This course provides an introduction to essential concepts in the physical world, with an emphasis on analytic thinking and problem solving. The lectures include demonstrations and examples intended to reinforce an understanding of physical concepts and problem-solving strategies. The first semester (2010) focuses on kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, work and energy, momentum, static and dynamic equilibrium, fluids, heat, and temperature. The second semester (2020) addresses electricity and magnetism, optics, and selected topics from solid state, atomic, and subatomic physics.
This course is most commonly taken by students who wish to fulfill requirements for application to medical or dental school, or similar postgraduate work. However, we welcome all students who wish to take the course, regardless of their majors.
The class is not Calculus based. However, a reasonable degree of comfort with algebra, geometry, and trigonomtry is essential. If you are proficient in elementary Calculus you may wish to enroll in Physics 1425/2415 rather than Physics 2010/2020, as Calculus enriches an understanding of physics, and indeed makes it easier to learn.
Concurrent registration with introductory physics labs PHYS 2030/2040 is not required. These lab courses are administered independently from the lecture courses. Should you have questions about the PHYS 2030/2040 please contact Maxim Bychkov (mab3ed).
Class Web Site |
http://fpg.phys.virginia.edu/phys2020/2022-spring/home.html Refer to the class web page for up to date information. However, announcements made in class always supersede any information given on the class web page. |
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Location and Time |
Section 1: TuTh, Nau Hall 101, 9:30-10:45 AM Section 2: TuTh, Nau Hall 101, 11:00-12:15 PM |
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Course Instructors |
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Teaching Assistant |
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Grader |
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Office hours and Location |
Office hours are available as a resource for questions about the text, lectures, and homework exercises. Do not be shy about attending them.
Office hours will be posted shortly
We will be holding office hours remotely using Zoom.
To attend them you need to connect through the appropriate UVACollab course site first.
Then on the left panel click on "Online Meetings". You will see the Zoom link.
Office hour times are given below.
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Zoom |
office hours will be given online using Zoom. Connecting to Zoom. You need first to log onto UVACollab. There are a series of links to the left. Click on "Online Meetings". Under "Upcoming Meetings" you will find associated with each office hour date and time a button "Join". Click on that button and then follow the instructions. |
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Prerequisites |
The class is not Calculus based. However, a reasonable degree of comfort with algebra, geometry, and trigonomtry is essential. If you are proficient in elementary Calculus you may wish to enroll in Physics 1425/2415 rather than Physics 2010/2020, as Calculus enriches an understanding of physics, and indeed makes it easier to learn. |
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Text |
There are several options regarding the text, which can be a hard copy or electronic, and bundled, or not, with access to Mastering Phyiscs (homework app) and Learning Catalytics (in-class exercises app). So read this carefully. We will be using Mastering Phyiscs for Walker Physics, 5th Ed. Note that there is another Walker text with the same name, but a higher numbered edition. Do not buy that text! You have several options, which are listed below.
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Exercises (Homework) Mastering Physics |
Physics, like any other mental or physical endeavor, cannot be learned without practice, which is the purpose of the exercises that will be assigned weekly. Mastering Phyiscs is a Web-based learning and tutorial interface developed by physics teachers. It has an excellent record for improving student problem. Typically, MP exercises will be due on Tuesday nights at 11:59 pm. Late submissions will be accepted with an automatic score reduction of 10% per hour on that assignment. Get your work in early: a down internet connection will not be accepted as an excuse for a problem set to be forgiven. How to RegisterInstructions on how to register can be found here. A link to Mastering Phyiscs is here.For more on how to register for Inclusive Access and Mastering Physics click here for a PowerPoint presentation or here for a short video. Note: the video is for Section 1, for the other section you need to use the course IDs for those two sections given below. You will need to register:
If you need a refund, click here. For non-multiple choice problems you will get 6 attempts and are deducted 3%/attempt. Multiple choice and true/false quetions: the deduction per incorrect answer is an equal % based on the number of answer options minus one. HW done after the Tuesday midnight deadline have their scores reduced by 10% for each hour late. All HW problems have a maximum score of 10 points. Note that your registration of Mastering Phyiscs is good for 18 weeks. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercises (In-Class) Learning Catalytics |
Problems will be given during class, where your response will be recorded using Learning Catalytics. In order to do so you will need to bring to each class either a laptop, tablet, or smart phone in which to record your responses. You will need an account with Learning Catalytics. Instructions on how to get an account and how to start a session are found here. Note:
If you need help with Learning Catalytics contact support here. For each problem you will receive 70% for any answer, and another 30% for getting it right. In order to account for illness, forgotten or malfunctioning laptops, tablets, or smart phones, and other unavoidable absences, you are allowed 5 pre-excused absences in which a zero for your in-class scores are forgiven. Learning Catalytics in-class scores are available on Mastering Physics. It is your responsibility to make sure that yours are being recorded properly. Should you have any problems with your Learning Catalytics, please contact the grader: do not contact either of the course instructors. |
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Midterm Exams |
Three midterm examinations are scheduled during the semester (see the Syllabus). All exams are multiple-choice, closed-book and problem-oriented. If you miss an exam without a valid excuse, you will receive a score of zero. Valid excuses include university-sponsored travel, serious illness, personal crises, and other emergencies. Except in the case of emergencies, you must contact your instructor prior to the exam to approve your absence. Supporting documentation from your doctor or dean may be required. If approved, you will be exempted from the exam, with the other exams scores reweighted accordingly. Formulas and constants will be provided for the midterm and final exams. You may not bring your own. |
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Final Exam |
The final exam will be closed-book and comprehensive of the course. Formulas will be given. See the syllabus for the date. You must take the final exam scheduled for your section unless you have explicit permission from the course instructor. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assessment |
The relative weights of the components to your final grade are given as follows:
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Attendance |
Incompletes are not given for the course; if for whatever reason you cannot keep up with the course requirements, then you are expected to withdraw from the course. |
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Academic Integrity |
You are encouraged to work with your classmates on the online homework assignments. Peer-to-peer teaching can be one of the most effective forms of instruction. However, submission of solutions by groups or direct copying of solutions from the internet or another student is not acceptable (and a poor strategy). Talk to your friends about how to do a problem, but make sure you actually do it yourself! Be aware that Mastering Phyiscs has online tools to detect cheating. If evidence suggests an assignment was copied, it will be assigned a score of zero. Repeated offenses may be reported to the Honor Committee. For midterm and final exams, you must work by yourself. Collusion with other students or use of non-allowed resources is a clear violation of the honor code. If you cheat, you will be assigned a score of zero on the exam and reported to the Honor Committee. |
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Course Rules |
Please read these
course rules. By registering for this course you are agreeing
to abide by these rules.
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COVID Links |
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Instructor Resources |
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