PHYSICS 271: HONORS PHYSICS I

Subject: Classical Mechanics

This course covers Classical Mechanics. We start with the basic analysis of the motion of a particle (kinematics) before explaining that motion with Newton's Laws (dynamics).  We then consider systems of particles and momentum.  We consider the rotation and angular momentum of rigid systems of particles before moving on to consider energy.  Using this basic repertoire of concepts from Newtonian Mechanics we consider Universal Gravitation and planetary motion, fluid dynamics, wave motion and sound.  In the final weeks we will begin an introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics.

We will introduce the necessary mathematics (calculus) as we go along, but students should already be familiar with trigonometry, algebra and analytic geometry.  It is expected that students will be taking calculus concurrently with this course, though some techniques and concepts from calculus will be introduced in the course as needed, perhaps before they are covered in any concurrent calculus class.

The lectures will be given using the "Peer Instruction" model.  Lectures will focus on the concepts more than the derivations, with students being required to read the text to learn the derivations.  To gauge the class's level of conceptual understanding, questions will be posed during the lectures.  Students will first answer these questions, then (before the correct answer is given) they will discuss the question with their neighbors, trying to convince them of the correctness of their response (or allowing themselves to be convinced).  The question is then repolled and the correct answer is given and discussed.  By discussing the concepts among themselves, students become more engaged during classes, develop confidence in their understanding of the concepts and help their peers out of their misconceptions.

1. Instructors for Fall 2007

Lectures: Prof. Douglas Bergman.
W320 Serin Physics and Astronomy Building
Phone: 732-445-0052
Fax: 732-445-4343
Email: bergman@physics.rutgers.edu

Recitatations: Deepak Iyer
236 Alison Road Classroom (ARC) Building 
Phone: 732-445-6885
Email: deepaki@physics.rutgers.edu

2. Office Hours

BERGMAN: Tuesdays, 3 PM.
IYER:

2a. Email

We encourage you to contact us by email.
Points to remember about communicating via email: Email pointers.

3. Textbook

4. Lectures


Questions will be asked during each lecture, with responses taken by the iClicker system.  Students need to buy and register iClicker units.  Gerenal iClicker instructions can be found here.  Register your iClicker here.

Distributed with this handout is a syllabus which indicates the sections in the textbook that you should read before each lecture.  There will be a short reading quiz at the beginning of each lecture!

5. Recitations and Homework

Your registration for this course includes an assignment to one of these recitation sections:

During each recitation, there will be a discussion of problems similar to the assigned problems, and a 10 minute quiz.

The homework problems will be handled through WebAssign . More information on WebAssign.  Be sure to register with WebAssign before the first homework is due.
WebAssign webpage.

6. Exams and Quizzes

There will be two in-class hour exams, and a final exam. Check the syllabus for the days.  Makeup exams will only be made for generally recognized religious reasons or with a dean's excuse, and only with proper notice (two weeks). We will schedule makeup exams at our convenience, and may give them before the regular scheduled in-class exam.

The in-class hour exams will be given in the Physics Lecture Hall. 

The final is scheduled on December 19th, from 12:00 to 3:00 PM in the Physics Lecture Hall.

The exams will be closed book and multiple choice. You may bring with you one 8.5"×11" sheet of paper, with any formulas or notes you find helpful. You should bring a scientific calculator to the exams.

There will be quizzes in recitation. These will be short, 10 min problems at the beginning of class. The subject matter will be the current homeworks and lectures.  The lowest two quiz grades will be dropped.

7. Grades

In-class participation (iClicker responses and reading quizzes), homeworks, quizzes, in-class hour exams, and final exam will contribute 5%, 10%, 15%, 30%, and 40% to your total grade. In determining your total grade, the instructors may also take into account factors like your participation during class discussions and your improvement (or deterioration) during the term.

You can access your current grade at https://gbook.physics.rutgers.edu/gbook/student.pl?271&semester=fall2008.  You must use your Rutgers NetID and password for access.

8. World Wide Web

This course has a home page on the World Wide Web at the following URL:

http://www.physics.rutgers.edu/ugrad/271/index.html

We will also be using the Rutgers Sakai site extensively for communication, on-line question-and-answer sessions, and as a repository for lecture notes.  Each student should have access to the "Honors Physics 1" page.

9. Students with Disabilities

http://www.physics.rutgers.edu/ugrad/disabilities.html

Back to Physics 271 Home Page
Forward to Physics 271 Syllabus
This page is maintained by Prof. Douglas Bergman.