PHYS 2426.

001
University Physics II
Electricity and Magnetism
COURSE SYLLABUS: FALL 2015

Instructor: Dr. William Newton

Office Location: Science 236
Class time: MWF 11am-12:50pm, STC 135
Office Hours: M 3-4pm, W 1-2pm, or by appointment
Office Phone: 903-886-5369
Office Fax: 903-886-5480
University Email Address: [email protected]
Graduate teaching assistant: Nathan Brady
Learning Assistants: Alex Fleming, Austin Smith

Preferred Form of Communication: Email

Communication Response Time: 24 hours

COURSE INFORMATION
Textbook(s) Required:

Access to MasteringPhysics online homework system, with Knight, Physics

for Scientists and Engineers, 3rd edition. You have the option of buying
MasteringPhysics with etext only (ISBN 9780321753052) or
MasteringPhysics with etext and traditional textbook (ISBN
9780321844354).

McDermott, Tutorials in Introductory Physics Workbook and Homework

package (ISBN 9780130970695). This comprises 2 books – one containing
class activities, and one homework.

PHYS 2426 Lab Manual, available at the campus bookstore

Course Description:
Physics 2426 is the second semester of a calculus-based physics sequence.
University Physics II introduces electrical and magnetic phenomena in
nature, including the concepts of electrical charges, electric and magnetic

Syllabus/schedule subject to change

 2

fields, the application of Gauss' Law, electric potential, conductors and

insulators, currents, basic circuits, and induction.

University Catalogue Description

Second semester of calculus based physics with topics in electricity and
magnetism for science, mathematics, and engineering students.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2425 with a minimum grade of C, MATH 2413.
Additionally, MATH 192 or concurrent enrollment.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to demonstrate the following skills when analyzing
situations involving electrostatic fields and potentials and their sources,
currents, voltage, capacitance, power, basic electrical circuits, magnetic
fields and their sources, and induction:

1. Students will be able to conduct qualitative analysis which

demonstrates physical and mathematical intuition and conceptual
understanding.
2. Students will be able to perform quantitative calculations in situations
involving electric and magnetic fields, and demonstrate knowledge of
the relevant basic units, vector addition, and application of basic
calculus.
3. Students will be able to use simple laboratory demonstrations to
explain the basic properties of electric and magnetic fields, and electrical
circuits.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Instructional Methods

This class is being taught in studio mode. Studio mode is a student-centered

active learning environment that blends lecture time with lab time. Lecture
and/or readings will be used to introduce topics. In our class, the lecture
itself will be driven by yourselves as explained below. The majority of class
time will be focused on group activities. Activities will include conceptual
work, labs, and problem solving. Activities will be completed in groups of 3-
4. The instructor will assign groups. Groups will be changed 2-3 times during
the semester.

Physics education research has shown that students learn best when actively
engaged in class. Studio mode has been implemented at many universities
and has been found to have positive impacts on conceptual understanding
and problem-solving ability.
 3

Course Redesign and Critical Thinking

I’ll just take a moment to explain the reason behind the change to studio
mode. Many students who take this course will not pursue advanced physics
degrees (although some will) and many of you will not often directly use
most of the physics concepts taught in the course in your careers. But what
you will use is your ability to be able to analyze a problem using multiple
methods – qualitatlively, conceptually, quantitatively - to simplify it to its
fundamental essence to solve it, then systematically add more complexities
until you've solved your original problem. No matter what your eventual
career, this is what you will be doing, and is what employers are looking for.
Employers consistently rank critical thinking and problem-solving ability near
the top of their list of desired traits in valued employees. We have
redesigned the course to focus on these universal skills; as a bonus,
research has shown that focussing on such skills leads to greater conceptual
understanding in physics! In Bloom’s taxonomy of cognitive skills, this class
focusses the 3 higher-level thinking skills highlighted below.

