E-mail : das3y@maxwell.phys.csufresno.edu or dougs@zimmer.csufresno.edu

Text : Physics for Scientists & Engineers, 4th Ed. , Raymond Serway

Grading :

3 Tests at 50% ; Quizzes 15 % ; Problem Sets 15% ; Final Exam 20 %

A = 90-100 ; B = 80 - 89.99 ; C = 70 - 79.99 ; D = 60 - 69.99 ; F = 50 - 50.99

One favorite past time is to try and determine a ``running'' grade (i.e. trying to figure out a grade based on a single test or quiz or some subset thereof). Given the fact that there are many contributors to the final grade this isn't very useful. The above grading scale will not be moved; any scaling will occur on the individual tests. Finally if there is a dispute in the grading of the tests, the final exam or for the final grade then you can present your case to me one time during my office hours, after class or at some other time that we can arrange. If after this you still feel that your test, final exam or overall grade deserves another look you can write down your reasons for me to reconsider my grading. This written request must be typed and must be a minimum of 1/2 page single space for test or final exam questions, and a minimum of 1 page single spaced for the overall grade. I expect that most of these rules will never be used, since the single face to face meeting is usually enough to figure out whether the grade should be changed or not.

Tests and Final Exam : There are three tests which will be given on Feb. , Mar., May. A final exam will be given in McLane 162 on Tuesday, May 18 from 2000-2200. The tests will consist of some concept questions as well as some problems that must be worked out in detail. The final exam will follow the format of the tests.

Make-Up Tests or Final Exam : If you know you are not going to be able to make a test or the final exam dates, and if you have a valid, documented reason, and you let me know of this at least one full week before hand I'll give you a make-up at the earliest mutually convenient time for myself and all the students who missed the test. If you don't let me know at least one week before hand you'll have to take a zero on the test. If you miss one test for serious and compelling reasons, and if you have documentation of this, then I will take your final exam score and count it for this missed test score. If you miss more than one test for unforeseen reasons you'll have to take a zero on one of the tests, and you may want to withdraw from the course.

How to do well in this course : Physics is different than most subjects you may have taken. Unless you're exceptionally gifted it's very hard to learn physics by ``cramming''. Here are some tips and advice that should help you with the course.

1. Do the homework. Not only does it count in the grading of the course, but it should let you know how well your understanding the material. Also doing the homework should help you get ready for the test and final exam problems. Don't expect verbatim homework problems however. Please do the homework problems on 8.5 X 11 inch paper, folded vertically, with your name , Physics 4A, the date, and the

assignment number on the upper half of the outside.
2. Read the material in the text before you come to lecture. It's much harder to understand a lecture if you don't know at least a rough outline of what the lecture is going to be about. Also if you find something obscure in the reading then you'll be able to ask about it when I get to it in lecture.
3. Attend the lectures. I'll try to supplement the reading in the book through a different presentations, by working examples, and doing demonstrations. By attending the lectures you'll also get an idea of what I consider to be important, and from a practical point of view this will be useful to you on tests. Finally, you are responsible for everything in lecture even if you don't attend. If I decide to move a test date (not very likely) and announce this during a lecture that you missed you are still responsible for this.
4. Plan to spend a minimum of 12 hours a week outside of class on this course. This course requires significantly more time in order to understand the material than the normal course.
5. As soon as something is unclear you should ask me to clarify it, either during class, or my office hours or by e-mail or phone. Despite its reputation physics is very ``common sense'' and if explained properly should be straightforward to understand. In addition to coming to my office hours you can also get help from the graduate TAs. They staff McLane 124 about 20 hours per week. Check the schedule outside the door for times.

Students with Disabilities : Students with disabilities which will affect their participation in the course in any way should identify themselves tot he instructor so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Conduct, Cheating, and Plagiarism : Please refer to the Policies and Regulations section of the University Catalog for the University policies governing conduct, cheating, and plagiarism.