Welcome to Physics 151, Fall 2007

1.  Thank you for taking this class.  I appreciate the opportunity to teach and help you.   I love physics and hope some of my enthusiasm rubs off on you. I look forward to class and sometimes will be very emotionally involved.  I hope you are successful in this course.
 

I like to climb mountains.  After I have climbed a mountain, I sometimes lead others so they can enjoy the rewards that come from the hard work in getting to the top.  Before we start I must determine who is not prepared for the climb.  Everyone needs to understand the difficulties that lie ahead and they must trust me.  Many will encounter serious problems on the climb and I will have to advise some to stop.  Taking physics is like mountain climbing.  In a class this size there are some students who are in way over their head and should not be here.  Some will need to drop early.  Everyone else needs to be prepared for what lies ahead.

2.  Missing Class (for any reason); Arriving Late & Leaving Early.  You must be in class, on time, not leaving early, each class day.  Missing class (1) will result in a zero for that day’s clicker grade; (2) will cause you to miss important class material (that may show up on a test); (3) may cause you to miss test hints and (4) may cause you to miss announcements (like changing a test date).  It does not matter why you are not in class; the effect is the same, so an “excused absence” is irrelevant.  You may be having a meeting with the President of UNM or on a sports team trip.  It does not matter; you are still missing class.  If you might miss class often this semester or will be late for class or will have to leave early, then do not take this course.  Extreme case: If you do not submit a homework (hw) assignment for 4 consecutive assignments or if you do not submit a clicker exercise for 4 consecutive class clicker days I may drop you from class.  I say “may” because I don't always have the time to follow through on such an action.  If you want to make sure you are dropped from the course then you should drop the course yourself.  If you just walk away and rely on me dropping you then it might not happen.  If you are concerned about your situation then please contact me for discussion. There are no make up clicker exercises nor make up hw nor extra credit to make up for missed deadlines and classes.  Please see  the discussion in part 17 about the one make up test for anyone who misses one of the first 3 tests. 

3.  Math Skills.  Fundamental math skills are needed:  adding and subtracting fractions, powers of ten, what is covered in 9th grade algebra 1, elementary trig (right triangle solutions with the Pythagorean theorem and sine, cosine, tangent and inverse sine, cosine and tangent; and use of radians).  You should have all of these skills from high school or junior high.  If these skills are not relatively straightforward for you then you will have trouble. Physics is difficult; if your math is marginal then 151 will be too difficult for you. If your math skills are weak you will need excessive time for the course and will probably won’t finish the tests on time. Prerequisites Math 150 or 180 are evidence you have had practice with these fundamental skills.  You will need to do simple math operations with a calculator.  Don’t use a complicated calculator one unless you know it well.  My simple calculator costs about $10. Make sure your calculator can handle the elementary trig functions.

4.  Listening and Following Directions Skills.  Students who lack these skills generally don’t succeed in 151. Those who work hard to do the simple things tend to get higher grades. If you don’t do the simple things then how are you going to do the hard things; like learn physics?  Early on I can identify many students who won’t succeed because they can’t or won’t listen and follow simple advice and directions.  

5.  Hard Work and Good Study Habits.   Most of you will need to work at least 10 or more hours outside of class per week on physics. The first week is difficult with so many things to do; the first few weeks are very difficult for most students as they adjust (hopefully) to the demands of the course and the remainder of the course is difficult because of the concepts of physics and the problem solving challenges.  Spend most of your time on the main things.  What are these?  Listen in class to find out.  Stay ahead; do not get behind.  The first several weeks can be especially difficult for some; expect a difficult challenge and allow time to meet this challenge.  Work the homework thoughtfully and carefully and think about all aspects of each question or problem because many of the test questions are based on the homework.  A thorough understanding of the homework it is necessary for success in the course.  This understanding can only come from many hours of effort, where you make and correct mistakes.  Last minute cramming will not work. Take advantage of my help (through office hours and the problem session), and/or SI help and/or Caps help and/or help from other students.  It takes time and experience to develop effective physics study strategies. You must work extra hours at first to gain some experience quickly.  Some trial and error is likely to be necessary as you seek an effective study strategy for physics.  Most students have never been confronted with  a challenge like 151.  They have been rewarded for memorization throughout their academic career.  In 151, memorization is of limited value because there would be too many things to memorize.  In physics, general principles and methods are applied to many different situations and no one can memorize or even imagine all the possible situations.  Likewise, "plug and chug" (finding a formula in the book and putting in the numbers for calculation) is not a good strategy in physics.

