Summer 2016

Instructor: KC Walsh, PhD      Office: WNGR 332A     email: walshke@physics.oregonstate.edu

Office Hours: M, T, W, R: 1 - 2 pm, else by appointment

Class times: M, T, W, R: 9 am – 10:50 am (CRN 70234)

Classroom: WNGR 151

TA Office Hours: M - R,  noon – 5:00 pm, in WNGR 201

Course Website:  https://boxsand.physics.oregonstate.edu/

 

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PH 202

Baccalaureate Core: This course is part of the OSU Baccalaureate Core and fulfills the requirement for study related to Physical Science. The Baccalaureate Core Student Learning Outcomes for this category are: 1) recognize and apply concepts and theories of basic physical or biological sciences, 2) apply scientific methodology and demonstrate the ability to draw conclusions based on observation, analysis, and synthesis, and 3) demonstrate connections with other subject areas.

 

Prerequisites: MTH 111 and MTH 112. Mastery of geometry, algebra, and trigonometry are an expected prerequisite and little review will be part of class time. The two most important mathematical skills that you will need for this course are solving simultaneous equations and adding, subtracting and finding components of vectors. You are advised to review the material from MTH 111 and MTH 112 at your earliest convenience.

Required Materials:

Textbook: College Physics: A Strategic Approach, 3rd edition, by Randall D. Knight, Brain Jones, and Stuart Field.

          Masteringphysics (M.P.): Access to Masteringphysics Modified (a new beta version of the traditional masteringphysics) can be purchased in the bookstore or online at https://osubeaverstore.com/AccessCodesPurchase.

 

Setting Up Mastering Physics: How To

 

Course Name:

OSUPH202SU2016

Course ID:

walsh59471

If you already have a copy of Masteringphysics it most likely will not be compatible with the new version. Contact me for instructions about how to proceed with seeing if it can transferred over. Logging onto masteringphysics.com will NOT gain you access to the new beta version Masteringphysics Modified. You must log on at www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com for the correct version. Temporarily two week access can be created if you have problems with the access code. At the sign up screen that asks for your access code, there is a link to temporary access.

Learning Catalytics (L.C.): Access to Learning Catalytics comes with the bundle pack sold at the bookstore and is setup automatically when you setup your M.P. account. For those who already have a standalone M.P. subscription, access to L.C. can be purchased online at https://learningcatalytics.com/. You will need the subscription for the entire sequence. If you’re purchasing it ad hoc be sure your user name is the same as in M.P. so that the accounts will link up.

    Session ID: When you log onto L.C. you'll be asked for a session ID. This is a unique number for each class session and it will be provided at the beginning of each class.

          Lab Manual: You will also need the PH 20x Lab Manual available for download in the course Calendar tab. Optional: Student Study Guide and Student Solutions Manual.

          Calculators: You will need a calculator for lecture, recitation, lab and exams. Communicating calculators will not be allowed. You should have a scientific calculator that has trig, log and exponential functions. If you want to know whether or not your calculator is acceptable or not for exams, then consult the instructor well before the first exam.

Online Learning Tools

Masteringphysics (M.P.) Online Learning: To guide you through the learning process I’ve assigned a set of pre and post lecture assignments via M.P. on the website www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com.  On the main M.P. course website is a tab labeled “Daily Learning Guide” where you will find a schedule with pre-lecture video links, pre and post lecture assignments, and optional content videos. The goal is for this to be a guide through studying the topics.

 

Setting Up Mastering Physics: How To

 

          Pre-Lecture Assignments: These questions should be completed before a given class - they are due by 8 am of the class day. Watching the pre-lecture videos and reading the associated sections in the text should give you the tools to answer the questions.

          Post-Lecture Assignments: These questions are intended to follow up on what was learned before and during class. Although they are not due until two class periods later, they should be completed as soon as possible after you’ve attended the class.

Mastering Physics Grading:  Late assignments will receive up to (100% - # days late*10%). This maxes out at 50%. For each incorrectly answered multiple-choice or true/false question, before the last attempt, the deduction will be 100%/(# of answer options – 1). Deductions for incorrectly answering any other type of question before the last attempt will be 3% per incorrect answer. Answering questions in hints or not using hints results in extra credit. The practice problems are not for credit and are optional.

Problems with Mastering Physics: If you experience problems with Mastering Physics you need to contact their customer support. If they are unable to fix your problem you must get the case ID number from your conversation with support and email me your problem, along with the case ID they gave you.

Learning Catalytics (L.C.) Online “Clickers”: In-class engagement will be facilitated by an online system called Learning Catalytics. Almost every class day questions will be posed via L.C. To access the program in class you will need a web-enabled devices such as a laptop, tablet, or smart phone. You will need to log onto M.P. via www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com and under the Course Home tab you will see a link on the right under the title In Class Learning to L.C. Each class day the session number will be posted on the board and you can join that day’s session. 

          Learning Catalytics Grading: To encourage student involvement and discourage assessment anxiety, all questions answered in class will be worth full credit, regardless of correctness.

