Dr. Nick Lepeshkin
Office: TH 317
Phone: 415-338-2944
E-mail: nlepeshk@stars.sfsu.edu
Course website: http://www.physics.sfsu.edu/~nlepeshk/230/phys230.html

Class time: 9:10-10:00, MWF, SCI101

Office Hours: TBA M; TBA W

Discussion Sections: Optional discussion/help sessions will be held weekly at several different times to be announced.

Physics 230 presents the concepts and relationships of electricity and magnetism. We will use algebra, trigonometry, calculus and basic vector analysis to develop equations which relate the physical quantities. This course is aimed at students who are pursuing careers in physical science or engineering. Problem solving through the integrated use of mathematics and scientific concepts and methods is emphasized.

Prerequisites: Math 227 with a grade of C or better and Physics 220 with a grade of C or better. A grade of C- doesn't count as "C or better". If you took the equivalent of Physics 220 (Physics with Calculus I / Mechanics) or Math 227 (second-semester calculus) at another college, you will need to bring me a transcript copy.

Co-Requisites: You must take the accompanying lab course, Phys 232, concurrently (unless you already have credit for it). Physics/Astronomy majors should take Math 228 concurrently.

Text :
S. Lea & J. Burke, Physics: The Nature of Things (Brooks/Cole Publishing, 1997) Volume 2, or the Combined Volume

The accompanying Student Solutions Manual is optional, but recommended.

Assignments: There will be weekly required homework assignments. A minimum 50% average homework score is required for a passing grade. You may discuss the homework problems with me and with other students, but the writeup of the problems must be done on a totally individual basis. Solutions will be posted, so no late homework will be accepted.

Homework preparation guidelines

1. Use words to explain what you are doing. Include a diagram if appropriate. Start with basic physical principles and develop equations which will solve the problem.Solve the equations algebraically when possible, and then, as the last step, insert numerical values. Draw a box around answers.

2. Use one side of the page only; fold lengthwise so the problems are on the inside. On the OUTSIDE of the set, put your name, Homework Set #, and "Dr. Lepeshkin - Physics 230-01."

3. Make sure your homework is stapled. Do not hand in loose sheets. Hand in the homework at the beginning of class on the due date.

Exams and Grades: There will be two midterm exams, a final exam, and weekly online quizzes in iLearn. Grades will be assigned according to the following approximate percentages: homework, 25%; quizzes, 15%; midterms, 30%; final, 30%.

Grading scale (Percentage of work completed vs. Grade)

90+ % A
75+ % B or better
50+ % C or better
50- % assigned on a case-to-case basis

Laboratory: You must enroll in a section of the accompanying laboratory course, Physics 232. You will need to purchase a laboratory manual and notebook; your lab instructor will provide the details.

Efficient Method of Study: Before the lecture, read at least the indicated text sections and study the examples. Read the sections again after the lecture. At the very least, attempt all the assigned problems and if at all possible, work through some additional problems. Try to work the homework problems from fundamental relationships rather than by using special case formulae. Compare your solutions to the posted ones. Ask questions in the lecture, after the lecture, in discussion sections, and in office hours. Finally, keep up with the material as it is covered. Each new section will build on the previous material, and you will lose much of the benefit of the lectures and assignments if you fall behind.

Disability Access: Students with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations are encouraged to contact the instructor. The Disability Programs and Resource Center (DPRC) is available to facilitate the reasonable accommodations process. The DPRC is located in the Student Service Building and can be reached by telephone (voice/TTY 415-338-2472) or by email (dprc@sfsu.edu).