David DeGraff (he/him) SCIE 111 Plague Year 1

233 Science Center x 2208 MTWF 9:20-10:10

[email protected] Lab: M 3:20-5:10
Office Hours: MTWF: 10:15-11:10; 2-3:15 SCIE 230
& by appointment

Masks
You must wear a mask covering both your nose and mouth at all times when you are physically
present in class. The coronavirus can be transmitted three days before symptoms show up and
masks have been shown to greatly reduce that transmission. Anyone not properly wearing a
mask will be asked to leave and will be reported for a safety violation

Abstract
What rules govern the universe? That’s what we’ll be learning in this class. How do objects
move, why do they move, what kind of constraints act on their motion, how do spinning objects
behave differently from point-masses, and how can we keep things still.

Catalog Description
A calculus-based lecture and laboratory course which includes one and two dimensional
kinematics and dynamics, the work energy theorem, conservation of energy, the impulse
momentum theorem, conservation of momentum, rotational and simple harmonic motion and
gravitation. Prerequisite: MATH 151.

Goals & Objectives

1) No Physics Monkeys
2) Interpret equations qualitatively and build physics
intuition
3) Build physical models of real-world situations
4) Use Calculus to solve Physics problems
5) Apply Newton's Laws to idealized situations
6) Apply conservation laws when appropriate
7) Derive equations that apply to specific situations

Required Text
The textbook for this class, Brown Introductory Physics 1, 2016, is available for free as a PDF
https://www.phy.duke.edu/~rgb/Class/intro_physics_1/intro_physics_1.pdf, or you can order a
print version for $25 from http://www.lulu.com/shop/product-21186588.html

Policies
A Physics Monkey is someone who looks through the formula sheet to find equations that have
the right variables and plugs in the numbers to get an answer with no understanding of what is
happening, or even if those equations are valid. Don’t be a Physics Monkey. Physics is a difficult
subject that can't be absorbed all at once, so if you want to learn something you have to be an
active participant in that learning who keeps working at a slow, steady pace. Class time will be

Caveat: This syllabus is how I expect the course to proceed. Changes will be announced in class and on Canvas
active. Be prepared to think about the questions I pose. Don't let the person next to you tell you
the answer—make sure you can reason it out on your own.
Homework: I will assign 3 to 5 problems due every MWF class period. Since almost every
physics problem requires you to draw a picture, always include at least one figure with each
homework problem. This means you will not be able to write more than two problems per page.
Also, keep in mind the difference between an answer and a solution: a solution explains why you
set a problem up in a certain way, why you started with a particular equation, and makes it clear
what physics concepts are you applied to solve the problem. Solutions also end with a sentence,
e.g. “It takes the car 14.3 seconds to stop,” not just a box around the number 14.3. A good set of
homework solutions is a great study guide for the tests.
Setting up a problem is more important than getting the answer right because it’s easy to make a
mistake, especially if you have time constraints. Noticing that a problem is done completely
wrong even though all the algebra is correct is a lot harder.
Do not cram too many problems on a page.
An acceptable homework will be submitted as a clear PDF scan (scanner or phone photo/scan—
there are lots of free apps that will do this) without shadows of at a) least one problem complete,
b) pictures sketched out for each problem, c) solutions that are not too similar to other people’s
solutions.
Class participation: The class time will mix of lecture, demonstrations, group exercises and
problem solving. Class is more fun for everybody if you are actively participating and thinking
out the answers to the questions I pose. I don’t want to train a bunch of physics monkeys who
can solve homework and test problems by finding the formula with the right letters and plugging
in. I want you to know why your solution is a proper way to solve a problem.
Lab: Labs do not work in time of Corona. We all peer at equipment with our faces close
together. We will do some activity during lab time that will have some resemblance of a lab, but
will not involve faces close together.
Evaluation Questions: At the end of each major section—1) kinematics, 2) dynamics, 3)
conservation laws, 4) Rotation and Toques—you will have the opportunity to answer a number
of Evaluation Problems. These problems, like the homework, will fall into three categories—
questions involving an algebraic solution (A) questions involving numerical answers (N) and a
set of related conceptual problems that require an answer in words (C). These will be graded as
Acceptable, Revise & Resubmit or unacceptable. If you get an R&R, you can make changes to
the problem to make it an acceptable solution. If you turn in an unacceptable solution, you can
try again on another problem, if you want.
You will have access to a sheet that has all the relevant formulas so you don’t need to spend your
time memorizing. Do not use the formula sheet as a substitute for knowing the principles of
physics, and when and where the formulas apply. That’s what a Physics Monkey does. Don’t be
a Physics Monkey.
The best way to study for Evaluation Problems is to do all the homework problems with the book
closed. Three weeks of problems is way too much to do in a single night, though. You have to be
constantly practicing. After we finish each chapter, keep working on the problems, especially the
ones you didn’t understand the first time. If you work on Physics problems for an hour every day
preparing for the test will be a breeze. Also quiz each other on the in-class questions. Make sure