6.  Making Yourself Available in Class.  No talking or reading of newspapers or working on 151 or any other homework or working on anything other than note taking during class.  If you must talk during class or study for another class then please leave the classroom, otherwise, I may ask you to leave.  I get emails of complaint from students who are disturbed by the actions of students around them. A quote from a student, “Some people are just too oblivious to their rudeness and lack of respect and will probably never change.”

7.  Classroom Is a No Cell Phone Zone.  The classroom is a no cell phone zone (they should be turned off and out of sight) and no laptop zone and no other electronic gadgets except calculators.   During a test if we even see a cell phone you will get a zero for the test.

8.  No Cheating Behavior Will Be Tolerated.  Cheating behavior includes looking around when taking a test or having a cell phone visible, talking during a test or when standing in line to hand in a test.  Use common sense.  No baseball hats or any other hat with a front visor can be worn during a test.  Anyone who brings in an extra clicker to a class and uses it for an absent student will face a severe penalty (along with the student who owns the clicker).  I will not get into a debate whether or not you were actually cheating when you exhibit cheating behavior.  If I see the behavior then that is it.  Consider this to be your warning.

9.  Dropping Course and Physics 110.  I recommend you seriously consider dropping the course if…

(1)  The length of time it takes you to do the homework seems much too long.

(2)  You do poorly on the math diagnostic test.

(3)  The first test seems much too long; you clearly need a lot more time.

(4)  Your struggle to understand is overwhelming.

(5)  You have a score below 55 on your first test or have an overall class average below 65 after your first test.

We have created Physics 110 for students who drop.  Physics 110 will prepare you to take 151 the following semester.  It can also serve to rescue your credit hours.  It is a second half semester 3 credit hour course meeting MTWR from 730am till 845am.

What Happens If I Drop the Course? WP?  WF?  Here are guidelines for WP & WF (assuming no cheating or similar issues).  Cheating or similar issues will change everything.
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(A) Dropping Before the End of the 6th Week.  You will receive no grade.   If you drop the course on or before Friday September 28, 2007 (end of 6th week) then there is no grade regardless of anything written below.
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(B) Dropping Before Your 2nd Test.  If you drop the course before your 2nd test then you will receive a WP.  If you drop after your 2nd test then it gets complicated.  Bottom line: I strongly advise you to drop the course and take your WP and enroll in Physics 110  if your grade on your first test is below 55 (after the curve, if there is one) or if your overall course average is below 65 immediately after your first test.
If your grade on your first test is below 55 or if your overall course average is below 65 immediately after your first test and you decide to remain in the course through your 2nd test then your odds of success are not good; your ultimate grade from the course will most likely be WF if you eventually drop or, if you stay to the end, F or D.  See complicated rules below for dropping after 2nd test.
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(C) Dropping After Your 2nd Test But Before Your 3rd Test.  If your grade on your first test is 55 or higher (after the curve, if there is one) and if your overall class average is 65 or higher immediately after your first test then you will get a WP (regardless of what you get on your 2nd test). But if your grade is below 55 (after the curve, if there is one) on your first test or if your overall course grade is below 65 immediately after your first test then you will get a WP only if your grade is 70 or higher on your second test and you have an overall average of 65 or higher immediately after your 2nd test.  Otherwise you will get WF. 


Caution: Anyone who scores less than 70 on both the first and second test should drop before their 3rd test.   If you don't earn 70 or higher on the 3rd test and then drop, you will receive a WF.  And , if you remain in the course to the end, you (or anyone else) must have at least one test grade 70 or above (and an overall average of 70 or above) to earn a C or above for the course.
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(D) Dropping After Your Third Test.  To earn a WP after dropping after your 3rd test, at least one of your first 3 tests must be 70 or higher and your overall average just after the third test must be 65 or higher.  Otherwise you will get a WF.

Please carefully read the grades section 17 of the syllabus to learn how I compute your overall class average at any given time in the course.

10.  What Is Physics?  Physics is THE fundamental science.   Our scope will be from the atomic scale to the cosmic scale and from everyday phenomena to abstract principles.  We will see the simplicity of nature and at the same time realize how little we really know.  Physics is elegant in its simplicity, yet is a challenge to learn; it is logical, yet is surprising and mysterious; it is rich in its history, yet is very much alive today.