          No Web-enabled Device: It is strongly encouraged for you to use a web-enabled device to maximize the effect of the learning software. If you are unable to access a web-enabled device during class then you can retain the points for the in-class questions by keeping a journal. The journal must include clear bullet points with labeling of the class day and question number. You must write down a few key words about what the question asks and clearly box your answer, even if it turns out to be incorrect – remember you won’t be marked down for incorrect responses. The journal will be turned in the last week of class and reviewed for points. Messy, unorganized journals will be docked credit.

M.P. and L.C. Contribution to Overall Grade (Engagement Points): Every question posed on M.P. or via L.C. will be worth 1 point. The two sets of grades will be combined at the end of the term and will contribute 10% to your overall grade in the course. Good news everyone: full credit will be considered 66.7% (or higher) of the total available points (no extra credit). The percentage of the full credit points (66.7% of the total available points) will be your percentage of the 10% going towards your overall grade.

          For Example: If there are 300 total points available throughout the term, then full credit will be set at 200 points. If you receive 150 points then you’ve got 150 out of the max of 200, or 75% of total. Since M.P. and L.C. combined are 10% of your overall grade you will receive 75% of the 10%. My goal is for you to not stress out about any one problem and to provide plenty of opportunity to get full credit for this part of your grade.

Homework

Homework Problems: The homework problems are intended as a minimum set for you to master. It is recommended that you do as many problems at the end of each chapter as possible. Practice is the best way to prepare for exams. Homework will be turned into box #6, located outside of WNGR 234, by the end of the day (11:59 pm) they are due. Late homework will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Homework Problem Grading: Two randomly selected problems from each homework assignment will be graded on a scale of 0-10. In addition the completeness of the entire assignment will be graded on a 0 -10 point scale for a total of 30 points per assignment. The combined score will constitute 10% of your final grade. I encourage you to work with others but your solutions must be your own. Any case of questionable academic integrity will be dealt with very seriously.

Missing graded homework: If you cannot find your graded work or do not have a grade for an assignment you’ve turned in, please come and see me during office hours.

Laboratory

          Labs are performed in WNGR 234. Original work is required. You are required to printout your own lab worksheets prior to coming to lab. The labs can be found in the schedule, located towards the top of this page. Read the lab instructions before coming to lab. Lab worksheets must be completed and checked by your TA by the end of the lab period as passing work. You must attend and pass all labs in order to pass the course. In the event that your work is not to a passing level you will be required to bring the lab worksheet up to a passing level by the end of the term. You may use the makeup session at the end of the term to improve any lab worksheets that were not passed. Your lab grade will constitute 10% of your final grade and will be calculated by your pre-lab scores and the scores received on take-home labs. Pre-lab and take-home questions must be turned in your respective TA’s box, located outside WNGR 234. Pre-labs and take-home labs turned in after the due date will receive a maximum of 50% of the points.

          Missed Labs: If you miss a lab, then try to make it up the same day or the next day. You must ask for permission from the lab TA whose class you wish to attend. Realize that we have limited equipment and if the lab is traditionally full the TA will probably turn you away. There will be make-up sessions during the term - you can make up at most two labs during those days. You can attend any section during the make-up lab periods.

Prior Lab Credit: Students that have passed PH202 or PH212 (course, not just the lab) at OSU, in the past 2 years, with a D- or better are not required to retake the lab (although it is still suggested). If you would like to use this exemption, then please send me an email with the subject heading “ph202 lab exemption request.” Include the following information in a clear bulleted format: 1) your name and email address, 2) your ID number, 3) course ID (202/212) 4) the term and year that you took the lab. I will email you a confirmation by the end of the week.

Lab grade: Students who qualify and choose to opt out of the lab will have the exams weighted more heavily.

Recitation

          This time is intended to work on problem solving in a formal environment run by experienced TA’s. Expect small review lectures followed by activities that engage you to think and ask questions in the classroom. Many problem example solutions will be presented in recitation. This is an ideal place to bring questions about suggested problems from the book that you are having difficulty with or even to discuss the homework.

 

Exams

Midterm Exams: The will be two midterms. In physics, current topics are often inherently dependent on previous ones - that being said, expect each exam to be highly dependent on the material since the previous exam. The midterm exams are closed book with an up to ten, 8½x11 inch double sided sheets of notes that are stapled or bound in a ring binder. Please arrive five to ten minutes early and bring your student ID card, writing utensil and an approved calculator. Midterm 1 and 2 will each constitute 15% of your final grade?

Final Exams: The final will be comprehensive, i.e. it will cover the entire course. The final exam is closed book with an up to ten, 8½x11 inch double sided sheets of notes that are stapled or bound in a ring binder. Please arrive five to ten minutes early and bring your student ID card, writing utensil and an approved calculator. The final exam will constitute 40% of your final grade.

