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. The basic non-nuclear forces in nature are described, including Newtonian gravitation, and electrostatic and magnetic forces on charged particles. There is also a section on the essential principles of special relativity. The textbook is Principles of Physics, by Raymond Serway (Harcourt Brace College Publishers, 1994.)

There will be no formal assignments of computer work in this course; however, students who are so motivated are encouraged to use computers whenever possible. Some students may want to do their own programming in BASIC, C, PASCAL, FORTRAN, etc. The Computer Commons is available to all students. Homework solutions involving computer work will be welcome.


Course Format and Policies
Homework Schedule
Lecture Schedule
Course Updates Last Update: 3/17 change to HW
Answers to Even-Numbered Problems
The Demonstration Problem-- details and advice
Equation Sheet for Final

GRADES: By recitation
Note that grades are not listed in alphabetical order

JOHNSON - final update now complete
Thurs Fri

PONDER - final update now complete
Wed Thur Fri 840 Fri 1240 Fri 240

Class Average - includes final grade distribution
HOW TO FIGURE YOUR FINAL GRADE.


TA's Jerry Ponder JJ Johnson