Physics 5A Lab - General Physics
Syllabus
Instructor - Mark Mitchell

Semester: Fall 2003
Tuesday Session: Tuesday at 3:30PM
Thursday Session: Thursday at 3:30PM

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Catalog Description

Presents the principles of statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, harmonic motion, fluid mechanics, heat, thermodynamics, wave motion and sound using trigonometry.

This syllabus discusses the lab sessions only.

Prerequisites

Math 29 (Trigonometry) or Math 31 (Trigonometry with Geometric Foundations) or equivalent.

Required Materials

The following materials are required:

Grading Policy

Work that is turned in on time will be graded as follows. Initially every student will have 100 points.

Point Deduction Reason
10 Each unexplained absence from class (maximum of two)
3 to 5 Work is missing from lab writeups (3 for minor omissions, 5 for major omissions)
1 to 5 Copying (1 for copying only measurements, 5 for copying all)

There are no make-up lab classes.

Attendance Policy

Students with more than two unexplained absences will be dropped.

During the first two weeks, only registered students, and students who intend to register for the class, may attend the lab classes. Guests are not allowed to attend the lab class unless properly authorized. See the instructor, at least one day in advance, for authorization. Note takers and seeing eye dogs for students with disabilities are encouraged to attend, and are automatically authorized. Children under the age of 18 cannot be authorized to visit.

Each student is registered for either Tuesday or Thursday classes. Every effort must be made to attend on the assigned day. Occasional exceptions may be made at the instructor's discretion. Contact the instructor before class starts to obtain approval.

Students who interfere with class will not be allowed to attend.

Students With Disabilities

Academic Accomodations:Students with disabilities have the right to request reasonable adjustments in the classroom.

Contact the instructor promptly if you have a disability that might interfere with your progress in this class.

Labwork/Homework Policy

Each lab class will involve recording experimental data, and writing up the answers to questions posed by the lab manual.

The data and writeup should be completed on standard 8-1/2 x 11 inch paper. Do not use spiral notebook paper!

If you complete your lab writeup during class, you may turn it in at the end of class. You may take your work home and complete it later, but it will be due at the start of the next lab class (skipping vacation weeks).

Computer Use

During lecture time, students should not sit in front of the computers unless there is nowhere else to sit. Computers may only be used when appropriate as part of the lab class.

Learning Resources

 There are a variety of resources available for help outside the classroom. Students are encouraged to use whichever resources they find helpful. In no particular order, the resources are:

Instructor (Mark Mitchell)
My office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays between 1:30 and 2:30 PM, in room 2907. I am also available by appointment. My office phone number is 546-3100 x2123, and cell phone number is 471-9175. Emails sent to will be answered promptly.
Instructor's web page
My web page at http://home.earthlink.net/~mmc1919/cuesta_2003_fall will have the syllabus, notes, errata, class demos, and other information.
Tutors
Advertised around campus.
Study groups
Studying with classmates helps struggling students catch up, and others students understand the material better.

Prep Area

The office in the back of lab 2106 is off limits, as well as the interior hallway it leads to. To get supplies, ask the instructor. To find the instructor after hours, call one of the phone numbers (under Learning Resources or in the Class List).

Disclaimer

Although every effort will be made to adhere to the statements on this page, the instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary.

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