11.  My Approach.  I care about you and try my best but will make mistakes just like you.  I try to be fair and wise in teaching, testing, grading and in managing the course.  I try to be aware of the big picture...the demands of your busy lives, the grades given by other physics teachers here and at other schools (since you may be competing with students in their classes for such goals as medical school) and other relevant matters.  Much thought goes into my course decisions.  I frequently talk to current and past students, and other teachers about the course.  I keep up with the research on teaching methods.  I participate in a committee that discusses this course.  Over the years I have reduced the course material to the bare minimum.  But it is still a lot of material that comes at you very fast.  I want you to learn the basics and to learn the basics well.  The class is a large diverse group of students by age, talent, maturity and attitude.  Compromises are necessary to reach the most students in a large class.  I will completely immerse myself in my job to do my best.  Rest assured, you will have the opportunity to learn basic physics well and can have confidence in your physics for future needs (such as the MCAT).

12.  Physics 151 Fall 07.  Course Title: General Physics, Section 001, CRN 16213, Cr 03, MWF 0900-0950 Regener 103, teacher is John Caffo, 277-3335, jcaffo@unm.edu , my office is in room 23 of the Physics and Astronomy (P&A) Building at the northeast corner of Lomas and Yale.  See map to my office at http://panda.unm.edu/findpanda/#walking      This course is NOT for physics/astrophysics or engineering majors.

13.  Text and Other Material.  Mandatory Text: Physics 6th ed by Giancoli.  Various text supplements are available and may be helpful but are not required. However, purchase and use of a clicker and WebAssign (discussed in class and elsewhere in this syllabus) are required.  The problem session (Physics 157 section 001) should be helpful but is not required. The laboratory (Physics 151 L) is very relevant to the course but is not required by me.  However you may be required by your major or by medical school etc. to take the lab (check with your advisor).  You will need a simple calculator with trig functions.  You will need to bring the calculator to class for clicker exercises and for tests and for the math diagnostic test on the 2nd day of class.  If you have a fancy calculator make sure you know how to use it.  I can't give you much help with a fancy calculator use since I have never taken the trouble to learn how to operate anything but a simple calculator.

14.  Reserve Books.   I have several alternative texts on 2 hour reserve in the Centennial Science and Engineering Library.  Maybe they can help clarify difficult points (these are kept under my name).  A copy of our text is also on 2 hour reserve but is not under my name.   

15.  Class Bulletin Board.  The class bulletin board is in the basement hallway of Regener approximately next to lab room 117.  (See map at  http://panda.unm.edu/findpanda/#walking)   I will post grades* and other class information there for your review.  Make sure I have the correct grades on my spreadsheet.  If a grade is incorrect, see me right away.  Do not wait until more than 1 week after the grade has been posted to see me for correction. 

16.  Three Digit ID.  Your three digit id will be used for test grading and for privacy when I post grades.  Make a note of your number somewhere handy because you will use it the entire semester.  Keep your number private since your grades will be posted by your three digit id.  Put your three digit id on everything you hand in and on all email communications with me. Due to privacy concerns, DO NOT write your social security number on anything you hand in or in email.  Note: You will obtain your 3 digit id online as follows.  The first student going online will receive 1 as their id, the second student 2 etc. But on the test answer sheets you will need to write this as 3 digits,  001, 002, etc.  Likewise, number 13 would be written 013. Please include leading zeros, if necessary, in order to make 3 digits.

17.  Course Grade.   There are three semester tests and a final.  Each of the first three tests is weighted 100 points each.  Part 1 of the final (a 4th test over the last material of the course) is weighted 100 points.  Part 2 of the final (comprehensive over the material of the first 3 tests) is weighted 100 points.  Homework is weighted 100 points. Your in class clicker grade is worth 100 points.  Since there are 700 total possible points your overall class average at any given time is based on test average weighted 500/700, your clicker average weighted 100/700 and your hw average weighted 100/700. For example, after the first test, if a student has a 80 on test 1, a clicker average of 100 and a hw average of 100 then the student has an overall course average of 5/7*80 + 1/7*100 + 1/7*100 or 85.7 (which is a "B").    

