Physics – Verizon Next Step Program

Fall 2001 Course Outline


Course Title: Physics

Curriculum: Telecommunications Technology: Verizon

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites: Math 2

Instructor for Fall 2001: Mike Kolta (call me Mike)
Mike@Kolta.net

Course Objectives: This course is designed to introduce students to the physical laws and principles inherent in the study of mechanics, light and optics, electricity and magnetism, and time permitting modern physics. There will be an emphasis placed on the following topics: vibrations and waves, electricity and magnetism, and wave optics. Dimensional analysis and problem solving will be stressed.

Text(s): College Physics, 5th edition by Serway and Faughn
Saunders Publishing Co.
Schaum’s Outline for Physics, 9th Edition, by Bueche

Hardware: Laptop Computer
Scientific Calculator (Sharp EL-546L or equivalent)

Software: Microsoft Office, MathCad, Electronic Workbench

Supplemental Resources: Lotus Notes and web access.

Attendance Policy: Next Step students are expected to attend all classes and it is the responsibility of the student to make up any material due to absence.

Classroom Policies: Use of the internet will be a key component of this course. The Course Outline, Syllabus, notes, and homework assignments will all be posted on the web at www.kolta.net/physics. Paper versions will not be distributed during class and it is the student's responsibility to obtain these resources from the web. It is recommended that students either save them to their laptop or print them out before class.
Students are encouraged to ask questions and participate in class discussions and problem solving sessions. Students are also encouraged to participate via the use of e-mail outside of class. Class participation will make up a small part of the final grade.
Cell phone or pager noises will not be allowed in class and will be considered negative class participation.
Please turn all cell phones and pagers to vibrate mode or turn them off during class time. If you need to leave the room for any reason, please feel free to do so. Just be aware that the class will not pause on your behalf. Frequent breaks, approximately two per session, will be worked into the class schedule.

Evaluation: The final letter grade will be computed according to the following:

1) 2 in class examinations *

40%

2) 1 in class final examination *20%
3) Laboratory/experiment reports20%
4) Homework10%
5) Class participation10%
Total100%


* Note: Tests will be "open computer". This means that all in class examinations will allow and may require the use of a laptop computer. Textbooks and other notes may not be used during the examinations. Internet access or network access will also not be allowed during examinations, but is encouraged for other assignments.


Mike Kolta - Adjunct Physics Instructor

DUTCHESS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Poughkeepsie, NY 12601