Bloom's Taxonomy of the Cognitive Domain:

1. Knowledge - memorization of facts, words, and symbols

2. Comprehension - understanding the meaning of knowledge
3. Application - applying concepts to various situations
4. Analysis - breaking apart complex ideas
5. Synthesis - putting individual ideas together to form a complete
explanation
6. Evaluation - judging the merits of individual ideas and making
decisions

Class sequence

The subject matter is divided up into a sequence of 10 topics, each

addressed by 1 chapter in the textbook Physics for Scientists and Engineers.
We will spend about 4 class periods on each topic, with the first 3 classes
generally devoted to conceptual understanding and the 4th class to more
quantitative problems. As far as possible, the 4 class periods will proceed
according to the following sequence

Class 1: Students are expected to have read the chapter summary and listed
3 concepts from it they think are important, or will pose a conceptual
challenge. During the class, groups will explain selected concepts on the
whiteboard, and we will discuss them as a class. This will constitute the
lecture: given by you, with my role as facilitator and to lead you through to
understanding the concepts.
 4

The tutorial pre-test will then be taken.

Class 2: The tutorial in physics will be completed, and the tutorial homework
assigned.

Class 3: A lab from the lab manual or a PhET lab will be completed.

Class 4: Tutorial homework will be collected at the start of class, and

sometimes a reading quiz given. Students will work in groups to complete
problems that emphasize both conceptual and quantitative understanding.

Student Responsibilities

The vast majority of class time will be spent working in groups. Students are
expected to participate fully in group-work in their assigned roles.

Students are expected to have completed the reading by the due date (see
the end of the syllabus for the due dates for all the reading assignments.)
Groups will be called upon at random to explain concepts from the reading,
and reading quizzes will occasionally be given which will towards the in-class
grade.

GRADING

Item Percentage of Class Grade

In-class assignments 20%
Tutorial Homeworks 20%
MasteringPhysics (Online) Homework 15%
Midterm exams 30%
Final 20%

Note that this adds up to 105%; the extra 5% is extra credit – it is just not
associated with any one activity.

Grading scale:
90 %<A
80 % < B < 89.999 %
70 % < C < 79.999 %
60 % < D < 69.999 %
F < 60%
 5

Assessments

See the course calendar and reading/homework at the end of the syllabus
for a complete list of class and exam dates, homework and reading assigned
dates and due dates.

Exams: There will be three midterms and a final. Your exam grade will be
computed from the average of your two highest midterm grades and
your final exam grade. In other words, your lowest midterm grade will
be dropped. The exams will be weighted equally (15 points each). See
the course outline for exam dates. Make-up exams will only be allowed
for excused absences. See course policies below for details on excused
absences.

MasteringPhysics Homework: about 14 homework assignments will be

assigned throughout the semester. Homework will be submitted through
the MasteringPhysics online homework system. The due date will be
displayed in MasteringPhysics and announced in class. Your lowest
MasteringPhysics Homework grade will be dropped. MasteringPhysics
homeworks will be due every Friday.

Tutorials Homework: 10 homework assignments will be assigned throughout

the semester. Homework is due at the beginning of class. Late
homework will not be accepted. Your lowest tutorial homework grade
will be dropped. Tutorial homeworks will be due two classes after they
are assigned

In-class assignments: In-class work will sometimes be graded. Assignments

will be completed as a group, but your effort will determine your
individual score. More information about how in-class work is graded will
be provided in a separate document. Your lowest 3 in-class assignment
grades will be dropped.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
In order to access the MasteringPhysics online homework system, you will need access
to the internet and a web browser.
 6

COURSE AND UNIVERSITY PROCEDURES/POLICIES

Course Specific Procedures

1. Cell phone use is only allowed if used for class activities.

2. Eating is not allowed. However, covered drinks are allowed.

3. Attendance will be taken by sign-in sheet and verified by seating chart at the
beginning of class.

4. The instructor must be notified by email about any excused absences no later than
24 hours after the missed class. Even if you choose to notify the instructor in person,
you must still follow up with email within 24 hours of the missed class. If you do not
follow this policy, you will not be able to make up missed exams or turn in late work
except in extreme circumstances. Excused absences include those for illness, school-
sponsored events, other emergencies deemed unavoidable by the instructor.

