Basic Physics Lab I  --  Phy121L, section 004
Syllabus, Fall Semester 2008,  Physics Department, Mercer University

Instructor: Dr. Randall D. Peters

Office: Science and Engineering Building 206, Office phone: 301-2747
Office hours: M-F, 8:00 - 8:50, or by appointment
e-mail: peters_rd@mercer.edu
Personal homepage: http://physics.mercer.edu/hpage/peters.html

Mercer Physics Labs Homepage: http://physics.mercer.edu/labs/DEFAULT.HTM

Meets at: 9:25- 12:05 Thursday, SEB 219

Laboratory Manual:  Printed copies of the lab instructions will be available in lab.  You will print out your own data sheets to take home.  You can download a copy of the writeup at

http://physics.mercer.edu/labs/manuals/manual121Lab.htm

This course is concerned with the experimental basis for kinematics, dynamics, conservation laws and thermodynamics.  By its conclusion you should be able to:

(i) discuss the effects of experimental uncertainty,

(ii) produce and interprest scientific graphs, and

(iii) write conclusions based on sound scientific interpretation of experimental data.

During the first/last lab sessions, students will complete a Pre-/Post-test assessment.  Your SCORE on the PRE-TEST will not affect your grade in the course.  Should you fail, however, to follow instructions in providing the following

• Student Name
• Mercer Student ID (with bubbles filled in correctly)
• Lecture Course (e.g., 141)
• Semester (e.g. Fall 2008)
• Answers to ALL the test questions

there will be a 2% reduction in the final numerical score which determines your grade.  The POST-TEST cannot reduce your final grade (except for the same reason as the Pre-test, indicated above), BUT depending on the SCORE you achieve, it can improve your grade as follows:

• Less than 50% -- no bonus

• 50% to 59% -- +1% to final grade

• 60% to 69% -- +2% to final grade

• 70% to 79% -- +3% to final grade

• 80% to 100% -- +4% to final grade

Lab Reports:  A write-up of the previous week's experiment will be submitted no later than the beginning of each lab period.  

This report will consist of: (1) [50%] Data tables and graphs, (2) [30%] Typed conclusion that briefly describes the experiment that was performed, explaining features of any graph produced, and the effect of uncertainties (errors), and (3) [20%] Answers to Selected Questions. A single group report may be submitted by the team responsible for the experiment; however, each member of the team must answer all questions.  For information on style of your report, consult http://physics.mercer.edu/labs/

Grading Scale: Your final grade will be determined by the following scale:
60-D-70-C-80-B-90-A-100

• Cell phones and Pagers: Out of courtesy for all those participating in the learning experience, all cell phones and pagers must be turned off before entering any classroom, lab, or formal academic or performance event.
• There are no make-up labs, and attendance is mandatory; however, if a student has an official excuse for a missed lab, such as a note from a Dean's office, or a doctor's note, their grade will not suffer; i.e., their lab grade will be pro-rated.  For misses known in advance (such as authorized athletic events), every effort should be made to do the lab before the miss, with a different instructor.
• There will be no dropped grades. All work done in the course will be counted. 
•  There will be no extra-credit work.
•  The college of Liberal Arts' academic misconduct policy will be followed. In addition, all students are bound by the Mercer University Honor Code.
•  Students are strongly encouraged to discuss with the instructor all their work during the course, regardless of their grades. Questions about point awards should be brought up as soon as possible, as all grades will be final one week after the materials are graded and returned to students.
• If you have a problem of any kind, my door is open to you. If your schedule should be in conflict with my office hours, then attempt to arrange an appointment either: (i) during class, or (ii) by a chance meeting using the information posted on my door.
• Documented Disability Statement: Students with a documented disability should inform the instructor at the close of the first class meeting.  The instructor will refer you to the office of Student Support Services (SSS) for consultation regarding evaluation, documentation of your disability, and recommendations for accommodation, if needed.  Students will receive from SSS the Faculty Accommodation Form.  On this form SSS will identify reasonable accommodations for this class.  The form must be given to the course instructor for signature and then returned to SSS.  To take full advantage of disability services it is recommended that students contact SSS immediately.  The office is located on the third floor of the Connell Student Center.