Course Philosophy and Standards

Got Physics? Welcome to Physics 160 at UNM. My name is Marcus Price and I will be your professor for this course. There is only one acceptable outcome for this course for both YOU and me—that is for you to learn physics. I am here to teach you and to help you in learning. PLEASE use me as a resource. See me before or after class—during office hours—or make an appointment to see me at another time. I am here to help you learn physics!

This is probably your first university level physics course. You are probably at least a bit afraid of it. Don’t be. Physics is just an organized way of looking at the physical world. In the process we use logic and mathematics to describe and analyze things. You need to be good at math up to the level of beginning calculus. That means, your algebra and trigonometry must be good. If they are not—you should be in a math class to remedy that shortfall.

ATTENDANCE

I expect you to be at every class—I will concentrate on concepts and problem solving skills in class. Missing class robs you of an opportunity to get the ideas of physics more firmly in your mind. If you miss a pop quiz, you get a score of zero on it. If you miss an hour exam, you get a zero on it. The schedule for hourly exams is posted under class schedule. Make your plans for the term to include being here for the exams. Excused absences can be made up with appropriate documentation for the reason of the absence.

HOMEWORK

Homework will be assigned every class period and will be due the following class period. Late homework will be accepted but may result in fewer points than on-time work. Working in groups can help you understand the problems and solutions better, but be sure you do understand the problem—don’t just copy someone else’s work.

Homework will be returned as soon as we can grade it.

CHEATING

Will not be tolerated and will be punished to the full extent of university policy. The university is one of few places left in society where honesty is the rule. In order for you to learn—I must teach honestly and you must work honestly.

TUTORIAL CLASS PHYS 167

This class is strongly recommended for all physics or astrophysics students. Others can also befit from an additional chance to ask questions and see how to think like a physicist.