5. You are responsible for obtaining notes and class announcements from missed
classes.

6. Excessive absences may result in being dropped from the course.

7. When emailing the instructor, include the course and section number in the
subject line. Include all relevant information, and write clearly, and double check your
email to make sure grammar and spelling are correct (this is good advice beyond
college: if you email prospective employers, and include poor spelling and bad
grammar, they are unlikely to give you the time of day - get in the habit now, when the
stakes are not as high).

9. You are expected to check your email at least once a day for class announcements.
Emails will be sent to the email addresses you provided to MyLeo. Notify the instructor if
you would prefer to receive emails at a different address.

11. Students should fully participate in class activities.

12. Students are expected to be professional and respectful and take responsibility for
their learning. If you find yourself struggling, the instructor, GA and LAs are available to
provide extra help outside of class.

Syllabus Change Policy

The syllabus is a guide. Circumstances and events, such as student
progress, may make it necessary for the instructor to modify the syllabus
during the semester. Any changes made to the syllabus will be announced
in advance.
 7

University Specific Procedures

Student Conduct
All students enrolled at the University shall follow the tenets of common
decency and acceptable behavior conducive to a positive learning
environment. (See current Student Guidebook).

Students should also consult the Rules of Netiquette for more information
regarding how to interact with students in an online forum: Netiquette
http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html

ADA Statement

Students with Disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that
provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other
things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a
learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If
you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact:

Office of Student Disability Resources and Services

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Gee Library- Room 132
Phone (903) 886-5150 or (903) 886-5835
Fax (903) 468-8148
Email: [email protected]

Website: Office of Student Disability Resources and Services

http://www.tamuc.edu/campusLife/campusServices/studentDisabilityResourcesAndServ
ices/

Nondiscrimination Notice
Texas A&M University-Commerce will comply in the classroom, and in online
courses, with all federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and related
retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability,
age, genetic information or veteran status. Further, an environment free
from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or
gender expression will be maintained.

Harassment Policy
Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and
gender are Civil Rights offenses subject to the same kinds of accountability
and the same kinds of support applied to offenses against other protected
categories such as race, national origin, etc. If you or someone you know
 8

has been harassed or assaulted, you can find the appropriate resources
here:

University Title IX Contact: Michele Vieira, 903-886-5025,

mailto:[email protected]

University resource webpages:

http://www.tamuc.edu/facultyStaffServices/humanResources/title-
ix/resources.aspx

http://www.tamuc.edu/campuslife/campusServices/universityPoliceDepartm
ent/crimePrevention/sexualAssault.aspx

University Counseling Center: 903-886-5145,

http://www.tamuc.edu/campusLife/campusServices/counselingCenter/defaul
t.aspx

Campus police: mailto:[email protected], call 911 in emergency situations

External resources:

Crisis center of NorthEast Texas: http://www.ccnetx.org

Know you IX: http://knowyourix.org
End rape on campus: http://endrapeoncampus.org
Clery Center for Security on Campus: http://clerycenter.org
Not Alone: https://www.notalone.gov

COURSE OUTLINE / CALENDAR

Schedule is subject to change; any changes will be announced in class ahead
of time.

