121 Syllabus
PHY-121 is the first part of a three-semester sequence in introductory physics
offered to engineering and other science and pre-professional majors.
The prerequisite for PHY-121 is MAT-270. A working
familiarity with basic differential and integral calculus will be assumed.
PHY-121 covers the subject of Newtonian mechanics including kinematics (the
description of motion), and dynamics (the relation of motion to force and mass).
Among the most important topics are Newton's Laws of Motion and the
conservation of momentum and energy. Other topics are rotational kinematics
and dynamics, Newtonian gravitation, and simple harmonic motion. A detailed
list of topics can be found on the
lecture schedule which accompanies this syllabus.
The textbook is Fundamentals of Physics, by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker,
Sixth Edition, (John Wiley & Sons, 2001.) Reading assignments and homework
problems are keyed to this textbook. The Problem Supplement #1 is optional;
any problems assigned from that book will also be made available on the web.
The text of the syllabus is also available as a
pdf file.
Course Format and Policies
Homework Schedule
Lecture Schedule Exam Date and Time is Here
Course Updates
5/06 Test 5 Solutions Now Available
Derivations: Parallel Axis Theorem
Online Problems
Answers to Even-Numbered Problems
121 Honors Projects
Push the Trike Rotation Problems
PLACES TO GET HELP
My Office Hours Physics Festivals!
TA Office Hours
Physics Dept Tutor List
Help Study Schedule
Textbook Sites - practice tests and more
Online Tutorials - interactive instruction
GRADES: By recitation
Note that grades are not listed in alphabetical order
Mon 440 <>
Wed 140 <>
Fri 940 <>
Fri 1140 <>
Fri 340
Class Average Final Average Now Available
HOW TO FIGURE YOUR FINAL GRADE.