We can imagine that this complicated array of moving things which constitutes "the world" is something like a great chess game being played by the gods, and we are observers of the game. We do not know what the rules of the game are; all we are allowed to do is to watch the playing. Of course, if we watch long enough, we may eventually catch on to a few of the rules. The rules of the game are what we mean by fundamental physics. Even if we knew every rule, however, we might not be able to understand why a particular move is made in the game, merely because it is too complicated and our minds are limited. If you play chess you must know that it is easy to learn all of the rules, and yet it is often very difficult to select the best move or to understand why a player moves as he does. So is nature, only much more so; but we may be able at least to find all the rules. Actually, we do not have all the rules now. (Every once in a while something like castling is going on that we still do not understand.) Aside from not knowing all the rules, what we really can explain in terms of those rules is very limited, because almost all situations are so enormously complicated that we cannot follow the plays of the game using the rules, much less tell what is going to happen next. We must, therefore, limit ourselves to the more basic question of the rules of the game. If we know the rules, we consider that we "understand" the world.
If you have made it this far, let us add that it does not have to be a painful experience trying to understand the world. In fact, you might even have a good time learning some of this stuff. After all, what is the world of physics? It is cars, cameras, and inline skating, beer brewing and chocolate chip cookie baking, football, television, stereos, CD players and many other things. Since you are going to spend the next several weeks ``doing physics'', give it a chance and enjoy yourself.
The recitation section provides a small-group learning experience. The student will work in a cooperative learning group and will practice the problem solving techniques presented in the lectures. Coaching will be provided by the recitation instructor while the student investigates the concepts of physics and develops collaborative work skills.
The laboratory setting once again provides a small-group learning experience. The student will demonstrate, observe and investigate the physics concepts that are presented in the lectures. Emphasis will be placed on predicting the behavior of real objects and checking the accuracy of these predictions.
Important information regarding this course along with weekly lecture overviews, and homework assignments are available on the Internet at http://www.hep.umn.edu/~demuth/1251/ We recommend using Netscape or Mosaic as browser to access the Physics 1251 home page. As an IT student at the University of Minnesota, you have access to the U of MN computing facilities. A Macintosh laboratory in Physics 130 (just outside our classroom) should prove to be a valuable resource.
The course grade will be determined by the combined performance in the lecture, the recitation and the laboratory.
There will be four (4) quizzes given during the quarter on the following dates: June 28th, July 14th, July 28th, and August 4th. All quizzes are on the Friday of the week with the exception of the first quiz, it being on a Wednesday (originally scheduled for Friday the 30th, this test was rescheduled in order to allow for an extended break at the July 4th holiday. As a result, the two missed lectures will be rescheduled to Friday June 16 & 23). The quizzes will consist of a combination of problem solving and conceptual questions. The lowest quiz score will be dropped in determining the your cumulative quiz grade. There will also be a 2 hour final examination that will take place over a two day period, an hour each day on Tuesday August 22nd, and Wednesday August 23rd. NOTE: There will be no make-up quizzes & the final must be taken at the specified time and place!
All grades will be assigned on a scale of 100% The numerical score will be weighted in accordance with the distribution given above on a scale of 0 - 100%. The final letter grade for the course will then be determined as follows:
It is necessary for you to read and study the assigned chapters before attending the corresponding lecture because the ideas and the definitions in the text will be used freely in the lecture. In addition, there are a plenty of questions and problems at the end of each chapter. You should work on as many of them as you can. The required homework problems constitute the absolute minimum number of problems that you should work and it is expected that the student will work many more problems from the text as an aid to understanding the material.
The work that you submit for a grade must follow the rules given for that particular assignment. Any indication that you have received improper assistance will result in penalties ranging from a zero on the assignment to expulsion from the University. We have been asked by the Institute of Technology Dean to include the following statement:
The Institute of Technology assumes that all students enroll in its programs with a serious learning purpose and expects them to be responsible individuals who demand of themselves high standards of honesty and personal conduct.
The Institute of Technology expects the highest standards of honesty and integrity in the academic performance of its students. Any attempt by a student to present work that she or he has not prepared, or to pass an examination by improper means, is regarded by the faculty as a serious offense, which may result in the immediate expulsion of the student. Aiding and abetting a student in an act of dishonesty is also considered a serious offense.
This page developed using Netscape as browser and last updated, January, 1996, D. DeMuth, Jr.