If your score on the comprehensive part of the final is higher than the lowest of test 1, test 2 or test 3, it will replace that grade. It won't replace the make up test grade nor the test 4 grade. Warning: do not rely on this replacement opportunity to save you from a bad situation. I expect that very few students will be able to raise their grade significantly by replacing their lowest test with their comprehensive final grade. Whether the comprehensive final replaces a grade or not it still counts 100 points on its own. Mathematically it is possible to obtain a 70 average (or higher) in the course without ever receiving a score of 70 or higher on either test 1 or test 2 or test 3 or test 4 or comprehensive. (This can be done by having very high homework and clicker averages with test grades that average below 70.) However, to earn a C or better for the course a student must earn a score of 70 or higher on at least one test (this could be test 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or the make up test or the comprehensive) and have an overall average of 70 or higher.
 
(1)  Test 1 100 points
(2)  Test 2 100 points
(3)  Test 3 100 points
(4)  Test 4 (part 1 of final) 100 points
(5)  Comprehensive (part 2 of final) 100 points
(total test average counts 500/700 of your grade)
(6)  Homework 100 points (homework average counts 100/700 of your grade)
(7)  Clicker (class participation) 100 points (clicker average counts 100/700 of your grade)

Total points is 700 points.  

Most, if not all of the test questions will be multiple choice. Multiple choice questions have no partial credit. You should mark your answer on the answer sheet and on the original test. And you need to show your work in most cases on the original test (I'll discuss this in more detail in class). Make sure the answer you really want is on the answer sheet. If your answer sheet answer and your original test answer differ your answer sheet answer will be the one counted (assuming any necessary shown work is correct).

98-100  A+            
93-97.99   A      
90-92.99   A-    
87-89.99  B+
83-86.99  B
80-82.99  B-
77-79.99  C+
73-76.99  C
70-72.99  C-
67-69.99  D+
63-66.99  D
60-62.99  D-
Below 60  F

To earn a C or better for the course a student must earn a score of 70 or higher on at least one test (this could be test 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or the make up test or the comprehensive) and have an overall average of 70 or higher.

Tests might be curved, if necessary, to fit the above scale.  Do not miss class and do not miss a test!  If you miss a test contact me as soon as possible!  If you miss a test then you will have to take the makeup test.  The makeup test is the same for anyone who misses any of the first 3 tests.  It is a comprehensive test over the material covered by the 3 tests. The make up is scheduled for Friday November 9 in room 5 of the Physics and Astronomy Building at 1pm.  Please see me as soon as possible for more information and to schedule the make-up test if you miss a test.  This comprehensive make up test is the only make up test.  If you miss a test for ANY reason (no matter how "official" and no matter how "legitimate") you must take this comprehensive make up test.  There are too many students to allow me to try to schedule individual make ups for each test.  This test is only for students who miss a test.  It is not an optional test for other students.

There are neither make-up homeworks nor make-up clicker exercises.  If you miss class then you have a zero for that day's clicker no matter what the reason is that you missed class.  If you miss a homework deadline then you have a zero for that homework no matter what the reason is that you missed the homework deadline. With my large classes it is simply not possible to handle make-ups and to attempt to determine whether an absence should be excused.  

Since this is not a perfect world, things can interfere with the most carefully thought out plans.  So I will drop your lowest one clicker grade for each 10.  I estimate there will be roughly 30 plus clicker grades.  If my estimate turns out to be true, your 3 lowest clicker grades would be dropped.  Likewise, I will drop your lowest homework grade for each 10 homeworks that are submitted via WebAssign for grading.

The final exam is scheduled for Wednesday December 12 in the regular classroom from 7:30am to 9:30am.  There is no excuse for missing the final exam or for taking it at a different time except for a real emergency.  For example, leaving for the holidays early is not a real emergency nor is a family activity.  If for weather related or other reasons UNM cancels the final, your grade will be the grade you have going into the final.  Since this is a large class it would not be feasible to allow students to take the final at a different time because there is no way that everyone would agree on a suitable time.  

If you drop the course then please let me know.  Sometimes I do not get this information and this can lead to grade difficulties at the end of the semester.

18.  Survival Tips.
(1)  Pick a time to study physics when you are not rushed.  If you are rushed you will be impatient and frustrated.  You need to have the feeling that you have plenty of time.  It always takes longer to study physics and to work the homework problems than you have planned.

