01:750:271 Honors Physics I is a 3-credit course that 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, and oscillations. 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 main course home page includes a link to the complete syllabus, indicating the topics to be covered in each lecture and the sections in the textbook that should be read in advance of each lecture.
All three items can be purchased at the Rutgers University Bookstore (Ferren Mall). The textbook can be found at the lower level, and the other two items may be obtained from the textbook desk at the lower level. NOTE, that the Bookstore is selling a binder-ready version BUNDLED WITH WEBASSIGN CARD, and students should not purchase another WebAssign card.
The Access Card can also be bought online at the WebAssign site.
The iClicker transmitter is a device that resembles a TV remote unit, and its purpose is to make lectures interactive. Several times during each lecture, the professor will display a multiple-choice conceptual question pertaining to the topics being discussed. Click the button corresponding to your answer.
Whether or not your answer is correct, you will be given credit towards attendance every time you give an answer. The total attendance will count 5% towards your final course grade.
If you already have an iClicker that you used in some other course, YOU DON'T NEED TO BUY ANOTHER ONE. At the end of the semester, you can sell it back to the Rutgers University Bookstore. Here are more complete iClicker instructions written by Prof. Bergman. Our main course home page has a link for registering your iClicker.
Lectures will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:35pm to 4:30 pm in the Physics Lecture Hall on Busch Campus. The lectures will be given by Prof. Yuri Gershtein.
Remember to bring your iClicker unit to every lecture, so that you can answer questions electronically during lecture, and have your answers counted towards attendance.
Lecture notes will be uploaded to the course Website soon after each lecture is given. So it should be unnecessary for students to take notes during lecture. We recommend that during lecture you concentrate on trying to understand what is presented, ask questions, etc.
Your registration for this course includes an assignment to a 55-minute recitation section. There are four such sections, and they meet on Thursdays and Fridays, after the lectures for the week have been given.
Your recitation instructor will discuss problems similiar to those assigned for homework, and will encourage questions and class discussion. Towards the end of the class, the instructor will give a short written quiz.
Your recitation instructor will grade your solution and return it to you the following week. Your total recitation score will count 15% towards your final grade.
There will be weekly homework assignments, due on Mondays at 12:01am. We will use an internet-based homework service called WebAssign, which will enable you to access the homework assignments online, submit your answers online, receive immediate grading, and allow you extra chances to correct any of your wrong answers. The main course home page includes a link that provides detailed information about homework and WebAssign.
The lectures and recitations earlier in the week will prepare you to do the homework. In addition, you are encouraged to form study groups with others in the class, and work on homework together. The Math and Science Learning Center would be an excellent place to congregate for this purpose.
There will be two hour exams and a final exam, scheduled as follows:
Practice Exams for each of these will eventually be posted on the Exam Copies page. Each Practice Exam will be discussed at a Review Lecture. Solutions to the actual exams will be posted after the exams have been given.
The exams will be multiple-choice. They will be closed book, but you may bring one 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper with formulas and notes to consult during the exam. (You may write on both sides of this cheat sheet). Of course you should also bring a couple of pencils and a scientific calculator.
The grading will be as follows: