PHYSICS 102
PHYSICS THROUGH OBSERVATION ANDMEASUREMENT

Spring Quarter 2000

Prof. Greg Bothun
Office: 417 Willamette
Office Hours: 10:00-12:00 MWF or whenever
email: nuts@bigmoo

Prof. Stan Micklavzina
Office: 142 Willamette
Office Hours: 2:30-3:30 MW 2:00 - 3:00 Th or by request
email: stanm@hendrix.uoregon.edu

Textbook: Conceptual Physics is highly recommended

Midterm Dates:

The relevant URL for this course is:

http://zebu.uoregon.edu/2000/phys102.html

Course Content and Philosophy:

This course is an experimental section of Physics 102 limited to 20--25 students. We will cover the traditional topics of Thermodynamics, Waves, Sound, Electricty, Magnetism, Electromagnetic Radiation and Light. 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 use of Web browsers to access material. The Klamath computer lab has the latest browsers under which the applets will run. If the use of computers in any form is abhorrent to you then you should not be in this section of Physics 102.

Course Organization:

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.

Math Required:

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.

Course Grading:

Grading of this course will consist of the following:

2 Midterms 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 doing a number of virtual experiments. These will be assigned and are expected to be done in a timely manner. .