Physics 161 -- Autumn, 2004

General Information about Physics 161

Course title:

Physics 161 - The Building Blocks of Creation

Texts:

In addition to the Course Notes (available at Grade A Notes) the text for the course is ``From Alchemy to Quarks'' by S.L. Glashow (available at various Campus Libraires).

Prerequisites:

Math 075 or equiv. GEC physical science course. See Prof. Walker if you're concerned about your preparation.

Material:

Physics 161 is based on the Lecture Notes that you may purchase from Grade A Notes. The schedule is given in the syllabus.

Instructor:

Prof. Terry Walker
office: 4132 Smith Lab
email: walker.33@osu.edu or twalker@mps.ohio-state.edu
phone: 292-3251 (office)
office hrs: Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:30, or by appointment.

Logistics:

• There will be lecture classes three days a week (usually, but not always, MWF) in Smith 1005
• We also meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays to solve problems, see relevant demos, catch up on lectures, and take the (nearly) weekly Thursday Quiz.
• You are expected to come to ALL classes and to come to each class prepared. The material we will cover each week is designated in the right hand margin of the syllabus.
• One midterm (Monday, Nov. 1) and a final exam (Wednesday, Dec. 8, 7:30-9:18 (NOTE TIME DIFFERENCE!!!)).

Office Hours:

By appointment (asking in class is easiest) and . . .
Tuesdays 10:30-11:30.

Grading:

Debate/Discussion/Experiment (DDE)* [20%]

Quizes [20%] best 6 of 8.

Midterm [30%]**

Final exam [30%]**

*DDE Grading Policy:

At the beginning of class you will be assigned to a ``DDE group'' and a week number along with 6-8 other students. Each group is responsible for:

20 minute presentation -- on a topic of the group/Professor's choice, presented the Thursday of your week. You need to meet with the Professor the week prior to your group's week to determine your DDE topic.

Weekly Quiz -- you and your group mates will prepare 2 multiple choice questions for the weekly quiz. These are due the Tuesday of your week.

**Exam Weighting Policy:

You are allowed to choose the relative weighting of the midterm and final. Within one week after the Midterm, you can stand pat (at 30/30), or opt to change to a 40/20 or 20/40 plan.

Web Pages:

This info: www.physics.ohio-state.edu/~twalker/161_info.php

Course home page: www.physics.ohio-state.edu/~twalker/161/