How Things Work Goals Expectations Syllabus Physics 105 Ethics - - PDF document

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Introduction 1

How Things Work

Physics 105 Fall 2005 Lou Bloomfield

Introduction 2

Outline of Introduction

What is How Things Work? Goals Expectations Syllabus Ethics and Integrity Getting Started General Advice

Introduction 3

What is How Things Work?

It’s Physics in the Context of Objects

It puts objects before physics concepts It puts physics concepts before formulas It’s “backwards”

It’s the “Case Study” Method It’s how Scientists actually Discover Science It’s what Makes Science Fun

Introduction 4

Goals

Develop understanding and intuition See the role of physics in your world Learn to enjoy science, not fear it See universe as predictable, not magical

Introduction 5

Expectations

You’ll have to think rather than memorize Focus on concepts rather than formulas Learn to understand and apply concepts Absence of calculations

less distractions from concepts less opportunities for mindless plug & chug doesn’t make the course easier

I assume no prior study of physics

Introduction 6

Syllabus – Course Schedule

Lecture and Reading Topics

Read ahead in the book

Assignments

Keep up with the homework on your own

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Introduction 7

Syllabus – Course Policy

Textbook (in transition) Course Web Site Office Hours (on Web) Coursework (on Web)

10 Problem Sets (plus PS0) 2 Exams (Midterm and Final) 1 Term Paper

Introduction 8

Syllabus – Course Policy (con’t)

Late Policy Guests and Visitors Grading Information Term Paper Incentive

Introduction 9

Syllabus – Course Rules

It is your responsibility to read the rules Key individual work rules are:

You must write up problem sets on your own You must author term paper entirely yourself

Ask me for exceptions in advance

Introduction 10

Ethics and Integrity

Academic and Intellectual Integrity

a foundation of scholarship too important to compromise

I Will Not Tolerate Misconduct

Plagiarism is any misrepresentation of authorship I will not accept fraudulent work I will ask five students to initiate an honor case

Introduction 11

Ethics and Integrity (con’t)

Thoughts about ethics and integrity

Please put education ahead of credentials Academic misconduct isn’t a victimless crime

Spoils the scholarly environment Steals credentials from others Cheapens those credentials

Rather than misbehave, please talk to me

Introduction 12

Getting Started

Sign the attendance sheet today Complete Problem Set #0 as soon as possible Read the Syllabus, including on-line parts

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Introduction 13

Advice

Don’t aim at deadlines, they’re not targets Ask questions and volunteer in class Try the demonstrations after class Come talk to me (about anything) Room is open before and after class Use rear entrance during class Turn off electronic toys during class