Laboratory Manual: The laboratory instructions and schedule can be found on the department WEB page http://physics.mercer.edu/labs/ . Students may print out the lab instructions from the department page, or the may purchase a laboratory manual from the department. Students are required to have their own copy of the laboratory instructions for each experiment, before coming to class.

Instructor: Dr. Matt Marone Room 112 Willet Science Center

Phone 301-2597, e-mail: marone_mj@mercer.edu

Office Hours: M/W 1:00-1:50, T 1:40-2:55, outside of these hours by appointment

Laboratory: WSC 107, T 9:25-12:05 (section 4), R 9:25-12:05 (section 6)

Corequisite: PHY 162

In this class we will conduct experiments concerning waves, optics, electrostatics, magnetic fields, AC and DC circuits. Meters and oscilloscopes will be used to measure voltage current. Simple circuits containing resistors, capacitors and inductors will studied. You will also learn how to use graphs to represent data and analyze experimental results. The basics of error analysis will be introduced, and you will learn how experimental uncertainty affects results. In some experiments, computers will be used to obtain data and analyze the results. You will come away from this class with hands on laboratory experience and the ability to conduct simple experiments.

A (90 and above), B+ (85-89), B (80-84), C+ (75-79), C (70-74), D (60-69) F (below 60)

Your Final class grade will be derived from the following percentages

Quiz 10%

Labs including: "standard labs", "special topics", and "math practice" total 90%

You will not be graded on a "curve".

Labs: Make-up labs will only be given to students with valid excuses as defined by the university handbook (illness, emergency, class trips with prior notification). Any disputes concerning a test grade must be resolved within one week from the time the tests are returned or from the time the grades are made known to the class. Any grade disputes after this time limit will not be considered under any circumstances. Partial credit will be awarded depending how many steps were done correctly in a multi-step problem. The amount of credit will be at the discretion of the instructor. Labs will consist of "standard labs", "special topics", and "math practice". Students are required to take all data and begin data analysis during the scheduled laboratory period. All laboratory reports/ work sheets are due at the start of the next laboratory period. No late labs will be accepted. Students are required to work in groups for the purpose of acquiring experimental data. Any amendment to this policy is subject to the discretion of the instructor.

Standard labs: There will be eight (8) standard labs. Each lab will worth 100 points. For each lab report, the data tables and graphs will account for 60% of the grade: The answers to questions and discussion/conclusions will account for the remaining 40%

The form of the lab report will follow the Physics laboratory Guidelines, which can be found at http://physics.mercer.edu/labs/LabReportGuidelines.pdf .

Special topic labs: There will be four (4) special topic labs. These labs are designed to introduce new material that will not be covered in the Phy 162 lecture. They will consist of the usual sections of a "standard lab" plus a set of questions. Each lab will be worth 150 points.

Math practice worksheet: The first lab session will consist of a math practice session. This is an opportunity for students to review/sharpen their math and physics skills. The work sheet will be worth 100 points.

Group lab reports: Students may choose to write an individual lab report, or to work together and turn in a group lab report. All students included in the group report will receive the same grade for that particular report. Group work is, however, not allowed for the additional questions that comprise a "special topic lab". That is, for a special topic lab, the additional questions must be the original work of the student, without collaboration with the group members or any other student. Groups will conduct a periodic "peer review" to assess the participation of fellow group members, and the distribution of workload. Satisfactory and unsatisfactory marks will be awarded in the peer review. Any student who receives more unsatisfactory marks than satisfactory marks, for a given peer review, must confer with the laboratory instructor, and is subject to loss of group report privileges. Loss of group report privileges means, that the student will only be able to turn in an individual report. A student who looses group report privileges will still be required to work in a group for the purpose of acquiring data.

Quizzes: There will be a 5-10 minute quiz every week. The quiz will cover the experimental procedure and theory. Students are expected to have read the laboratory instructions before class. Make-up quizzes are subject to the same conditions as make-up tests.

All work for which a grade is received, must be the original work of the student without aid or assistance of another party, or any printed and or electronic data/information. Failure to follow these policies will result in an automatic grade of "F" for the course.

The College’s academic misconduct policy will be followed and students are bound by Mercer University’s Honor Code

Students who believe that they possess disabilities for which accommodation is required must so inform instructors immediately after the first class meeting. They must indicate the nature of the disability and the sort of accommodation requested. If you believe that you possess a disability for which reasonable accommodation must be made, you must consult with the instructor of this class immediately after your first class meeting. You will then identify the disability and the reasonable accommodation requested. The instructor will refer you to Student Support Services for evaluation, documentation of your disability, and a recommendation as to the accommodation, if any, to be provided. If you do not consult with the instructor and follow up at Student Support Services, as provided above, you will thereby waive any claim to a disability and the right to any accommodation pertaining thereto.