http://zebu.uoregon.edu/1998/phys101.html
Prof. Greg Bothun
Office: 417 Willamette
Office Hours: 10:00-12:00 MWF or whenever
email: nuts@moo2
TA: Abed Khooli email: ALQUDS@OREGON.UOREGON.EDU
Textbook: None Required
Midterm Dates: October 29 and
The relevant URL for this course is:
http://zebu.uoregon.edu/1998/phys101.html
Course Content and Philosophy:
This course is an experimental section of Physics 101 limited to 20--25 students. While we will cover the traditional topics of Mechanics we will attempt to have a very hands-on class where students will do active experiments in class. A key component of this class will involve the use of JAVA software running under Web Browsers (e.g. Netscape or Internet Explorer) to perform a variety of virtual experiments.
The emphasis in this class will not be so much on individual topics in physics but more on how measurements are made and experiments are conducted. Hence, we will not be a slave to the course syllabus simply marching from topic to topic without really understanding a damn thing. The emphasis here is on understanding the processes not memorizing stuff! Physics is essentially an experimental science, not a collection of tenets to be handed down. In this class the focus will be on the process of science as it is motivated through measurements and inquiry. This will be accomplished via both physical and virtual experimentation.
To complete the course requirements all students are expected to get an email account on Gladstone and to gain a familiarity with the sue of Web browsers to access material. Lab time in Klamath has been scheduled from 2-4 on Fridays in case you require TA assistance in helping you run some of the experiments. If the use of computers in any form is abhorrent to you then you should not be in this section of Physics 101.
It will be loose. We will explore general topics in mechanics but do this via experimentation and measurement. The course outline gives the topics that we will be exploring through experimentation as the term evolves. This course will not make heavy use of any textbook, though if you are planning to take 102 you should get the textbook.
There will be a significant amount of group work in this class where students will work together on various experiments or data sets.
This course will not be very technical, although some mathematical descriptions will be absolutely necessary. Grading techniques, however, will be designed so that people with weak math backgrounds or aptitudes will not be penalized.
Grading of this course will consist of the following:
1 Midterm which will total 1/3 of your grade
A comprehensive final which will total 1/3 of your grade
Your homework/experimentation portfolio will total the remaining 1/3
The homework assignments will involve searching the Internet for information as well as to perform a number of virtual experiments.