Physics 9B Syllabus-Summer Session I 2007.

Instructor: Tom Pardini.

RESOURCES: The text for the course is University Physics by Young & Freedman. You are responsible for all assigned sections of the text in addition to lecture material that may not be covered in the text.

HOMEWORK Assigned homework problems and relative due dates will be listed on the website when a chapter is started in lecture. The homework will be collected. Suggested homework problem will also be posted but not collected. I strongly suggest you work on these problems as well, since they'll help you gain a better understanding of the material covered in class. Problem solutions will be made available online AFTER the due date. Each student's lowest homework score will be dropped.

EXAMS: There will be a midterm exam and a final exam (dates are given in the calendar). The exams will be closed-book, and no notes or formula pages will be allowed. BLUE  BOOKS, 8 1/2 x 11 Engineering or Law, are required and you MUST bring one on exam day. Most useful equations and constants will be provided. Calculators are allowed, although NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN FOR ANSWERS WITHOUT WORK SHOWN. Arrangement for make-up exams must be made PRIOR to the day of the exam, with the following exception: you are sick, and you obtain written documentation from the health center. Regrades of exams will be accepted within ONE WEEK only of the exam's return. Attach a note with your grievance to the exam. Do not write on it. Regrades should be directed to me, either following class or at my office. You must take the final exam at the time given in the calendar, except in case of emergency (an airline reservation is not an emergency), or if you wish to take the final EARLY because you have THREE or more finals on this day--and can furnish proof.

DISCUSSION: It is imperative that you attend discussion session. The concepts introduced in 9B are many and profound. Attendance is mandatory. A poor attendance record in discussion may lower your grade a 'half-step', i.e. B- to C+, C+ to C, etc.

LABS: Labs are mandatory. For dates check the link on the main page of the web site. HIGH PASS in the lab will raise your grade by 'half-step' (say from B to B+) a LOW PASS in the lab will lower your grade by one step. A 'FAIL' in the lab means failing the course. I suggest you read the instructions at the beginning of the lab manual to learn more about it.

GRADING: Homework will count for 40% of your grade, the midterm exam will count for 25%. The final exam will be comprehensive and will count for 35% of your grade. The class will be graded on a curve and for exams, the mean will be given. Cases of suspected cheating will without exception be referred to Student Judicial Affairs.

ASSISTANCE: I will hold problem-solving sessions Wednesday 2:00-3:00 in Roessler 158. I heartily encourage you to attend if you are having difficulty solving the problems. I am also in my office quite a bit, and if you drop by with a question I can usually spare some time. I am also available by appointment. Your discussion leader will hold regular office hours. These should be announced at the first discussion meeting.

MISCELLANEOUS: The website for the course is http://student.physics.ucdavis.edu/~tpardini, where you will find much important information: syllabus, schedule, homework assignments, homework solutions, and various important and sometimes late-breaking announcements. Check it often!