse.
A scientific calculator (no graphing capability is necessary; I prefer the "reverse" or "RPN" style) and if possible the manual for it
A few colored pencils.

Reserve materials and other aids
In the Physics/Chemistry library, you'll find other books: Tipler's Physics and Giancoli's Physics for Scientists and Engineers: very clear and a significantly wordier; Schaum's Outline Beginning Physics: the classic student resource; Harcourt/Brace/Jovanovich's Outline College Physics.

Basis of grading and expected work in the course
Homework and Class Participation (20%) Here are the regularly updated Homework Page 1 and Homework Page 2. The problems will be challenging, and by doing them with energy you'll understand the material, do well on the exams, and generally enjoy the course. Class participation is determined by your attendance (strongly encouraged), questions (at any moment during class), and general level of involvement.
Laboratory (25%) Hands-on experience is one of the best things about PHYS 111L. In order to maximize your fun (and to avoid getting hurt) please "dress down" for lab. You'll be moving, lifting, bending, getting dirty at times, and occasionally operating (somewhat) dangerous equipment. Usually a short report form will be required, but you will need to prepare two (2) formal lab reports. You may miss any one lab without penalty.
Exams (2x15% + 25% = 55%) We will have three "hourlies" (lowest score dropped) and a final.
http://aurora.wells.edu/~swh/ph111/ph111syl.htm