PHYS 1405
Course Name: Conceptual Physics
(Spring 2008)
| Instructor: Jerry Fuller | |
| Office: Engineering & Science Bldg. | |
| Office Hours: varies by semester (posted on door) and by appointment | |
| Phone: 903-983-8646 | |
| Email: jfuller@kilgore.edu |
Welcome to class!
How to logon:
This online course uses a web-based course management system called WebCT. I highly recommend that you print the instructions for logging on if you have not used WebCT software before.
Your WebCT account will automatically be set up for you during the first week of school. *You do not need to create your own user id!! Directions for accessing your WebCT account are available on the Resources page of this web site.
Viewing Course Grades and Progress
1. Log in to WebCT by keying in your ID and password (see resources page for directions)
2. Click Student Tools
3. To view grades, click My Grades
4. To view progress in course and student profile, click My Progress
Course Description:
Physics 1405 is for non-science majors desiring a laboratory science course, and for science/engineering majors who would profit from a concepts-oriented (preliminary) exposure to physics. The course includes mechanics (motion, force, momentum, & energy), properties of matter, heat/thermodynamics, electricity/magnetism, light, and (as time allows) 20th-century physics. Prerequisite: ability to enroll in ENGL 1301.
Textbook:
“Conceptual Physics,” 10th Ed., by Paul Hewitt. There are 35 chapters and 700 pages in the textbook. We will concentrate on the first several chapters, then select from other parts of the book.
Course Philosophy:
The intention is for you to begin an investigation into the order of the universe, to observe (in a purposeful way) how the world works. The course is about ideas & concepts. It is also about expressing these with numbers, but the main emphasis will be on the concepts.
We will work some problems, but often you will be asked to show understanding qualitatively, rather than by quantitative calculations.
Composition of Course Grade:
| 1. |
Daily grade Assigned online quizzes: found on the official WebCT site and on a secondary site (The Physics Place). |
20% |
| 2. |
Major test average (3-4 online tests). |
40% |
| 3. |
Laboratory average This may include online questions/calculations, simple experiments during occasional onsite meetings, and suggested activities at home. Some informal reports will be required. |
15% |
| 4. |
Final examination This exam will be comprehensive and will emphasize qualitative understanding, some simple problem solving, but no memorization of formulas. |
25% |
*SCANS Competencies:
1. Reading
2. Writing
3. Arithmetic or Mathematics
4. Speaking and Listening
5. Thinking Skills
6. Personal Qualities
7. Workplace Competencies
8. Basic Use of Computers
To complete your orientation
for this class:
Send an e-mail
message to: jfuller@kilgore.edu
Subject: Orientation complete
Body: My name is <your name> and I have completed the online orientation for
PHYS 1405. Choose as appropriate: <I understand the policies and
procedures for completing this course> or <I have the following question
regarding the policies and procedures for completing this course: (question)>
If you need to complete an orientation for another web class, click here: Web List
If you need to begin orientation for a telecourse, click here: Telecourse Orientation
If you have completed the orientation for all of your distance education courses, please complete this short (4 question) survey: Survey
If you need technical assistance after you complete orientation, you may call our distance education support line. It is operational for extended hours at the beginning of each semester. Extended hours are Monday thru Thursday from 11am-7pm, Friday and Saturday from 8am until Noon. Call 903.988.3704 or come by the Woodfin Center on the Kilgore Campus. You can also send an email to: techsupr@kilgore.edu. Be sure to include a description of the problem you are having, your name, and the course you are having trouble with. If you have a general question about your course, please contact your instructor.
Link to Kilgore College's WebCT server: http://disted.kilgore.edu