Objectives of this course:
This course is designed to:

• familiarize you with experimental methods and analysis
• facilitate a better understanding of the principles of physics

Materials needed:

1 ruler, 1 calculator, 2 quadrille notebooks, scissors, glue or tape

Grades:
The final grade will be determined as follows:

60% lab reports
40% quizzes (1 per week)

All experiments must be performed to pass the course.  You must turn in every lab report to pass the class, and each report must show at least thirty (30) minutes of work.

A curve will be applied to the final class grade, as follows: 25% A's, 40% B's, 35% other.  However, I am allowed to use my discretion to alter this curve if I deem it necessary.

Missed labs:
If you know you are going to miss a lab:

You must inform me in writing (or by e-mail) at least one week prior to the lab in question.

If you are sick:

Inform me as soon as possible.

Late lab reports:
Lab reports are due at the beginning of class.  After that, they are considered late.  Penalties are assessed to late lab reports in the following fashion:

-5% 1 day late (up to 24 hours from the beginning of class)
-10% 2-6 days late
-15% 1 week late
-30% 2 weeks late
-45% 3 weeks late

Labs will not be accepted after 4 weeks.  You will receive a zero for that lab.

Lab report format:
Lab reports must follow a strict format.  Detailed information is avaiable under the section entitled writing reports. Click the link here to go to the report section.

Policy on cheating and plagiarism:
Cheating in any form is not tolerated in this class.  I have noted, to my dismay, that cheating and plagiarism is prevalent at the University of Hawaii.  It is rare that I have a class where I do not have to speak to someone about academic honesty. For complete information on what is cheating and what isn't, please see your UH Student Catalog, under the section "academic honesty".  I have based the rules below on the guidelines found in the 2000-2001 University of Hawaii Student Catalog .

Here is a summary of what I consider cheating or plagiarism:

• Obtaining answers to a quiz from an inappropriate source (Such as the paper of the student next to you!)
• Copying any part of another student's report, especially free answer portions like the conclusion and questions
• Closely paraphrasing another student's report. Switching a few words won't do!
• Using data from another group without my express permission.

Consequences: On the first offense, I will give you a zero for any quiz or lab report which I have found evidence of cheating.  If the offense is very serious, such as blatant cheating on an entire quiz, I will consider lowering your grade by one full letter grade in addition to the zero. On the second offense, you will receive an 'F' for the course grade.

If you are not sure whether or not you are allowed to work together, be on the safe side and work by yourself.  I will generally tell you in writing when you are allowed to work together.  I have caught -- and punished -- cheaters before, so please do not think that I "won't notice" or that I will "let it slide".

Schedule:
All labs have notes written up on the web.  Please choose the "notes" icon at the top of this page to see the schedule and notes for the semester.