PHY 2048 is the first half of a calculus-based introductory physics course intended for science and engineering majors. It covers the subjects of mechanics in one and two dimensions, rotational motion, gravity, static equilibrium, fluids, oscillatory motion, and mechanical waves.
Although Calculus I may be taken concurrently with this course, calculus concepts are employed in the lectures fairly early on in the semester. Therefore, some prior exposure to the basic concepts of both differential and integral calculus is advantageous for successful completion of the course.
Grades will be based on the homework and three tests. The homeworks will count 15% of your total grade, the average of your two best tests will count 70% of your total grade, and your worst test will count 15% of your total grade.
A passing grade (C or better) will require approximately (but not more than) 50% of the total points possible; an A grade will require approximately (but not more than) 85% of the total points possible.
All tests must be taken on the scheduled date. Makeup tests will be not be given. If you miss a test for any reason, you will receive a zero grade for that test.
The reading assignment should be carried out before the corresponding material is discussed in lecture.
The problem assignment should be carried out as soon as possible after the relevant material is discussed in class and will be graded using a web based homework grading system. To work on the problems you must first go to the web site www.masteringphysics.com and register using the code provided with your textbook. If you did not buy a new textbook, you will have to pay a fee using a credit card to access the on-line homework system. In order to register for the problems in this course, you will need the course ID number: MAXWELLS17. Once you have registered, you will be able to access the problems in each set and submit solutions. There are a total of 11 problem sets. All sets are currently open, but they have different closing dates. You will not be able to submit solutions to a problem set for credit after the closing date. However, problem solutions can still be accessed after the closing dates.
Each problem set consists of two types of problems: practice problems and end-of-chapter (EOC) problems. The practice problems carry no credit and are step-by-step problems that are designed to help you learn the concepts presented in the text and lectures and to test your understanding of these concepts. Even though these problems do not have any points associated with them, I strongly encourage you to look at them, especially if you are having trouble with the EOC problems. The EOC problems are identical to or very similar to the problems at the back of each chapter in the text and are the problems that will determine your homework grade for the course.
For some helpful hints in using the on-line problem system go to using mastering physics.