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PHYS 224
Basic Physics III
(2006 Spring)
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Policies & Expectations
PHYS 224 is not an easy course. While the first few lectures may appear 'trivial', it quickly becomes quite mathematical (& perhaps even somewhat abstract) once the complex exponential formulism is introduced. That notwithstanding, for many students the 'simple' examples studied in the course seem (at first sight in PHYS 224) to be either 'trivial', 'irrelevant' or even 'boring'.
However PHYS224 is the final 'stepping-stone' (=Pre-requiste) to many Upper-level courses in the Physics Major (& other Majors). Hence it introduces students to the concepts & techniques they will encounter again (& again) in these Upper-level courses. Check out the Tips & Techniques pages for more information as to how to succeed at the course. However, below the policies and expectations of the course are outlined.
Policy on Attendance
Attendance at most lectures is optional
- the only exceptions
being for Quizzes and Exams
(see below).
Despite being optional, it should be stressed that
you are are strongly encouraged to attend the lectures.
They are an integral part of the course -
check out the
Tips & Techniques page for getting the most from the lectures.
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A note on Classroom Etiquette: You are expected to show the professor
and your fellow students respect. You are expected to arrive prior to the
start of the lecture, and not to leave until after the end of the lecture.
You are expected to pay attention to the lecture, and usually to take
notes. Behavior such as reading non-course related material,
wearing headphones, disrupting fellow students etc
are unacceptable.
If you need to clarify a point with your neighbor, please do so in a
"hushed manner". You are encouraged to ask questions, but to do so you
are expected to raise your hand & wait to be called upon.
Please turn cell-phones OFF prior to entering the lecture hall. Please do NOT use laptops or PDAs during class |
Policy on Exams & Quizzes
There will be no make-up given for exams or quizzes,
except in exceptional circumstances that can be fully documented.
(Things like "my car would not start" do not count.)
However, note that
your (single) lowest Quiz-score will not count towards your grade,
so do not worry if you miss one.
You will be informed at least one lecture beforehand of an upcoming
Quiz or Test (during the lecture and/or via WWW announcements)
along with the subject matter that will be included.
In most cases, Quiz questions will be closely related to material
covered in the preceeding lectures and/or the preceeding homework.
(A number of examples of previous Quiz & Exam
questions are available).
Make sure you read & understand the "rules" and consequences of
academic misconduct (see below).
Policy on Grading etc
Dr George will determine all final grades.
See the summary of
how your grade will be calculated.
Your final grade is based on your actual total score (I do not
simply use the distribution of grades: you'll all get an A if you
deserve one; or an F if unfortunately you all deserve one of those instead).
However, since the same questions are not used every year,
plus
up to 3% in extra credits are available
(determined only at the end of the course),
the exact values used will not be made public.
However you will be informed of your potential grade following
the two Mid-term exams, and kept appraised of your progress
following each Quiz.
You have one week from receiving a grade to appeal.
Academic (Mis)Conduct
Cheating will not be tolerated.
We all know what that means, so I am not going to list all the possible
"dos & donts". However here are a few pointers:
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Quizzes & Exams are to be completed
alone
(not with the help of your neighbors),
aided only by a (non-programmable) calculator
(no notes, books, PDAs etc).
Lab Work is to be completed with your lab partners; your Lab Reports are to be completed by yourself (in conjunction with your lab partners) and must acurately reflect the experiment you performed & results as you obtained (not the results you think you should have obtained). |
The consequences of misconduct will be severe, and may be reported to the Academic Conduct Committee. See also the UMBC Academic Integrity site, and in particular the Student Academic Conduct Policy.
If you are uncertain as to whether something is allowed: ASK FIRST!!