Date Topic Activities Chapter

M Aug 31 Introduction Pre-tests/how class
works
W Sept 2 Introduction Syllabus/Group ice-
breakers
F Sept 4 Electric charge and forces Group lecture 25
M Sept 7 LABOR DAY
W Sept 9 Electric charge and forces Tutorial: Charge 25
F Sept 11 Electric charge and forces Lab 01 25
M Sept 14 Electric charge and forces PhET lab/problem solving 25
W Sept 16 Electric Field and Flux Group lecture 26
 9

F Sept 18 Electric Field and Flux Tutorial: Field and flux 26

M Sept 21 Electric Field and Flux Lab 02 26
W Sept 23 Electric Field and Flux PhET lab/problem solving 26
F Sept 25 TEST 1
M Sept 28 Gauss’ Law Group lecture 27
W Sept 30 Gauss’ Law Tutorial: Gauss’ law 27
F Oct 2 Gauss’ Law PhET Lab 27
M Oct 5 Gauss’ Law Problem solving 27
W Oct 7 Electric Potential Group lecture 28
F Oct 9 Electric Potential Tutorial: Electric potential 28
M Oct 12 Electric Potential PhET lab/problem solving 28
W Oct 14 Capacitance Group lecture 29
F Oct 16 Capacitance Tutorial: Capacitance 29
M Oct 19 Capacitance Lab 03 29
W Oct 21 Capacitance PhET lab/problem solving 29
F Oct 23 TEST 2
M Oct 26 Current, Resistance, RMF Group lecture 30
W Oct 28 Current, Resistance, RMF Tutorial: Model for 30
circuits I & II
F Oct 30 Current, Resistance, RMF Lab 05/06 30
M Nov 2 Current, Resistance, RMF PhET lab/problem solving 30
W Nov 4 DC Circuits Group lecture 31
F Nov 6 DC Circuits Tutorial: RC Circuits 31
M Nov 9 DC Circuits Lab 04/07 31
W Nov 11 DC Circuits PhET lab/problem solving 31
F Nov 13 Magnetic fields and forces Group lecture 32
M Nov 16 Magnetic fields and forces Tutorial: Magnetic fields 32
W Nov 18 Magnetic fields and forces Lab 09 32
F Nov 20 Magnetic fields and forces PhET lab/problem solving 32
M Nov 23 TEST 3
W Nov 25 Sources of magnetic field Group lecture 33
F Nov 27 THANKSGIVING
M Nov 30 Sources of magnetic field Tutorial: magnetic 33
interactions
W Dec 2 Sources of magnetic field Lab 10 33
F Dec 4 Sources of magnetic field PhET lab/problem solving 33
M Dec 7 Induction Group lecture 34
W Dec 9 Induction Tutorial: Lenz’ law & 34
Faraday’s law
F Dec 11 Induction PhET lab/problem solving 34

W Dec 16 FINAL
 10

READING/HOMEWORK SCHEDULE

Date Rdg: Rdg: HW: HW: HW: HW:

Chapter Full Mastering Mastering Tut Set Tut
Summary Chapter Physics Physics Due
Due Due Set Due
M Aug 31
W Sept 2
F Sept 4 25 1
M Sept 7
W Sept 9 1
F Sept 11 2 1
M Sept 14 25 1
W Sept 16 26
F Sept 18 3 2 2
M Sept 21
W Sept 23 26 2
F Sept 25 4 3
M Sept 28 27
W Sept 30 3
F Oct 2 5 4
M Oct 5 27 3
W Oct 7 28
F Oct 9 6 5 4
M Oct 12 28
W Oct 14 29 4
F Oct 16 7 6 5
M Oct 19
W Oct 21 29 5
F Oct 23 8 7
M Oct 26 30
W Oct 28 6
F Oct 30 9 8
M Nov 2 30 6
W Nov 4 31
F Nov 6 10 9 7
M Nov 9
W Nov 11 31 7
F Nov 13 32 11 10
M Nov 16 8
W Nov 18
F Nov 20 32 12 11 8
 11

M Nov 23
W Nov 25 33
F Nov 27 13
M Nov 30 12 9
W Dec 2
F Dec 4 33 14 13 9
M Dec 7 34
W Dec 9 10
F Dec 11 34 14

W Dec 16 10