(2)  You must have a copy of the text and you must read it.  I plan to spend the most lecture time on the most difficult topics.  So I may not cover some of the topics in the text that you are responsible for.  I assume that you are reading the text as we go along. You should "read" a physics text with pencil and paper.  In physics, "read" means to read word by word and to work through all the equations and examples with pencil and paper.  The author did not intend for you to "do it in your head."  Many students who complain about a test or get a low grade do not "read" the physics way.

(3)  Read the text before the material is to be covered in lecture.  You should not be hearing the material for the first time in lecture.  Due to time constraints I must move along at a good pace.  If you have studied the material before class, you will be more efficient in note taking and will be ready with questions for me.  It will be very difficult to come into a lecture "cold" and understand most of the material.  Re-read the text after the lecture.  It will seem easier to understand the second time you read it.

(4)  Ask questions, ask questions, ask questions.  Many brilliant people working hard over many years have developed the concepts we are studying.  No one can be expected to understand all this material on their own.  I want you to ask me questions!  Nobody understands everything (including me), so there is no reason to be shy in asking questions.  Ask in class, during the problem session or during office hours.  You are cheating yourself if you don't ask.  My best students generally ask the most questions.  If you are too shy to ask me then ask other students or at SI.  Or, ask at CAPS. 

(5)  Work all of the suggested hw problems and questions thoroughly and on time.  I carefully choose the problems to help you practice for the tests.  A thorough understanding of the hw is necessary for success in the course.  This understanding can only come from many hours of effort, of making and correcting mistakes.  Last minute cramming will not work.  You will probably need help for many of the hw problems and I encourage you to get help on the problems.  Form study groups.  But when all is said and done, make sure that YOU understand the problems.

(6)  Before a test, review all the hw problems and questions thoroughly and think about the concepts behind the problems and questions.  Know the concepts and how they are applied in the problems very thoroughly to achieve complete mastery.  Also review the concepts discussed in the text and in class.  (Tests may cover material from class that is not in the text.)  If you have time make a sample test and take it.  You must work quickly when taking a test.  We cover a lot of material and a fair test should cover as much of the material as possible.  Unfortunately, the class period is only 50 minutes long. The better you know the material the quicker you can take the test and you will score higher.  Everyone makes careless mistakes; I make careless mistakes.  But the better you know the material the fewer your careless mistakes.  The more you practice, the better you will do on the test.

(7)  Follow directions carefully.   Read the questions and problems carefully.  Sometimes on the homework or on a test students work a problem of their own invention. Many students lose test points by not fully following directions.

(8)  Get off to a good start (the first four weeks are especially difficult).  Don't get behind.  It is hard enough to stay up to date.  It is nearly impossible to catch up when you are behind.

(9)  Spend at least 10 hours a week on this course outside of class; many of you will need more time than 10 hours.

I think you can see that if you follow all these recommendations this course will take a lot of your time.  This is not a course where you can be halfway involved.  It requires total and complete involvement.

19.  More About the Course.    My bias towards you is positive.  I want the semester to work out ok for you.  But, of course, you must do your part.  I must be fair to you, other students, me and UNM.  I will try to be "user friendly" and easy to deal with if you are sincere and trying hard.  I will try to be predictable and to avoid nasty surprises.  To my knowledge, no one has found a way to teach physics in a way that eliminates frustration, stress, hard work, and tension.  No matter how elegant the lecture, you still have to do the work.  I will do my part to the best of my ability.  I want to make as much of this adventure within your control as possible.  You are paying my salary and I am here to serve you in a fair and responsible manner.  I want you to succeed.  I don't want this course to ruin your life this semester.  I want this course to be a gateway to your future plans, not a barrier.  I want you to look forward to this course and enjoy it.  I'm rooting for you!

Teaching is my second career.  I have a masters degree in physics and I worked for about 20 years in research, technology planning and management.  I am still excited about teaching and the challenge to find ways to explain things in a simple way.  I make plenty of mistakes but I'll keep on trying.  My joy and goal are to teach physics, not give out grades, but unfortunately grades are a fact of life.

Misunderstandings may occur in a fast-paced, diverse class.  Complex subjects, activities or contexts may raise concerns or questions.  If you feel hurt, offended or concerned about any words or actions of mine or other students, please see me so we can clarify what occurred.  Discussing concerns in a positive manner is a valuable skill in life.

