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, waves and introductory thermodynamics.
Note that Summer A is an ACCELERATED TERM. You will be completing a regular 15 week semester in just 7 weeks. It is therefore imperative that you do not get too far behind, as you will find it extremely difficult to catch up. You should not attempt this class if you are working more than 30 hours per week or if you are taking another time consuming class in the Summer A term.
Although Calculus I is listed as a corequesite for this course, previous exposure to at least a one semester calculus course is highly recommended before attempting this course. Ideally, when beginning this course, you will already have taken Calculus I.
Grades will be based on the homework and three tests, weighted as follows:
Grades will NOT be curved. A passing grade (C or better) requires 50% of the total points possible; an A grade requires 85% of the total points possible.
All tests must be taken on the scheduled date. Makeup tests will NOT be given . If you miss a test because of a medical or family emergency and provide documentation to support your claim, then the average of the two LOWEST grades among the homework and the remaining tests will be used in place of the missing grade. Otherwise, a grade of zero will be recorded for the missed test. If you miss two tests, you will be assigned an F grade for the course.
The reading assignment should be carried out before the corresponding material is discussed in lecture.
The problem assignment should be carried 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 textbook, you will have to pay a fee using a credit card to access the on-line problem system. In order to register for the problems in this course, you will need the course ID number: MPMAXWELLSUM09. 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 due dates. You will not be able to submit solutions to a problem set past the due date.
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 here.