Physical Sciences 1A - Physics and Chemistry
Syllabus
Instructor - Mark Mitchell

Semester: Fall 2003
Session: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30AM

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Catalog Description

Presents a survey of the physical sciences, physics and chemistry.

Prerequisites

Math 23 (Elementary Algebra) or Math 23SL (Elementary Algebra with Supplemental Learning) or equivalent. Not open to students who have credit for any college chemistry or physics course.

Required And Optional Materials

The following materials are required:

The following materials are optional:

Grading Policy

Work that is turned in on time will be graded as follows:

Percentage Work Comments
25% Homework Due every class day after the first
50% Chapter Tests Four chapter tests
25% Cumulative Final Exam Graded as A 90%-100%, B 80%-89%, C 70%-79%, D 60%-69%, F 0%-59%

Late homework will not receive credit. Late homework may be turned in if you would like it to be graded, although the grade will not count. All homework will be graded and returned within two weeks at most.

There are no make-up chapter tests. Your lowest test percentage can be replaced with your final exam percentage if it is to your advantage. All tests will be graded and returned within one week at most.

Cheating will not be tolerated. If you are caught cheating on an exam you will receive a '0'. Repeated cheating may lead to further action.

Copying of homework is discouraged, since that will bring your test grades down.

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.

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.

Homework Policy

Homework is assigned every class day, and due the next class day. Graded homework will be returned promptly.

Homework assignments are listed in the homework schedule (printable version) and calendar (calendar version).

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:

Online tutorials
Owners of the Conceptual Physical Science Third Edition may use the online tutorials at www.awphysicalscience.com. You will need the access code found in your textbook, and a Microsoft Windows or Macintosh computer with Flash Player and Quicktime.
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.
Study Center
Building 3300
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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