I have seen students needlessly spend many agonizing hours petitioning a poor grade caused by issues that could have been easily settled when they came up during the course.  Sometimes we are overwhelmed by circumstances and don't know where to turn for help. We may even have a hard time putting our thoughts and emotions into words.  I am not a professional counselor, but please feel free to ask for my help or advice.  If I can't help you, maybe I can think of someone who can help.

20.  Homework.  Hw will be "due" 3 times a week most of the time.  I estimate that there may be roughly 30 hw assignments.  Some of the hws will not be graded.  In a class this size I can't handle late hw no matter what the excuse. 

 
There are two types of hw that will be assigned.  The first type is the traditional hw that comes from the end of the chapter or a handed out problem or worksheet.  The traditional hw will not be handed in nor graded and will not be part of your hw grade.  The second type is graded; it is the on online system called WebAssign.  I will talk about WebAssign in class. WebAssign cards have been ordered by the bookstore for your purchase. The non graded hw is just as important as the graded hw in order to understand the course material and do well on the tests. Questions relating to both the graded and ungraded hw will show up on tests. 

In WebAssign make sure that you always submit answers using 3 significant figures.  Otherwise you may be marked wrong even it you do everything else "correct".  I will allow you 4 tries to submit each answer. I recommend that you first work the text problems that correspond to the WebAssign problems.  For the odd numbered problems you can check your answer against the answer in the back of the book.  While there may be some errors, I have found that most of the time the back of the book has the correct answer.  After working the problem with the book numbers then work it with the WebAssign numbers.  Do not wait until the last minute to go online and work WebAssign. Computers and Websites experience technical problems. You need to work well in advance of the deadlines so that last minute glitches do not cause your homework to be late. Computer problems and Website problems are not a valid excuse for late hw. My best students never have late hw although they do experience computer and WebSite problems. They work their hw early so they have time to overcome such problems.  Working the hw early also give you the time to seek help with the problems.

I will not tolerate students working hw (especially discussing hw together) during class.  Students who bother me (and other students) by talking during class or by working on hw during class will be asked to leave the class.  I don't like to do this but I have had to ask students to leave class.  
  
Each and every hw problem is important.  This course emphasizes problem solving; solving the problems will help you learn physics.  I encourage you to work in groups and to talk about the problems (with classmates, with CAPS tutors, with SI, with other tutors, with friends or with me).  But when all is said and done, you must know the concept behind each problem and how it is applied to solve the problem. After the hw due date, I will put my worked out hw solutions on the class bulletin board.    
 
Getting a good grade on the hw is within your control.  You have all the help you want.  The hw is an easy high grade. (Not easy in the sense that you don’t have to spend a lot of time but easy in the sense that it is within your control to do a perfect or near perfect job given all the available help.)   It is hard to succeed in this course if you don’t do well on the hw.  Practical Incentive: Tests are closely related to the hw; some of the test material comes from the hw.  If you wait until the last minute to attempt the problems or if you merely copy someone’s hw, you won’t succeed.   You need to have gone through the sometimes long and frustrating thought processes (correcting many mistakes) in working the problems to really learn the material so you can be successful on the fast paced tests.

21. Class Participation Clickers. The clicker system should help you learn physics.  Research shows that this system has significant payoff for student learning. As a side benefit it gives you the opportunity for an easy class participation grade.  Here is the plan:  You will purchase a clicker at the bookstore and then register it online.  The clicker system will allow you to choose answers to questions during class.  There may be one or several questions during a typical class.  If you participate (I won't grade your answer, I just want to know if your participate) for all the questions during a class then you will receive a 10 for that class.  If you respond to 1 of 2 questions in a class where there are two clicker questions, you will receive a lower score and your score for no participation for a class will be a zero. There will be a severe penalty for both parties if someone brings in an absent student's clicker and uses it to give a participation grade to the absent student.

22.  Schedule:  Here are the estimated test dates.  I will try my best to follow this schedule.  But there is always a chance that unforeseen circumstances could cause me to make a change.
Test 1:  Covering chapters 1,2,3 and associated material, 10th class which is Wednesday September 12
Test 2:  Covering chapters 4,5 and associated material, 22nd class which is Wednesday October 10. 
Test 3:  Covering chapters 6,7,8 and associated material, 31st class which is Friday November 2.
Makeup Test: If you miss one of the first 3 tests the makeup is Friday November 9 at 1pm in room 5 of the Physics and Astronomy Building.  See me before November 6 to sign up to take the test. Everyone (no matter which test you missed) gets the same makeup. The test covers the material you are responsible for in the first 3 tests.
Final:  This includes Test 4 and the Comprehensive, Wednesday of finals week, December 12 from 0730 to 0930 in the regular classroom.
Test 4 covers all of the material covered after the test 3 material and the comprehensive covers all of the material you were responsible for to prepare for the first 3 tests.  Both tests will be given in the two hour time slot.

