Physics 132 Laboratory
Spring 2003
 Wednesday 1:30 - 4:20

Please consult the web page for lab announcements, homework assignments, and other useful information.

Feel free to call whenever you need to. I tend to check my voicemail and email frequently, so if I am not around, I will get in touch with you as soon as possible. One of the benefits of going to a small college like Sweet Briar is the opportunity to get personalized attention from your professors, take advantage of this in all your courses.

Text: No required text.

General
A lab experience is an integral part of your exploration of the concepts of the physical universe. The laboratory is a hands-on, active environment. Working in teams, you will carry out experiments which will allow you to apply, verify, or discover concepts, principles, and laws of physics. With most labs the goal is for you to be the scientist; i.e., you will have to design all of the steps for a procedure which will allow you to answer a question. All experiments require observation, measurement, data analysis, drawing conclusions, and presenting your results.

If you have a question, comment, or complaint please let me know. Even an anonymous note under my door is fine. 

Course Schedule:
The link below will take you to the course schedule.  The schedule is likely change as the semester advances.   http://hyochum.physics.sbc.edu/physics132_spring2003/phys132_schedule_assignments.htm

Course Goals:
    To increase understanding of physical laws applying to optics, waves, and circuits
    To develop physical curiosity
    To develop experimental skills
    To enhance problem solving and critical thinking skills
    To enhance investigative and observational skills
    To develop an appreciation for logical qualitative and quantitative reasoning
    To develop communication skills

Course Objectives:

    The student will be able to:
        Make measurements with common instruments
        Make objective observations of physical phenomena
        Draw conclusions based on observations and data
        Analyze quantitative information using sketches, graphs, tables, and statistics
        Conduct quantitative and qualitative discussions of observational errors
        Produce an acceptable lab report
        Design and conduct an experiment in order to investigate a proposition, evaluate a phenomenon, or make a prediction

Preparation:
You are expected to have working knowledge of algebra and  trigonometry.   You should also  have a solid understanding of the concepts from Physics 111.  Having taken the laboratory associated with Physics 111 would be helpful though not required.

Attendance:
This one is pretty simple.  Come to lab unless you have been to health services or have had a family emergency.  Come to lab with a good attitude and be ready to work (and have fun...).  

Attendance, timeliness, and participation are critical to the learning process and an integral part of this course.  Being late to class is disrespectful to your classmates and to your professor.    Missing class will make learning the material difficult, as some of what you get out of this course will come from discussion in class with your peers.  We reserve the right to take points off your grade for lateness or lack of in class activity.

Grades:

Pre-labs:
Some labs will have a pre-lab exercise.  Pre-labs are due at the beginning of the lab period.  Late pre-labs will not be accepted.

Quizzes and Final:
From time to time I will give a short lab quiz to make sure the class is understanding the material.  We will most likely have around 2 such unannounced or announced quizzes and a short lab final quiz. 

Lab Reports:
The student will write a formal lab report for most labs.  The ability to write  reports is an important skill.  Whether or not you work in biology, engineering, or business, clear writing will be crucial for your success.  Lab reports will generally be due one week after the lab is completed.  Points will be taken off late  lab reports at my discretion.  A typical penalty for lateness is ~20% per day.  The suggested format for your lab reports can be found at: http://hyochum.physics.sbc.edu/physics132_spring2003/physics132_2003.htm/phys132_labreports_2003.htm 
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