SUNY Geneseo / Department of Physics and Astronomy
Phys. 120: Physics First Year Experience
Fall 2000

Section 3

Course Information

Instructor:
Dr. James McLean
Greene 203
245-5897
mclean@geneseo.edu

Office Hours:
Monday, 1:30-3:30 pm
Wednesday, 2:00-4:00 pm
Thursday, 9:30-11:30 am

Class Time:
Tuesday 12:45-1:45 pm

Course Description: There are three main reasons to take this class: (1) to answer the question "What is Physics?", (2) to introduce you to the physics faculty and to your fellow classmates, and (3) to have fun. The projects in this class will include oral presentations, class discussions, and independent investigations.

Grading: This is a pass/fail course. Your grade will be determined by your performance on projects and the degree to which you participate in class. We expect 100% participation in class, and that you complete your projects on time. Missing more than one class session or activity without an appropriate excuse will result in a failing grade. If you need to miss a class for a legitimate reason, I may be able to give you a make-up task, as long as you alert me to the situation by the following day.

Syllabus:

Date Topic
Aug. 29 Intro, CAPA, email
Sept. 5 Pizza Party!
Sept. 12, 19 How to write for physics class
Sept. 26 Scavenger Hunt
Oct. 3 Physics Department Tour
Oct. 17, 24 A visit with Dr. Pogo
Oct. 31, Nov. 7 A visit with Dr. Meisel
Nov 14 Topics in Physics
Nov. 21 Physics movies (with popcorn!)
Nov. 28 Topics in Physics
Dec. 8 Wrap-up