Caveat: This syllabus is how I expect the course to proceed. Changes will be announced in class and on Canvas
you can explain to your friends why the car will travel four times farther if the initial speed is
doubled for example. Finally, make sure you get enough sleep. A sharp mind can get you out of
a lot of jams.
Your opportunities to try the Evaluation Problems will be Wednesday, September 9th , Tuesday,
September 29th , Friday, October 23rd, and Saturday November 21st at 10:15 AM.

Contract Grading
I'm going to try out Contract Grading this semester. Instead of you're grade being based on a
certain percentage of the total number of points with different weights, it will be based on
meeting certain criteria. The categories for evaluation are: Labs—do them. Homework—turn
them in on time. Evaluation Problems/Questions—have a sufficient number of acceptable
solutions or answers.
To get an A, you will need to complete 80% of the labs, turn in 80% of the homework on time
and write 5 acceptable solutions to evaluation problems with at least 1 A,N and C. (2 A, 2N,
1C or 1A, 2N, 2C, but not 3A, 2N) in all 4 areas of the class.
To get a B, you will need to complete 80% of the labs, turn in 80% of the homework on time and
write 3 acceptable solutions to evaluation problems one of each A, N, C in all 4 areas of the
class.
To get a C, you will need to complete 50% of the labs, turn in 50% of the homework on time and
write 2 acceptable solutions to evaluation problems from different categories A, N, C (1 A 1 C
or 1A 1 N but not 2 A or 2C questions) in 3 areas of the class.
To get a D, you will need to complete 50% of the labs, turn in 25% of the homework on time and
write 1 Acceptable Solution to evaluation problems in 3 areas of the class.
You will have multiple attempts to make solutions. If you're solution is close, but not quite
acceptable you can revise and resubmit your answer. If it isn't close, you'll get another problem
to solve. There is no limit to the number of attempts you can make, but no work will be accepted
after noon on December 4th.

Original thinking and academic integrity

Plagiarism (incorporating someone else’s ideas or language without attribution) may result in
zero credit for the assignment, and/or an F in the course, and a report to the Dean that remains in
your file. A second offense will result in your permanent expulsion from Alfred University. See
http://my.alfred.edu/index.cfm/fuseaction/academic_policies.academic_regulation_ug.cfm#700

Classroom behavior: When we meet in person, wear a mask. Please do not engage in
behavior that disrupts the people around you. This includes sleeping, using tobacco,
inappropriate use of electronic devices, excessive eating, excessive talking, excessive
texting, frequent bathroom breaks. I will ask you to leave if you do any of these.

Students with Disabilities

Alfred University is committed to upholding and maintaining all aspects of the Federal
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of

Caveat: This syllabus is how I expect the course to proceed. Changes will be announced in class and on Canvas
1973. If you are a student with a disability and wish to request accommodations, please contact
at the Center For Academic Success, located on the second floor of Herrick Library or call (607)
871-2148. Any information regarding your disability will remain confidential. Many
accommodations require early planning, therefore requests for accommodations should be made
as early as possible. Any requests for accommodations will be reviewed in a timely manner to
determine their appropriateness to this setting.