23.  Office Hours:  These office hours are tentative and might be revised as the semester progresses to better meet your needs.  Please note I am teaching 3 classes this semester with a total of about 800 students.  I am sorry but I simply do not have the time to see you outside these hours except for special circumstances.
Office Hours
Monday 1200 to 1300 either in the lobby of the Physics and Astronomy Building or my office room 23.
Wednesday 0800 to 0850 in our classroom.  This is actually a problem session but you are welcome to come even if you are not enrolled.  If you have a private question I can find time to talk to you.
Friday  0800 to 0850 in our classroom.

24.  Email Communication: I want you to be able to communicate with me.  But email usually not the best way.  I don't have time to respond to email questions about physics problems or conceptual questions. This is what office hours (including SI office hours) are for.  If each of my students required as little as 2 minutes of my time per week for email communication (reading, thinking about a reply and then typing the reply), this would take an unreasonable number of hours.  For the same reason, I won't answer questions that are already answered in the syllabus or other handouts.  My reply may say, "See Syllabus". And, I won't have the time to reply to thoughtful questions that require long thoughtful answers; I will want to communicate with you but you will need to see me in person during office hours.  If you have a non homework, non syllabus question or if you want to point out a mistake I made in class or if you want to make me aware of something that is bothering you or if you just need to tell me something then feel free to email me.  If the answer is too long and involved I'll write back and try to find a time we can meet; if the answer is short I'll try to quickly return your email.  Serving students is important to me; you are important to me.  But the only way I know to accomplish this is to carefully structure the limited time I have to serve you.  Send email to jcaffo@unm.edu     Please include your name and "Physics 151" and 3 digit id in the subject of emails .  I get lots of junk email and generally don't open email unless the subject connects the email with a course.     

25.  Supplemental Instruction (SI):  The Physics and Astronomy Department is very concerned about student success in the introductory courses.  We requested and received additional funding to improve opportunities for student help.  For our course SI help will be given by Ravi and by possibly a 2nd person. (I'll let you know in class.) The help will be in the form of several sessions per week to discuss and practice problems involving the most difficult and key topics.  Individual office hours will also be possible.  SI contact information will be available on the hw section of the course website as soon as I receive this information.

26.  Final Thoughts: A student went to see a doctor after falling off a tall ladder.  The doctor could find nothing wrong with the student and asked the student how he escaped injury.  The student replied, “I was only on the first step of the ladder.”  Most people go through life never doing anything significant, they stay on the first step all their life.  In this course you will have to go to the top of the ladder.  Congratulations on trying to climb to the top!

There are ups and downs when you take risks.  In this course you WILL have periods of disappointment and frustration. Your reaction to the events of this course is YOUR choice.  Fond memories in life come from experiences on the way to reaching goals, not from the ultimate goals themselves.

In conclusion, I hope you are successful in this course!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

27.  How can I get feedback about my test results?  Worked out test keys are on the class bulletin board.  

28.  Why didn't I get my test back with the rest of the class?   Most likely, you did not put your three digit id and bubble it in under the "Identification Number" portion of the answer sheet; your three digit id goes in the spaces under A B C.  You must use 3 digits.  If your number is 7 then fill in 007 on the answer sheet. It is also possible that you put the wrong three digit id on the answer sheet.  Or it is possible that you did not use a pencil to bubble in the answers.  Or is possible that you did not bubble in the answers.  Or it is possible that you did not fill in your name and box number on the test itself.  Or it is possible that you did not return the test itself.  All test materials must be returned when you hand in the answer sheet. You must hand in the test as well as the answer sheet. And your name and three digit id must be on both the test and the answer sheet. If you don't hand in the actual test (as well as the answer sheet) then you will not earn a grade for the test.   I will try return the tests quickly.  So tests with the types of problems discussed above (which require a bit more time to figure out) will be ignored for a while so I can return the bulk of the tests to the class.

