Course Syllabus for Spring 2003, PY 205 section 007

Instructor Contact Information:
Name: Dr. G. McLaughlin
Office: 214 BOM
Telephone: 513-0516
E-mail address:

Regularly Scheduled Class Meeting Times: MWF 1:30 pm to 2:20 pm

Office Hours: Wednesday, 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm or by appointment, BOM 214

Course Prerequisites:
The prerequisite for PY 205 is MA 141. Students not meeting this requirement must either drop the course or present a written request for exemption signed by the appropriate person in the Academic Affairs Office or Dean's Office of their College (COE students go to 120 Page Hall). A procedure for the latter will be given in class. Students not meeting the prerequisites, who do not obtain an approved exemption, may be dropped from the roll.

Student Learning Objectives:
The Learning Objectives are the things that you must know and be able to do in order to demonstrate that you have mastered the material of this course. Use them initially to guide your study of the textbook, and later to guide your review before each test.

Textbooks:
TitleYearPrice
Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 3/e Volume 1, Giancoli 2000 $78.75
Introduction to Laboratory Physics, Egler and Mowat 2000 $21.25
Exam Questions 2002-2003 (OPTIONAL), Parker 2002-2003 2002 $15.00

Click here for information regarding the schedule, organization, and major topics of this course.

Grading Policy:
Test Average* 52%
Lab** 10%
Homework 15%
Exam 23%
* The Test Average will be comprised of 7% for the test with the lowest score and 15% for each of the remaining three. At the end of the semester the PY205 instructors, working together as a committee, will determine how numerical scores will be converted into letter grades. The median course score will set the middle of the scale (i.e., the middle of the "C" range). The same grading scale will be applied to all sections.
** Every student must receive a score of 50% or better in lab in order to pass the course.
Further information

Late Assignments and Incomplete Grades:
Extensions will be granted on homework deadlines for students with excused absences. An excused absence requires documentation. Partially completed work will be given partial credit.

Absences and Scheduling Makeup Work:
Attendance will be taken daily throughout the semester. Make-up tests are permitted for students with excused absences, including documented illness and/or class conflicts. Make-up tests are generally not permitted because of a conflict with an off-campus activity such as your job. Information on how to arrange a make-up test can be found here.

Statement on Academic Integrity:
The instructor of this course is committed to upholding the University policy on academic integrity, described in the Code of Student Conduct (Appendix L of the Handbook for Advising and Teaching), which can be found at: http://www.fis.ncsu.edu/ncsulegal/41.03-codeof.htm.

Statement for students with disabilities:
Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-7653. http://www.ncsu.edu/provost/offices/affirm_action/dss/ For more information on NC State's policy on working with students with disabilities, please see http://www.ncsu.edu/provost/hat/current/appendix/appen_k.html.

Statement on laboratory safety or risk assumption:
The PY205 laboratory has no special risks that would make it less safe than any other classroom. The introductory physics laboratory program has an outstanding safety record, and the Physics Department is committed to maintaining an environment in which students can safely pursue their required laboratory assignments.

Statement on extra expenses:
Beyond the purchase of a textbook, a lab manual, and a suitable calculator, there are no significant extra expenses.

Statement on transportation:
All class meetings and exams are conducted on campus. Transportation to an off-campus site is not required.