Syllabus
Physics 176 – Spring 2017
The Course: Physics 176 is the second course of a 2semester sequence of non-calculus based general
physics. The main topics to be covered are wave
motion, electricity and magnetism, and optics and
light. This course is offered for science and other preprofessional majors. (176 & 176L –4 credit hours)
The Instructor:
Dr. Kent W. Scheller
Office Phone: 464-1903
email:
mailto:[email protected]
Office: SC 2223
Education: Ph.D., Notre Dame, 1994
Website:
http://faculty.usi.edu/kschelle
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Team: Atlanta Braves
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 190 lbs
Education: Ph.D., Notre Dame
Marital Status: Married (Amy) Children: Nicholas (19), Abby (12), Jacob (11)
Course objectives
- To gain exposure to basic physical principles and appreciate their connections to other fields of
science
- To experience thinking logically and critically about the world around us, and to communicate
this thinking, both orally and in writing, through descriptive and mathematical techniques
- To increase our understanding of the scientific method and the nature of physical law
Upon Completion of Physics 176, students will be able to
1. Describe the roles of observation, hypothesis, and testing in the process of
generating and modifying scientific explanations.
2. Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate discipline-specific observational,
quantitative, or technological methods to test hypotheses and determine their
potential validity.
3. Apply foundational knowledge and discipline-specific models and/or theories to
explain or predict natural phenomena and to solve problems.
4. Locate reliable sources of discipline-specific scientific evidence to construct
arguments related to real-world issues and, where appropriate, distinguish between scientific
and nonscientific evidence and explanations.
The Book:
Physics, 7th Edition, Giancoli AND subscription to Mastering Physics REQUIRED
The Attendance Policy:
Class attendance is required. Attendance for lab sessions is mandatory
AND a score of 70% or better must be earned in the lab to get a passing grade in the
course.
The Grade:
There will be 4 one-hour exams and a comprehensive final exam. The lowest one-hour
exam score will be dropped. The course grade will be determined in the following
manner based on total points possible:
3 one-hour exams(Four, less the 1 you drop)
300 points
Homework (done on Mastering Physics)
~100 points
In-Class Exercises
30 points
Lab grade
100 points
Final exam
100 points
~630 Points
From this total: 90%=A, 80% =B, 70%=C, 60%=D, and below 60% = F
THERE ARE NO MAKE-UP EXAMS. IF YOU MISS AN EXAM, THAT IS YOUR DROP TEST.
THERE ARE NO + OR – GRADES
The Withdrawal Policy:
Conforms with University Policy.
https://www.usi.edu/registrar/schedule-changes/withdrawal
The Policy/Penalty for Academic Dishonesty (link) : www.usi.edu/deanofstudents/academic-integrity
ADA Policy
If you have a disability for which you may require academic accommodations for this class, please register with
Disability Resources (DR) as soon as possible. Students who have an accommodation letter from DR are
encouraged to meet privately with course faculty to discuss the provisions of those accommodations as early in
the semester as possible. To qualify for accommodation assistance, students must first register to use the
disability resources in DR, Science Center Rm. 2206, 812-464-1961, www.usi.edu/disabilities. To help ensure that
accommodations will be available when needed, students are encouraged to meet with course faculty at least 7
days prior to the actual need for the accommodation. However, if you will be in an internship, field, clinical,
student teaching, or other off-campus setting this semester please note that approved academic accommodations
may not apply. Please contact Disability Resources as soon as possible to discuss accommodations needed for
access while in this setting.
Title IX – Sexual Misconduct
USI does not tolerate acts of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and all forms of sexual
violence. If you have experienced sexual misconduct, or know someone who has, the University can
help. It is important to know that federal regulations and University policy require faculty to promptly
report incidences of potential sexual misconduct known to them to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure
that appropriate measures are taken and resources are made available. The University will work with
you to protect your privacy by sharing information with only those who need to know to ensure we can
respond and assist. If you are seeking help and would like to speak to someone confidentially, you can
make an appointment with a counselor in the University Counseling Center. Find more information
about sexual violence, including campus and community resources at
www.usi.edu/stopsexualassault.with a counselor in the University Counseling Center. Find more
information about sexual violence, including campus and community resources at
www.usi.edu/stopsexualassault
Syllabus Change Policy
This syllabus is a guide to the course may be subject to change with reasonable advanced notice.
Physics 176 – Spring 2017
Date
Jan 9
11
13
16
18
20
23
25
27
30
Feb 1
3
6
8
10
13
15
17
20
22
24
27
Mar 1
3
6-10
13
15
17
20
22
24
27
29
31
Apr 3
5
7
10
12
14
17
19
21
24
26
May 1
Agenda
Chapter 11
Chapter 11
Chapter 11
NO CLASS – MLK DAY
Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Review
Test 1
Chapter 17
Chapter 17
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 18
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 19
Chapter 19
Review
Test 2
Chapter 20
Spring Break
Chapter 20
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 21
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 22
Chapter 22, Review
Test 3
Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 24
Good Friday—No Class
Chapter 25
Chapter 25/Review
Test 4
Review
No Class, Study Day
Final Exam: Mon 9-11 am
Problems