ISP 209 : Mystery of the Physical World
Course description Laws of physics through demonstrations and analyses of everyday phenomena. Mechanical systems, electromagnetic phenomena, optics. Applications of physics in technology.
Course objectives To enhance the awareness of the basic laws governing demonstrable phenomena, and to participate in the understanding of these laws of nature. Also, to learn how this science applies to technology that we use every day.
Prerequisites Algebra, e.g., MTH 103 at MSU or equivalent or an equivalent score on the math placement exam. The homework will involve calculations using algebra. You will need a scientific calculator, such as TI-30, but you won't need a graphing calculator.
Professor Daniel Stump Room 1312 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building Office Hours: Wednesdays 3:30 to 4:30
Teaching Assistant Alexander Baumann and Physics Graduate TA's; Room 1248 B. P. S. Building
Grading will be based on several components: on-line homework assignments using the LON-CAPA system (20%), attendance (20%), three exams (3 x 20%). Exam dates: July 22, August 5, August 19. The Final Exam is the third exam.
Attendance counts and will affect the final grade. If you must miss class, please fill out an "Adjustments form".
Textbook Daniel Stump, ISP 209 Coursepack (Spartan Bookstore, International Center)
Homework using the LON-CAPA system. Log on at msu.loncapa.org, using your MSU NETID and password. Then follow the links to enter the ISP 209 site. Click on Navigate Contents to go to the problem sets. Also, learn how to use the print command (prepare a printed document) to print a paper copy of your assignment. The deadlines for homework will be at 10:00 PM on the due date. However, students should complete the homework earlier in case of computer malfunctions: if access to the LON-CAPA system should fail near the time of the deadline, a student will not be able to get credit for the homework that was not yet submitted.
Reading assignments
The Reading Assignments will be one or two coursepack chapters per week,
and will be announced in class.
Expectations. To complete ISP 209 and receive a satisfactory grade, a student must do four things: come to class and pay attention; do the readings; do the homework assignments; study for the exams. This work is expected to take approximately 12 hours per week, in addition to the 4.5 hours per week in class.
Web site: www.pa.msu.edu/courses/isp209
Last revised July 1, 2009