A.  Course Description

B.  Placement Information
Physics S-1ab is designed for students who are not necessarily planning to major in physics. An attempt is made to treat topics of importance to students who are interested in biology or medicine and to cover topics on the MCAT syllabus.

C.  Mathematics Requirement
You should have a good working knowledge of algebra and trigonometry. You should have taken at least one semester of calculus and be familiar with differential calculus. I may occasionally use some simple parts of differential and integral calculus in lectures, but will not require you to use calculus on problem sets or exams.

D.  Lectures
You are expected to attend the lectures, as they are a central part of the learning process.

E.  Sections
The sections will be handled by the Teaching Fellows whose main job is to practice with you problems for the course. Sections are critical in this fast-paced summer course, and attendance is required.

F. Office Hours
I'm available by email and telephone at all times, and office hours will be set up shortly.

G. Labs
The labs are important components of this course. The labs carry a 10% weight towards your final grade. The lab reports are due at the end of each session.

H. Homework
There are typically two to three problem sets each week. I can not over emphasize the importance of working the homework problems. You should feel free to form study groups, but I expect each student to synthesize and work the problems to be handed in on his or her own initiative. The problem sets carry a 10% weight towards your final grade.

I. Exams
There will be two mid-term exams (each 20% of the final grade) and one final exam (40% of the total grade). No makeup exams will be given for the mid-terms exams. The Final exam will be held on August 16, 2004.

J. Textbook
The textbook for the course shall be Physics, by Douglas C. Giancoli, 5th Ed. There are various supplemental items available for students:
K. List of Chapters