PH 203 Syllabus

Physical Sciences Department
Takoma Park / Silver Spring Campus

Summer 2012 - Syllabus

Instructor:	Dr. Max S. Nam, Office SN 108 Phone: (240) 567-1433 Department: (240) 560-1332
Email:	max.nam@montgomerycollege.edu
Lectures:	(40013) MTWR 8:00 - 9:45 AM, Room SN 103
Discussion:	(40259) MTWR 9:50 - 10:25 AM, Room SN 103
Labs:	(40012) MTWR 10:30 - 12:15 AM, Room SN 103
Course Text:	Knight, Jones, & Field, College Physics: A Strategic Approach with Mastering Physics, 2^nd Edition, Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 978-0-321-59549-2. Student Workbook for College Physics: A Strategic Approach Volume 1 (Chs. 1-16), 2^nd Edition, Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 0-321-59632-3 An access code for Mastering Physics is a requirement for this course. The code will allow you to use Mastering Physics, a web-based homework system, that will be used frequently in the course. If the textbook is used, then you will need to purchase the access code from www.masteringphysics.com or at the bookstore. The course ID is PH203SUM2012TPSS.
Office Hour:	T 7:20 - 7:50 AM W 12:20 - 12:50 PM or by appointment

Course Description (See Class Catalog)
First of two related courses (with PH 204). Fundamental concepts and laws of physics with emphasis on principles and development of scientific methods applied to physical relationships. Less emphasis is placed on mathematics than in PH 161-262-263, and concurrent enrollment in calculus courses is, therefore, not required. This course includes topics such as mechanics, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, light, and modern physics. Credit is given for the successful completion of PH 203 whether PH 204 is taken or not. (NSLD) PREREQUISITE: Knowledge of trigonometry or consent of department. Assessment levels: EN 101/101A, MA 097/099, RD 099/103. Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory/discussion each week.

Grading:
Exams:	45%
HW and Quizzes:	10%
Labs:	25%
Final:	20%

The Final Grade for this course will be assigned based on the following scales: (A > 90%), (B > 80%), (C > 70%), (D > 60%), and (F < 60%)
.

Exams: Thursdays: June 7, June 14, June 21, & June 28 (Subject to Change)
Final Exam: Thursday July 5, 2011 8 - 10 AM

Learning Outcomes:

To acquire a conceptual understanding of the fundamental physical principles associated with mechanics, properties of matter, heat, sound, and waves
To be able to apply both the mathematical and the physical principles to solve problems in physics
To develop a critical thinking skills to be able to analyze problems that are not necessarily same as the ones assigned in the homework
To be able to understand laboratory procedures and be able to collect and be able to analyze and interpret date
To be able to clearly communicate, through written laboratory reports, the results of the experiment

Guidelines:

Makeup tests are not given under any circumstances. If you miss a test, the lowest score out of the four exams will be doubled in value.
Regular quizzes will be given with the date being announced in the class.
In order to be consistent and fair to all students in the class, late assignments will not be accepted.
May 29 , 2012: Last day to drop with a refund.
June 4, 2012: Last day to drop a class without a grade, change from credit to audit, or change from audit to credit. Audit to credit and credit to audit changes require instructor's signature. Please see me before you make this change.
June 25, 2012: Last day to drop the class with a grade of W.

Classroom Policies:

Attendance: You are expected to attend all classes and to be on time for classes. If you have more than two unexcused absences during the semester, you may be dropped from the class.

Student Code of Conduct: You are expected to adhere to the Academic Regulations and the Student Code of Conduct which can be found in Montgomery College Student Code of Conduct.

Academic Honesty: You are expected to be honest in reporting your laboratory results and when taking any kind of quizzes or tests. Any dishonesty in the classroom such as copying someone else's results or using notes or books during test, will result in a zero grade and/or failure for the course.

Classroom Conduct: You are expected to behave appropriately in an academic setting. Any use of inappropriate language in the classroom will be grounds for disciplinary action.

Student Email: Student e-mail (montgomerycollege.edu) is an official means of communication for the College. It is expected that you check your student e-mail regularly and frequently, as you are responsible for information and announcements that will be sent to you from the College.

For this class, student e-mail will be used only for situations where timing is essential. Most information is discussed in class. If you contact me through e-mail, you must use your student e-mail account so that I can recognize you as a student. Emails without subject line will not be responded. If you e-mail me, please follow-up with a voice mail message using the following number: 240-567-1433.

Support Services: There are several support services available to help you in this course. These are available at the Math Science Learning Center and the Library. A student who may need an accommodation due to a disability should make an appointment to see me during my office hours. A letter from Disability Support Services (DSS) authorizing your accommodations will be required. The DSS office is located in Student Services Pavillion (ST) 137 and may be called on (240) 567-1475. Any student who may need assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation must inform the Disability Support Services Office; guidelines for emergency evacuations for individuals with disabilities are found at www.montgomerycollege.edu/dss/evacprocedures.htm.

Veteran' Services: If you are a veteran or on active or reserve status and you are interested in information regarding opportunities, programs and/or services, please visit the Combat2College website at www.montgomerycollege.edu/combat2college.

Cellphones: Cellphones and other communication devices must be turned off during the class period.

Cancellation of Classes:

You will be able to determine the College's operational status during inclement weather or other emergencies through the following means:

Check the College's Web site at www.montgomerycollege.edu. Any closures or delays, due to inclement weather or other emergencies, will be announced on the homepage.
Call the College's main phone number, 240-567-5000, to hear an updated message, in the event of closures or delays.
Tune in to area radio or television stations, including Montgomery College Television, cable channel 10, in Montgomery County. Dozens of commercial radio and TV stations are also notified. Among the stations with most frequent updates are: Television -- NBC Channel 4/WRC; Fox Channel 5/WTTG; Channel 7/WJLA; Channel 9/WUSA; and cable News Channel 8. Radio -- WTOP (1500 AM and 107.7 FM), WMAL (630 AM), WAMU (88.5 FM). In Frederick area, check WFMD/WFRE (99.5 FM).
You may also sign up for Montgomery College ALERT to receive college closing information. You must set up an account through the Montgomery County Alert Montgomery emergency communication system. Access to Alert Montgomery through its Web site at alert.montgomerycountymd.gov.