PHYS 2100, Honors Physics
Fall 2007 MW, 11:30-12:20 a.m. HU 173A
Instructor: Larry Smith Office: SCNCE 111 Phone: 283-7520 e-mail: ude.wons@htims.yrral
Texts: Coming of Age in the Milky Way by Timothy Ferris (required) ISBN 0-06-053595-4
Physics For Poets 5th edition by Robert H. March (required) ISBN 0-07-247217-0
Cosmos by Carl Sagan (recommended as a supplement) ISBN 0-394-71596-9
Objective: We hope to gain an appreciation for the methods and approaches and limitations of science as well as for the wonders of nature and the universe. We will also learn how to learn and think in scientific ways. New sources of information will be explored as we hone our learning skills.
Participation and Help: Participation in class discussions is very important. Also subscribe to the class e-mail list, LS-purple. You are encouraged to see me during my regular office hours (M-F 10:30-11:20), and at other times by appointment or by e-mail (either to me privately or to the class list). Students with medical, psychological, learning or other disabilities desiring accommodations, academic adjustments, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, room 221 Greenwood Student Center, phone number (435) 283-7321. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at the Disability Resource Center (DRC) determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of appropriate services and aids.
Chapter Journals: Write a questioning, thought-provoking journal entry to the class e-mail list for each Ferris chapter before the class discussion on that chapter. They will be used as a basis for the discussion in class. (Their other purpose is to demonstrate that you've done the reading and explored the material.) Length is not the main goal; questions and insights for discussion are; however, extremely short journals can't fulfill the purpose. These journals can be relatively informal and personal. There should be a separate journal entry for each chapter of the Ferris book. If your journals are late we lose the benefit of them during the discussion; therefore, late (not sent before class) journals will not earn full credit. I also expect your classmates to respond to your journal entries, and vice versa.
Homework: One homework assignment will be to lead the class discussion on two of the chapters in Ferris' book. You are not expected to give an extensive presentation or lecture on them (you might not even stand up!), just to lead the discussion in an intelligent way, using the e-mail journal entries as a basis. Make sure important points aren't missed, keep us on track. Ask questions. There will also be a few other homework assignments, including some on the web.
Term Paper: Write a five to seven page (not including the title page, diagrams, bibliography, or endnotes) research paper (typed rough draft due on Nov. 5, final draft due on Nov. 19; no late papers accepted) which explores some question (topic cleared by me by Oct. 1) about the physical universe which is of interest to you. It should be typed and you should use (and cite properly) at least five sources in addition to any encyclopedias; at least one of these sources must come from the internet and one must come from a traditional paper source. This should be the best paper you have ever written. Also give a short presentation to the class about your paper during the last few days of class.
Final Exam: The final is scheduled for Tuesday, December 11, 12:00-2:00 p.m. in our classroom.
Grading: Homework 5% Mid-term Test 15% Quizzes 5% Term Paper 20% Journals 20% Final Exam 25%
Participation 10%