Exam Grading: The TAs will grade the exams. Partial credit will be given on most worked out problems. Clearly organizing your solutions is paramount to partial credit. Most solutions should include at least the following:

o        physical representation: diagram or figure

o        list of known and unknown variables that pertain to the problem

o        list of equations that pertain to the problem

o        organized, step-by-step, application of each equation with the appropriate variables

o        any assumptions or symmetries that are exploited must clearly be stated

o        clearly boxed answer with at least 3 significant figures

          Exam Grading Appeals: An exam appeal consists of the following items, stapled together, in this order: A specific written description of the issue; the entire original scored exam (with no subsequent marks made by you); and a photocopy of the exam, with any marks or annotations you wish to make. Your written description should identify the problem/item, and specifically why the scoring is incorrect, etc. It is NOT sufficient simply to say “I think I deserved more points for this.” You have to say why. The best approach for this is to use the photocopy of your exam and basically “re-score” the problem in question—as if you were the grader—showing how your version of the scoring is more aligned with the posted solution. Leave your appeal for the instructor in WNGR 301 (the Physics Department office). I will review all appeals filed by the 10-day deadline, but no appeals are reviewed until after that deadline has passed, so you won’t know the outcome of your appeal until about 3 weeks after you’ve picked up the exam. Warning: I re-grade the problem, so you may gain or lose points. The instructor’s decision on appeals is final; there are no re-appeals.

Resources

TA Office Hours: The TAs will hold office hours in the Wormhole, WNGR 145, M – R, from 12:00 to 5 pm. You can attend any of the TA’s office hours.

Learning Assistant Homework Help Hours: The LAs will hold homework help sessionsin WNGR 212 on Thursdays from 4 - 7 pm.

Tutoring: A list of available tutors for hire is available in the physics main office. One-on-one is really the best way to get help if you are struggling. If you are unable to find a suitable tutor through the physics main office please come see me as I may have alternative suggestions.

Coaching at the Academic Success Center: “Get Personal One-on-One Support” 

Make an appointment by visiting or calling: 102 Waldo Hall / 541-737-2272 / https://success.oregonstate.edu

Academic Integrity: All students are expected to uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity in their academic work. Lab reports are done as group work, as are problems, other than quizzes, solved during recitation. All other graded work is to be done on an individual basis. Any incidence of academic dishonesty will be dealt with in accordance with OSU policies.

Students with Disabilities: Students with documented disabilities who need special accommodations should make an appointment with the instructor as soon as possible to discuss the accommodations.

Overall Grade

Final Grades*: Your final grade will be calculated as follows: M.P. and L.C. combined (engagement points) 10%, Homework 10%, Midterm One 15%, Midterm Two 15%, Final 40%, and Lab 10% (if you don't pass the lab, then you don't pass the course).

          * The above calculation will be done in tandem with a separate one that only includes the exams - you will receive the higher of the two grades. This is to accommodate students who have already mastered, or feel they can master, the material without formal practice and assessment.

Grade Scale:

                85  - 100% = A
                80  -   84% = A-
                77  -   79% = B+
                68  -   76% = B
                65  -   67% = B-
                62  -   64% = C+
                50  -   61% = C
                45  -   50% = D

                 0   -   44% = F

Calculating your grade:

          You can calculate your grade in the following way – multiply the percentage earned for a given part by the percentage of the final grade that part is worth. Add these up and the result is your percentage in the class.

          Example: Say you receive the following scores for each graded part of the course. M.P. and L.C. 75%, CHW 70%, midterm one 40%, midterm two 45%, final exam 50%, lab 65%, recitation 75%, clicker questions 75%. You would do the following calculation to determine your grade.

          (% M.P. received)(% M.P. of total) + (% CHW received)(% CHW total) + (% m1 received)(% m1 total) + …..

          So, (0.75)(0.1) + (0.7)(0.1) + (0.4)(0.15) + (0.45)(0.2) + (0.5)(0.4) + (0.65)(0.05) = 0.5275 or a 52.75%.

          If you’d like to calculate what you need on the final then put in a % overall you wish to obtain and algebraically solve backwards for what the score on the final would have to be to achieve that overall percentage. 

Managing your grade:

  • There will be two gradebook updates on Blackboard; one after the second midterm, and one after the final grades have been submitted.
  • The onus is on you to collect your work from the lab space and track your grades in the interim.
    • Please come to office hours to discuss any issues regarding lost homework.
  • Estimating your grade
    • If you know your midterm scores, and have an educated guess of on your other work, you can work backward to find out what you need on the final.
    • The margin of error in this calculation will be small, especially compared to the uncertainty on the final exam.
      • It is because of the uncertainty on the final exam that I’m hesitant telling someone their grade before the class is over.
    • I do believe you know enough to gauge how much you have to study, relative to your other classes.
    • Quick estimation: average your two midterm exams and you know if you’re doing your other work, you probably have a higher grade than that exam average. 

Why is this the system?

I tried posting grades more regularly and with 500+ students, and the plethora of ways things got; lost then found, delayed, re-graded/recorded, etc., I was overwhelmed with emails about the online gradebook. Most of these issues work themselves out - which often involves having to physically look through a stack of papers of random origin, e.g. no names, wrong box, late, etc. Any issue that arises when I do post grades can be dealt with then. One of my professors once said to me when I was in a panic about the gradebook (not online back then… cough, cough), “There are no emergencies in academia”.