PHYS 212L Fundamentals of Physics II
TR Period 1 (
Instructor
Prof. Xiaoliang (
Office Hours: Tuesday 4:30-5:30pm, Wednesday 3:00-4:00pm.
Text
Prerequisite
PHYS 111L or permission of instructor
Welcome to PHYS 212, Fundamentals of Physics II. This course is the second of the three-part introductory physics series, intended for scientists, 3/2 engineers, and pre-health-sciences students.
The material covers a broad range of important topics, including material science, oscillation, waves, and thermodynamics, all of which use the abilities for physical analysis and mathematical abstraction that you already developed in previous courses. Replacing the direct thread of development of the theory in Fundamentals I, Physics 212 has more of a thinking-like-a-physicist sensibility.
Because of the small class size and relatively advanced level of discussion, I encourage questions about the material in class, in what might at times seem to be seminar style give-and-take. In other words, engage the material and work hard at using the class to develop your understanding! I thank you in advance for your efforts.
At the end of the semester, your overall
grade will be determined from your performance on exams, homework, and labs,
weighted as follows:
30% Cumulative final exam grade
30% Three in-class exams:
25% Overall homework grade
15% Overall laboratory grade
Letter grades will be assigned according to the standard scale of 90% for A, 80% for B, 70% for C, and 60% for D. Overall numerical grades will not be rounded (i.e., 89.9 is still a B).
There will be three in-class midterm exams, as well as a cumulative final exam. They will all be closed-book and closed-notes. However, you can make your own formula sheet for each exam, so that you can focus your studying on understanding rather than rote memorization. You may use a scientific calculator for arithmetic only; all memory registers and programs must be cleared. Exams will consist of both conceptual and problem-solving questions, similar to homework and in-class examples. Unless told otherwise, you must show your work on each exam problem in order to receive full credit.
Homework
In general, weekly
homework assignments will be due before class every Thursday. The pace of the
class and changes to the schedule may necessitate different due dates, which
will be announced in class. Each assignment will be weighted equally. Responses
will be graded for correctness, although for some problems incorrect responses
may earn partial credit for the effort. You must show all work legibly in order
to receive credit.
Attendance
Although attendance is not mandatory, you will be at a serious disadvantage if you do not attend class. Class absence does not excuse you from your responsibility.
Academic Honesty and Honor Code
You are encouraged to
work with each other collaboratively. This helps both the helper and the
helped, and the helper often get more from such an exchange of ideas. However,
you should only submit your own work. DonŐt hand in anything copied from others
that you donŐt understand.