PHYSICS 104
(Fall 2007, Mon/Wed/Fri, 1:00-1:50 pm, PH 215)
INSTRUCTOR: Prof. Christian ILIADIS (office PH 176, Ph.: 962-3016; email: iliadis@unc.edu; webpage: www.physics.unc.edu/~iliadis).
OFFICE HOURS: Friday, 2:00-4:00 pm, or by appointment.
ORGANIZATION: Physics 104 is an algebra-based course in introductory physics for liberal arts, pre-med and biological science students. It does not require the use of calculus. The course is intended to provide you with intuition for physical phenomena and an appreciation for what goes on in the universe. During the semester we will cover the following topics: Kinematics, Dynamics, Momentum, Energy, Rotations, Elasticity, Fluids, Thermal Energy, Ideal Gas, Kinetic Theory, Thermodynamics, Wave Motion.
PHILOSOPHY: Through this course you will have the opportunity to analyze the physical world around you and improve your critical thinking skills. Consider me more as a "coach" who facilitates student learning as opposed to a "lecturer" who transmits knowledge without necessarily requiring thought or action on the part of the student. Since the emphasis is on learning rather than teaching, students are expected to take more responsibility for their own education. The emphasis in this course will clearly be on a deeper understanding of physics concepts rather than focussing on which numbers to plug into a given equation in order to obtain the correct answer.
TEXT: "Physics" (3rd ed.), by J. S. Walker (Pearson Prentice Hall).
LABS: The lab is a corequisite with the lecture. It must be taken unless permission is obtained from the person in charge (Dr. Deardorff; duane.deardorff@unc.edu). Laboratory manuals are available in the Course Pack section of the campus bookstore. Consult the lab website for the laboratory schedule and other information pertaining to the labs.
EXAMINATIONS: There will be three midterm exams plus a final exam. The midterms will cover topics discussed in class after the previous midterm. The final exam will be cumulative.
MIDTERM#1: Fri., Sep. 21, 1:00 pm.
MIDTERM#2: Fri., Oct. 26, 1:00 pm.
MIDTERM#3: Fri., Nov. 30, 1:00 pm.
FINAL EXAM: Fri., Dec. 7, 12:00 noon.
GRADES: The final grade will be based on the midterms (15% each; 45% total), the final exam (30%) and the lab (25%). There will be no extra credit in this course.
ATTENDANCE: It is expected that you will attend all scheduled classes and laboratory sessions. Do not sleep through class. Please turn off your cellphone. Attendance at the three midterms and the final exam is required. Absence from a midterm or the final exam will result in a grade of zero on that examination unless an official written explanation is presented. No make up exams will be given unless special arrangements are made before the scheduled exam. It is expected that each student will abide by the UNC Honor Code.
HOMEWORK: Assigned weekly. The homework will not be collected and will not be graded. However, it is expected that you will solve the assigned problems. Answers will be placed at the Physics/Math library on the 3rd floor of Phillips Hall. Problems similar to the assigned problems will appear on the examinations. I encourage you to work together on your homework since you can learn a lot from each other by discussing physics concepts in a group.
HOLIDAYS: Mon. 09/03; Fri. 10/19; Wed. 11/21; Fri. 11/23.
RESOURCES: