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Course Philosophy
Course Philosophy
I chose to study physics because I have been curious the world around me ever since I was a small child. Physics illuminates and explains how the world works; it never fails to fascinate me.
I chose to teach physics because I wanted to share this passion with others. Helping people discover within themselves the ability to master this sometimes complex subject is a wonderful thing; it's this human element the keeps me going. I have been teaching for nearly 40 years; I have been teaching this specific course for nearly 25 years.
Four words form the cornerstones of my teaching philosophy:
Wonder. As we go through the diagrams and equations, the laws and the techniques, we will keep the sense of wonder alive. We will focus on what the principles of physics tell us about the living world.
Respect. You have worked hard to be here, and you have chosen to take this course. I promise to treat all of you with the respect you deserve, and I ask that you treat each other with respect as well. Part of this is following the academic integrity rules of the course.
Grit. Physics is a challenging subject, but every single one of you has what it takes to succeed. You won't understand everything the first time, and you will get things wrong. That's OK—that is to be expected. I, and the GTAs and LAs I work with, are here to help you make progress. I will make mistakes too, and I will count on you to let me know, to help me become a better teacher and a better scientist. Our grading scheme doesn't penalize you for mistakes on homework, labs, recitations—as long as you keep working, and as long as you learn from these mistakes.
Love. I love what I do, and I love the students I work with. In these tumultuous times, the only way to move forward is with an open heart, as well as an open mind.
My first year teaching, at Kenyon College.
Me in my 1st year teaching General Physics.
Me in my 20th year teaching General Physics.
I've been studying and teaching physics for a long time, but I still have things to learn about science and about the amazing diverse group of humans that pass through CSU. I look forward to learning more this semester. (The photos above also make it clear why I have chosen as my six-word epitaph "A Lifetime of Bad Hair Days".)
Instructor
Instructor
Brian Jones
Master Instructor
I have an MS in Physics from Cornell University and 40 years of teaching experience. My intellectual activity is focused on learning and teaching. I am also the Director of the Little Shop of Physics.
I don't have a doctorate, and I don't have a professor title. I prefer to be called Brian.
Communications
Please contact me with questions or concerns, cool physics applications I should know about, or if you just need to talk.
Office: NESB B337 (I have an office in the Engineering Building as well, but I am rarely there.)
Phone: 970-980-1378 (This is my cell number. You may call or text if you need to contact me urgently.)
e-mail: brian.jones@colostate.edu (When I write to you, it will come from a different address, but all of my e-mail goes into the same bucket, so you can use either address.) Please e-mail me directly rather than sending me a message in Canvas.
I won't hold regular office hours, but do contact me if you need to meet.
Textbook
Textbook
College Physics, by Knight, Jones & Field (Fourth Edition)
I am the Jones in the author list; I am a co-author on this text. The book is a near-perfect match for the course I teach.
This is a required text. I will assign readings, and I will assume you have read them before class. Lectures and posted slides won’t duplicate the book; they will complement it. The book will be made available to you through the Inclusive Access program; it's a very good deal. More details will be provided on Canvas.
The Inclusive Access package you receive consists of 3 parts:
A looseleaf paper copy of the text that will be given to you at a class session. You will also get a binder for use with the book.
An eText that you can access through Canvas. The eText is certainly convenient, but for straight reading, the looseleaf text is preferable.
Access to MasteringPhysics, an online problem and study tool associated with the text. We won't use this for assignments, but it is a great study tool. I will assign review problems and let you know about other resources.
There is no lab manual to purchase. Lab manual sections will be provided on Canvas.
This is a physics course, but as you'll quickly note when you read the text, there is a focus on the physics of the living world. For example: The structure of dandelion fluff makes it very effective at catching a breeze to lift the seeds into the air, and we'll do a quantitative calculation to show just why.
Course Elements
Course Elements
The course consists of several components:
Lecture. Class will meet in person, three times per week, in Johnson Hall 222. Three key points:
Class will be active.
You need to prepare.
Once a week, you will do a group assignment for credit.
Recitation. Recitation sections will meet in person. You will be given exercises to work on with a group, under the guidance of your recitation instructor.
Laboratory. In the lab, you will work with other students to make measurements and apply and develop your understanding of the course concepts.
Problem Sessions. Problem sessions will be held in person. You are encouraged to attend and work with others on the assigned homework and on developing your understanding of course concepts.
Assessment
Assessment
There are two different types of grading in the course: effort-based grading and holistic grading.
Effort-Based Grading
Effort-based grading works like this: If you are working hard, if you are making progress, if you are participating, if you are responding to instructor feedback, you will receive full credit.
4 course elements are graded this way:
Homework. There is a homework assignment due most weeks. You will have 12 graded assignments, each graded on a 4 point scale. We will count your 10 highest scores. Total points possible: 40
Lab Report. You will submit, with your lab group, a lab report each week. You will complete 14 reports, each graded on a 4 point scale. We will sum your 13 highest scores, up to a maximum of 50 points. (This means that you can get 3 grades of 3/4 and still receive the maximum point total for lab.) Total points possible: 50
Recitation Quiz. There will be a quiz in recitation most weeks. This is a group exercise; you will work with 2 or 3 fellow students to solve a series of problems. You can use resources to do so, and you can query your instructor. You will have 11 quizzes, each graded on a 4 point scale. We will count your 10 highest scores. Total points possible: 40
Big Picture Exercises. Once each week, you will work with a group to complete a Big Picture Exercise, a problem in which you use the physics we are learning to model something in the living world. You will complete 14 exercises, each graded on a 2 point scale. Your grade will be the total of your scores, up to a maximum of 20 points.
Holistic Grading
Exam problems are graded holistically: We won't "take off points" for mistakes, but instead give you a score based on your demonstration of your understanding.
The rubric that instructors will use for grading exam problems can be viewed here.
There will be 4 exams during the course:
Exams 1-3: These will be given on Fridays during the semester, during our normal class time. Each exam will have 4 scenarios, each with two multiple choice questions and one short answer question. Exams will take 50 minutes. Total points possible: 30 points per exam.
Exam 4: This will be given during our final exam session, Wednesday, May 11, 12:00 - 1:30 PM. The exam will have a similar structure to the midterm exams, but with more questions. It will be cumulative. Total points possible: 60 points.
You must take all of the exams to pass the class. If you miss an exam due to illness or other circumstances, you must make it up.
There was a lot of text here, so I figured I'd put in a picture of my dog Milo to liven things up.
Final Course Grades
Final Course Grades
Final letter grades for the PH 121 course will be based on the total of the points you accumulate over the course of the semester.
Here's the breakdown of the points that you can earn for each element of the course:
Effort-Based
Homework: 12 assignments / 4 points each - count 10 highest scores
40 points possible
Lab: 14 labs / 4 points each - we will add your 13 highest scores, up to a max of 50 points.
50 points possible
Recitation: 11 quizzes / 4 points each - count 10 highest scores
40 points possible
Big Picture: 14 exercises / 2 points each - we will add your scores, up to a max of 20 points
20 points possible
Total for effort-based grading 150 points possible
Holistic
Exams 1-3: 30 points each
Total of 90 points for 3 exams
Final Exam: 60 points
Total for holistic grading 150 points possible
Note that half of the points in the course are based on effort. If you make a good effort, if you accept the challenge of continuing to improve, you can get a good grade.
Overall Total 300 points
Your final course grade will be computed based on this total:
A 270 - 300 points
A- 265 - 269 points
B+ 260 - 264 points
B 240 - 259 points
B- 235 - 239 points
C+ 230 - 234 points
C 210 - 229 points
D 180 - 209 points
F less than 180 points
There will be no "curve" applied. As the course goes along, you can keep track of your total and determine the grade you are headed for. If you want a higher grade, work with us to find strategies that will allow you to do so.
Late Work and Excused Absences
Late Work and Excused Absences
Submitting Work
Submitting Work
Lab reports, recitation quizzes and homework will be handed in on paper, in person. Big picture exercises will be submitted as Canvas assignments.
Homework will be due in class on Friday; you will give your paper to the learning assistant that you work with. Lab reports and recitation quizzes will be submitted at the end of these sessions.
Late Homework
Late Homework
You may ask for an extension for a homework assignment; please provide details of your request to the learning assistant you work with. You can do this in advance, or when you turn in the late work. No work will be accepted after Wednesday following the original due date.
Excused Absences for Lab and Recitation
Excused Absences for Lab and Recitation
If you need to miss a lab or recitation section due to illness or other circumstance, you can fill out an online form requesting an excused absence. Submit your request using this link. You may only receive 2 excused absences each for lab and recitation. If your circumstances require you to miss multiple lab or recitation sections, please talk to Brian Jones about options.
Rescheduling Exams
Rescheduling Exams
In the rare circumstance that you must reschedule an exam, contact Brian Jones.
Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity
University and Department policy is quite clear on matters of academic integrity.
The central principle is this: Academic integrity is conceptualized as doing and taking credit for one’s own work.
In practice, this means:
Do not use online sources, such as Chegg, that provide complete, worked-out solutions. If you are using Chegg or any similar site, you are cheating.
Discuss your work with others, ask for advice and assistance, but do not copy the work of another or allow another to copy your work.
For lab and recitation, if your name appears on a paper you are expected to have participated in producing the quiz or report.
On exams, use only the resources allowed.
I make a point of trusting my students. I will take any violation as a breach of this trust, and I will take it very seriously. I will report any and all violations of academic integrity to University authorities. This is a very serious matter. Dishonest behavior can lead to significant negative consequences.
Important information for students on COVID-19
Important information for students on COVID-19
The University is working closely with State and County authorities to be sure that we conduct our operations in a manner that is safe for all involved.
Full details of University COVID requirements can be found here.
For those affected by COVID, there is a page on Canvas that spells out details for keeping up with the class if you must stay away from campus.
A Final Note
A Final Note
I care deeply about the students in the course, and I want all of you to have the opportunity to succeed. I also know that life is complicated.
You might have special circumstances that lie outside the parameters of the syllabus:
You might have a disability that complicates your studies.
You might have life circumstances that interfere with your studies.
You might have difficulty with certain aspects of the course.
You might have a conflict with another student or one of the instructors.
You might just need someone to talk with.
I can be flexible on most details. I am willing to work with you. I want to meet you, learn your story, and figure out how to make it possible for you to succeed in this class.
Whatever your situation, please get in touch with me, and let's talk.
I promise to work to provide an inclusive learning environment where all feel welcome, respected, and supported.
I promise to work to provide an inclusive learning environment where all feel welcome, respected, and supported.
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