Time Schedule:
Christopher Stubbs
stubbs@u.washington.edu
PHYS 110
Seattle Campus
Basic concepts of physics presented with emphasis on their origin and their impact on society and the Western intellectual tradition. Primarily for students in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Offered: AS.
Class Description
Students should come away from Physics 110 with an appreciation for the reductionist approach that physics brings to bear on the natural world, with an understanding of the the scientific method, and with the perspective to see physics in the everyday world around them.
Full-class meetings 3 times per week (MWF), with a combination of lectures, demonstrations and group activites. Smaller (sectional) meetings twice per week (T, TH) with opportunity for discussions and to work out examples.
Recommended preparation
There isn't a lot of math in this course, as the focus is on a qualitative understanding of the material. We will provide a quick review of requisite math early in the quarter. An inquisitive student with a sense of curiosity should do well in the class.
Class Assignments and Grading
Reading will be assigned from the 2 textbooks, as well as homework questions/problems. Students will be expected to engage in debate and deliberation outside of the classroom. We expect to use the web for some homework assignments.
There will be one mid-term exam (25%) and the final exam (25%). Weekly quizzes will count for 25%, but I will drop everone's lowest 2 quiz scores. Homework and in-class exercises will account for 25%.