Supplemental Instruction
There is an SI for this class. More information about this will be provided in class.

All tests, and homework are supposed to be your own work in your own words and
are subject to the university dishonesty policy.

Syllabus addendum
Alfred University is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for all students,
faculty, and staff. We have all entered into a social compact to “Protect the Lux” and we must
each do our part. Students are expected to:
• Complete the required daily health screening prior to attending their first class of the day.
Students cannot attend class if they have not completed the screening.
• Wear an appropriate face mask/covering that covers their nose and mouth while in this
classroom/studio/lab. Students who are not properly wearing a face covering will not be
allowed to enter the classroom. Students who feel they cannot wear a face covering due
to a documented health condition, should consult the Wellness Center regarding
alternative options, prior to the beginning of class. Requests/needs will be considered on
a case-by-case basis
• Practice social distancing (staying at least 6 feet) from others and follow assigned
seating/working arrangements in all learning spaces.
• Follow all other PPE and social distancing guidelines as required by your instructor for
specific studios, labs, performance and classroom spaces.

If a student is required to quarantine during the semester, they must notify the instructor. The
student should work with the instructor to develop a plan to receive the necessary course content,
activities, and assessments to complete the course learning outcomes. If the student faces
prolonged absence due to illness, they are advised to consult with instructor and advisor
regarding course incomplete, withdrawal, or medical leave option.
Should the university move to an emergency closing due to COVID-19, or your instructor
become ill, this course will move to fully online delivery and students will be expected to
complete the course online.

Caveat: This syllabus is how I expect the course to proceed. Changes will be announced in class and on Canvas
 Date day Topic
1 24-Aug Mon Meas & Estimation
25-Aug Tue Velocity & Acc
26-Aug Wed Motion Graphs
28-Aug Fri math description
2 31-Aug Mon Q&A
1-Sep Tue Vectors
2-Sep Wed Projectiles
4-Sep Fri Circ motion
3 7-Sep Mon Forces
8-Sep Tue Newton's Laws
9-Sep Wed TEST #1
11-Sep Fri N3
4 14-Sep Mon Static Equilibrium
15-Sep Tue Q&A
16-Sep Wed Strings
18-Sep Fri Inclines
5 21-Sep Mon Circular Motion
22-Sep Tue Q&A
23-Sep Wed Friction
25-Sep Fri Banked Curves
6 28-Sep Mon Work & KE
29-Sep Tue TEST #2
30-Sep Wed W-KE Theorem
2-Oct Fri Potential Energy
7 5-Oct Mon Conserv of Energy
6-Oct Tue Power
7-Oct Wed Equilibrium
9-Oct Fri Q&A
 8 12-Oct Mon Collisions
13-Oct Tue Impulse-Momentum
14-Oct Wed C of M
16-Oct Fri Elastic Collisions
9 19-Oct Mon Inelastic Collisions
20-Oct Tue Rotational Motion
21-Oct Wed Torque
23-Oct Fri TEST # 3
10 26-Oct Mon Rotational Inertia
27-Oct Tue Cross Product
28-Oct Wed Rolling
30-Oct Fri Rotational W-KE
11 2-Nov Mon Parallel Axis
3-Nov Tue Q&A
4-Nov Wed Angular Momentum
6-Nov Fri Conservation
12 9-Nov Mon Rotational Collisions
10-Nov Tue Presession
11-Nov Wed Statics
13 13-Nov Fri 1-D Statics
16-Nov Mon Laders & Cranes
17-Nov Tue Tipping
Last Day of18-Nov
Class Wed Q&A
21-Nov Sat Final Exam 1:15 PM
27-Nov Fri
30-Nov Mon
1-Dec Tue
2-Dec Wed Last day to turn in Problems
4-Dec Fri
Grades due 7-Dec Mon