Course Objectives
Energy is of paramount importance to civilization, and although it has been for centuries, although never more than the present day. Much of the things we value and rely on -- automobiles, air travel, heating and air conditioning all depend on access to inexpensive sources of energy. Wars have been fought over sources of energy. But what is energy? Is it inexhaustible, or will inexpensive sources of energy disappear in our lifetimes? Will our thirst for energy inevitably lead to climate change and global warming?
Physics 1110 is a course intended to address these issues. Structured so that it is accessible to non-science majors (no Calculus!), this course addresses such topics as the physical nature of energy, the ways in which we produce and consume energy in our society, and how the opportunities energy provides, and the threats that may occur will play into our future.
Should I take this course?
This course is most commonly taken by students who wish to fulfill their science requirements. We welcome all students who wish to take the course, regardless of their majors or backgrounds.
Prerequisites
None but an interest in what energy is, where it comes from, where it goes, and why it is vital to modern societies. The math will be high-school level algebra: no Calculus.
Class Web Site |
http://fpg.phys.virginia.edu/phys1110/2022-fall/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 |
TuTh, Nau Hall 211, 9:30-10:45 AM |
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Course Instructor |
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Teaching Assistant |
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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 hour times are given below.
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Prerequisites |
None but an interest in what energy is, where it comes from, where it goes, and why it is vital to modern societies. The math will be high-school level algebra: no Calculus. |
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Text
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Energy For Future Presidents, Richard A. Muller, W. W. Norton and Company (New York, 2012), ISBN 978-0-393-34510-0. This text should be available at the UVA Bookstore. It can be found elsewhere for a modest price. |
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Exercises (Homework) |
Physics, like any other mental or physical endeavor, cannot be learned without practice, which is the purpose of the exercises that will be assigned bi-weekly. | ||||||||||||||||||
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. This is done as follows:
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. |
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In-class Presentations: Energy in the News |
Each week of class each student is required to find one article in the news that concerns some aspect of energy. For example "Europe decides to declare nuclear power as green energy" or "coral reefs in Australia are coming back despite global warming". However, only two students will be asked to give five-minute presentations on the topic at the beginning of each lecture, the students chosen at random. The article should be put in electronic format, PowerPoint, pdf, jpg, or png. Each week's artcle is to be uploaded no later than Monday at noon in a folder under your name under Resources in UVACollab. You will be asked to go to the front of class to make your presentation. |
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Midterm Exams |
Two 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 comprehensive of the course. Formulas will be given. See the syllabus for the date. | ||||||||||||||||||
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 |
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!
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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