Presents the principles of geometric optics, physical optics, static and dynamic electricity and magnetism, introductory DC and AC circuit theory, relativity, particles and waves using trigonometry.
This syllabus discusses the lab sessions only.
Math 29 (Trigonometry) or Math 31 (Trigonometry with Geometric Foundations) or equivalent.
The following materials are required:
Final grades in the lab class make up 15% of the total grade in the combined 8A lecture/lab course. Final grades in lab are important in themselves, except that an F in lab class automatically means an F for the course.
Final lab grades depend on your total point score as follows:
| Grade | Score |
|---|---|
| 80-100 | A |
| 60-80 | B |
| 40-60 | C |
| 20-40 | D |
| 0-20 | F |
The total point score will be based on four parts. Grades in each part range from zero (for completely unacceptable performance) to full credit.
| Percent | Area | Details | 10% | Class behavior | Actively engaged, cooperative, considerate, helpful, straightens up afterwards | 10% | Lab writeup overall | Omissions, completeness, neatness | 40% | Lab writeup analysis | Complete, logical, relevant | 40% | Lab writeup discussion | Complete, thoughtful |
|---|
Lab results that disagree with theory are not penalized in grading, although there may be a penalty if the results were the product of rushed and sloppy work.
There are no make-up lab classes. You cannot turn in a lab writeup for a missed class.
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! You may write or type your writeup, in ink or pencil, but the writeup must be legible.
The text of each writeup must have the following format:
Total writeup length is around three pages, not including attached original, raw lab work.
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 end of the next lab class (skipping vacation weeks).
You may turn in your writeup using one of the following methods. Each method will be automatically dated so that late submissions can be identified. You are responsible for planning ahead so writeups arrive before the deadline.
| In person | During class, or during office hours before class |
| Fax | With a cover sheet to 805-546-3232 |
Lab writeups that are turned in late, but within 24 hours, will receive an automatic 50% penalty deduction. Lab writeups that are turned in within 48 hours will receive an automatic 75% penalty deduction. After two days you will receive no credit.
Although teamwork is encouraged in, and outside of, class, writeups should not be copied from other students. Copying material will lead to partial credit for all parties involved.
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 morning or Tuesday evening classes. Every effort must be made to attend the assigned session. 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.
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.
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.
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:
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).
Although every effort will be made to adhere to the statements on this page, the instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary.