Class Policy
Class Meetings MWF 1:00pm-1:50pm, Physics Room 203
Required Materials 1. How Thinks Work: the Physics of Everyday Life, 4th Edition by Louis A. Bloomfield
2. WileyPlus Access Code for How Thinks Work: the Physics of Everyday Life, 4th Edition
3. iClicker Classroom Response Unit

Various purchase options:
  • 1 and 2 are available as a bundle (0-470-48172-2) at the UVa Bookstore for $166.60.
  • 2 is available alone (0-470-07541-4) at the UVa Bookstore for $63.95 or directly from the publisher for $49.94.
  • 3 is available (0-7167-7939-0) at the UVa Bookstore for $38.35.

Note: the WileyPlus Access Code (2) gives you access to an online electronic version of the book (1), so you can choose not to purchase the physical book if you are comfortable reading online.
Class Web Site http://rabi.phys.virginia.edu/1050
WileyPlus Web Site
WileyPlus Main Login(For reading the on-line book or completing problem sets)
Register with WileyPlus (Special registration link for THIS class)
1st Day of Class(Introduction to WileyPlus, including tutorials)
Technical Support Page 
Instructor Lou Bloomfield, Professor of Physics
Office: Physics Room 133 (see me here almost anytime)
TEL: (434) 924-6595
FAX: (434) 924-4576
Email I cannot reply to emails. Except for emergencies, please see me in person.
Electronic Devices Electronic devices may not be used in the classroom, with the exception of iClickers. In particular, cellphones and laptops must be off and put away. Only the LNEC notetaker and students with document disabilities may use a laptop. For an explanation of this policy, see Changes.
Course Work
10 Problem Sets 30% of Course Grade (3% Each)
2 Midterm Exams 30% of Course Grade (15% Each)
1 Final Exam 30% of Course Grade
Reading Questions (Daily In-Class) 5% of Course Grade
Clicker Questions (Daily In-Class) 5% of Course Grade
Problem Sets

Several guided problems per set, submitted via the WileyPlus homework web site. Questions will require independent thought on your part in order to answer them correctly.

The problem sets are not pledged work and you may discuss them with other students and the instructor after you have thought about them yourself. The true purpose of these problem sets is to help you understand the material, not to assign grades, so there is no value in struggling unsuccessfully to understand them on your own.

I have observed over the years, however, that students who simply copy answers from other students or from the instructor, and who don't make a serious effort to understand why those answers are correct, do poorly on the exams. It's in your best interest to work on the problems yourself at first and to seek help from others only when you are having trouble making headway. Similarly, you provide the best help to others when you guide them back onto the correct path, rather than simply giving them an answer.

Problem sets are due by the start of class (1:00:00pm) on the dates listed on the course schedule. Late problem sets are acceptable for reduced credit until 4 days (96 hours) after the due date. The maximum credit is 80% during the first 24 hours, 60% during the second 24 hours, 40% during the third, and 20% during the fourth.

Problem Set 0 (zero) is an introduction to WileyPlus and the homework submission process. It will not be graded, but you must complete it.
Midterm Exams
 Two fifty-minute, closed-book, in-class examinations given on September 27 and October 29. These exams will consist of about 30 multiple-choice questions. There will be a penalty for each wrong answer, so that random guessing will result in a score of approximately zero.

The questions will emphasize understanding of concepts so that memorization will be far less valuable for answering them than basic insight into how things work.

Compelling reason for alternate midterm exam times will be considered only up until September 20 for the first exam and October 22 for the second exam.
Final Exam
 A three-hour, closed-book examination given during Finals Week on Saturday, December 11, 9:00am – 12:00noon. The exam will consist of about 60 multiple-choice questions. There will be a penalty for each wrong answer, so that random guessing will result in a score of approximately zero.

The questions will emphasize understanding of concepts so that memorization will be far less valuable for answering them than basic insight into how things work.

Compelling reason for taking the final exam late will be considered only up until December 1 (the College deadline for such requests). You must obtain permission from the Dean. No early final exams can be given.
Reading Questions To help motivate you to do the relevant reading prior to class, I will ask basic questions about it and you will submit your answers via your Classroom Response Unit (iClicker). You will receive credit only for correct answers. When computing your semester percentage of correct answers, I will drop your 5 lowest-scoring days, so that 5 absences are "free." Athletes will receive one additional dropped date for each official travel day.
Clicker Questions To make the class more lively and help keep you engaged, I will ask questions about the issues at hand and you will submit your answers via your Classroom Response Unit (iClicker). My initial plan is to give 5 credits for participating and 1 credit for getting the right answer, but I reserve the right to change this ratio if I feel it is necessary. When computing your semester percentage of correct answers, I will drop your 5 lowest-scoring days, so that 5 absences are "free." Athletes will receive one additional dropped date for each official travel day.
Absence Policy I do not take attendance, but excessive absences will probably diminish your learning and your grade. Because occasional absences are often unavoidable, I will drop your in-class question scores for your 5 lowest-scoring days (plus official travel days for athletes). In effect, that gives you five "free" absences. I cannot drop additional missed days, regardless of the reason.
Late Policy Specific grade deductions for late work and final deadlines are discussed on the list of course rules. Exceptions for illness, family illness or death, religious holidays must be obtained in advance. You must contact me before something is due or before you miss an examination.
Guests and Visitors Guests and visitors are always more than welcome (except during the exams, naturally). No special permission is required. I even have iClickers that they can borrow.
Grading Information

Your course grade will be based strictly on your overall numerical score for the semester. I do not curve the individual scores for problem sets, exams, or in-class questions. Students with overall numerical scores near the class average receive approximately a "B" for the semester. Those with scores approximately 15 points above class average receive approximately an "A" for the semester. Those with scores approximately 15 points below class average receive approximately a "C" for the semester. I give both "A+" and "F" grades every semester.

Problem sets not submitted or tests not taken will receive scores of zero. You are responsible for remembering the due dates and test times, so don't miss them!

If you are taking this course Credit/No Credit, your course letter grade must be at least a C- to receive Credit.
Course Evaluation Incentive If you complete the University's course evaluation before the deadline for that evaluation, I will drop your lowest problem set score when computing your semester grade.
College of Arts & Sciences Deadlines Drop Deadline: Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Add Deadline: Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Credit/No Credit Deadline: Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Withdraw Deadline: Tuesday, October 19, 2010