Physics 213& 213H Information Page
INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Brian L. Weiner

117 SWIFT BLD;   PHONE: 814-375-4740
COURSE
PHYS 213   (CLICK LINK TO SEE PREREQUISITES AND CO REQUISITES)

GENERAL PHYSICS: FLUIDS AND THERMAL PHYSICS

 (2 CREDITS)

 
You are expected to check the online physics 213 page at two or three times a week. The schedule for lecture topics, quizzes and exams is dynamic and can change. You can access the class home page by opening the WWW address

 
http://www.personal.psu.edu/bqw

then clicking

Courses that I teach

followed by

Physics 213: General Physics

The following items should be specifically checked

  • Text :
  • Fundamentals of Physics - Halliday, Resnick & Walker (8th Edition).
  • Textbooks may be purchased in either hard cover version or as a soft cover “split”. The hardcover version contains all the material covered in the four course sequence Phys 211-214. If you chose to purchase the soft cover “spilt” you will need Volumes Four and Five for Phys 214.
  •  
  • OFFICE HOURS: 
    • Monday 01:30 pm - 02:30 pm 
    Wednesday 01:30 pm - 02:30 pm 
    Friday 01:30 pm - 02:30 pm 

    And by Appointment (But come by and check my office any time, write me email or post a message on the BB!).

  • The purpose of
    • Phy 213 and Phy 213H

              The objective of this course is to provide an overview and introduction to physics, in particular to 

         Fluids, Waves, Sound and Thermodynamics, and to illustrate how these principles play a role
         in modern everyday society. The course is calculus-based and will require the utilization and
         development of mathematical skills such as differentiation, integration, and vector analysis.
         The course will make use of collaborative group activities as a means of exploring the physical concepts
         being studied. These group activities will allow you to explore the concepts in more depth, to discuss
         questions, and to attack problems that may be too difficult for a single student. I will act as coaches to guide  
         you in developing a better understanding of the material. However, ultimately you, the student, are responsible 
         for understanding the material. Collaboration between group members, both in and out of class, is essential to 
         your success in this class and is highly encouraged.

     

      
     Phy 213H 

     

    See the honors information link on the Phy 213 home page

  •  
  • Homework problems will be online via WebAssign, reading assignments will be set from the textbook.

    •  

  • Attendance at all lectures, labs and recitations is required.
  • Late Lab Reports: 10% will be deducted from the mark for each week late, unless other arrangements have been made
  • Assignments will be given each week from textbook.
  • Short quizzes will be given that correspond to the assignments.
  • Makeup quizzes and tests due to absence from class must be arranged beforehand with me.
  • The following physics and mathematical knowledge is required and assumed for the course:
    •
      The concepts and laws introduced in physics 211 and 212 e.g. Newtons laws, momentum, potential and kinetic energy, torque, static and dynamic equilibrium, Hookes law, simple harmonic motion, etc..

        Vector addition; position, displacement and unit vectors; magnitudes of vectors. Basic algebra and trigonometry, an understanding of and ability to use differential and integral calculus.

  • If you feel uneasy about any of these topics please inform me.
  • The grades will be determined as follows:
    •
    Phy 213
    Quiz grades 16%
    Lab grades 16%
    Home Work 16%
    2 Test grades 52%

    Phy 213H

    Project grade  16%
    2 Test grades 52%
    Home Work 16%
    Lab Grades 16%

  • Letter grades and marks correspond in the following fashion:
    • A: 93-100 A-: 90-92 B+: 87-89 B: 80-86 B-: 77-79 C+: 74-76 C: 68-73 D: 60-67 F: 0-59

  • Statement of Academic Integrity: Cheating will not be tolerated. Any student caught cheating will be given an "F" on that exam and referred to the Director of Academic Affairs for further disciplinary action. You should also see the university statement at  http://www.psu.edu/ufs/policies/
  • Attendance: Students are expected to attend all classes unless prior arrangements have been made, failure to attend classes can result in a lower grade than test and quiz scores would warrant.
  • Makeup's: If you present a doctors certificate or equivalent make-up quizzes and tests will be given. Make up quizzes will also be given if you make arrangements prior to the quiz and have a justifiable reason.
  • Good Luck! I hope you enjoy the course. Please come and discuss any problems you have with the course. Silence achieves nothing.
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