29.  Why don't we use Banner ID or social security numbers?  These numbers carry with them all sorts of complications and legal and privacy issues.  Please do not ever use these numbers on any material intended for me (tests, notes and email messages).  Use your three digit id.  

30.  How do I check my grades as the semester progresses?  Grades are posted (using your 3 digit id) on the class bulletin board.  You need to check your grade each week.  Unfortunately I am not perfect and I occasionally make mistakes in recording the grades.  If you see a mistake then see me right away to correct it. Corrections need to be done within a week of when the mistake is posted.

31. Is there any curve to the course grade?  No. Any "curving" in the course might occur when the individual tests raw scores are curved to my standard grading scale.  Not all tests are curved; maybe none will be.  It depends on the questions on a particular test.

32.  My test scores don't reflect the time I spend on the course; what can I do to improve my test scores?  See other discussions in the syllabus.  Here are some more thoughts.  Sometimes the students with the highest grades don't work "as hard" as students who make lower grades.  But they understand how to efficiently study physics.  Lots of hints about tests are given in classes.  Make sure you understand inside and out the subject matter related to these hints.  Know the homework problems and questions inside and out.  Don't let any confusion linger.  Get help.  Make up a practice test based on homework questions and problems and the hints of class.  If you are thoroughly prepared then you will have more confidence while taking tests.  Get to the test early and have your answer sheet filled out in advance.  Have your calculator ready and several sharp pencils.  Thoroughly prepared students tend to make less careless mistakes and work quicker.  No matter how nervous we are, most of us can quickly write our name without error or because we know it well and have had lots of practice.  Some students who think they know the material well actually only know the material at a superficial level.  Maybe if they had several hours they could be successful on the test but they can't complete the test in 50 minutes.  They feel rushed and panicked.  Lots of my students over the years have taken very similar tests to yours and those who know the material well have been able to successfully complete the tests with time to spare.  It is very hard to get a perfect score.  Get all the easy and medium questions correct; then do the best you can on the few difficult ones.  

33.  Why is it so important to come to class?  While much of the test material is based on the homework, some of the questions come from class information that may not be in the text.  Sometimes it is necessary to change a test date or make another important announcement in class.  In class I will announce what range of material will be covered by the test.  I may also rule out some of the material.  Get to know a good note taker so if you miss class due to illness or other circumstance beyond your control so you can find out what happened.  Sorry, but it is not my style to make neat notes so I won't have neat notes that you can copy.  I also give lots of test hints in class.  I will limit my hints to class.  I will  answer questions about physics over and over again but I will not answer questions about what hints I gave in class.  In addition, if you miss class you get a zero for the class clicker grade for that class.

34.  What about the problem session?  Like the laboratory, Physics 157 should be helpful and is optional.  Here is a summary of Physics 157:

Physics 157 Course Description:  Physics 157 is a 1 hour credit/no credit course for problem solving help for Physics 151.  It meets from 8:00 am to 8:50 am in Regener 103 on Wednesdays. It is a 1 hour credit/no credit course.

 Your grade in Physics 157 course is based on three factors:

(1) Attendance.   This means attend class, on time, 13 of the classes.  It is your responsibility to sign the attendance sheet at the beginning of class.  I can not give you credit if you arrive late. If you cannot arrive on time then don't sign up for Physics 157.  But if your are not enrolled in 157 then you are welcome to come informally whenever you want to come.

(2) Your grade in 151.  You must get an A, B, or C in 151.

(3)  Your participation in the problem session (working problems or helping others, perhaps on the chalkboard).

 If you satisfy the attendance and class participation and grade requirements then you will get "credit" for 157.  Otherwise, you will get "no credit".  The above grading plan assumes you are taking 151.  So if you are not taking 151 or if you drop 151 (without dropping 157) then you will receive a "no credit" for 157.  If you drop 151 then you should drop 157.

Anyone in my 151 class is welcome to attend any problem session without registering.  But, of course, if you don't register you won't receive a 1 hour credit.

The main purpose of 157 is to help you learn how to do the homework problems.  (Of course I'm also available to answer questions about any aspect of the course.)  Preparation required for the Physics 157:  Come with questions about the homework problems or with questions about the physics course.  If you have no questions then come prepared to help others with their questions.  If the enrollment is not too large, I may send students to the board to work problems.