Physics for Life Sciences I – Lecture 1 (Sections 1.1–1.5) Study Guide

Course Logistics

Grading Components

• Homework: 10%

• Clicker Score: 10% (based on participation and/or correctness)

• Midterm #1: 17.5%

• Midterm #2: 17.5%

• Labs: 25%

• Final Exam: 20%

• Bonus: Pre-lecture homework (up to 5% extra credit)

• Students must independently pass both laboratory and lecture portions to pass the course.

• Grading scale may be adjusted to reflect overall class performance.

• Thresholds: Top 90% guarantees "A", top 75% "B", top 60% "C".

Textbook and Homework

Required Materials

• Textbook: College Physics: A Strategic Approach, 4th Edition by Knight, Jones, Field.

• MasteringPhysics: Online homework system accessed via Brightspace.

• Suggested: Buy eText + MasteringPhysics for two semesters (less expensive than print).

• Course follows the first 16 chapters of the textbook.

• Homework is assigned through MasteringPhysics and due ~1 week after the lecture, at 9:00am (usually Tuesdays and Thursdays).

• Lowest three homework scores are dropped.

• Two bonus homework assignments for extra credit, due before respective lectures.

• Bonus points are added after final grade thresholds are set.

Clickers

Participation and Assessment

• Clicker questions are asked throughout lectures.

• In-person students: Use the Turning Point app ("PointSolutions"). Must have a valid license and working clicker.

• Online students: Answer clicker questions on Brightspace after watching lecture videos.

• Lowest 5 clicker scores are dropped to allow for technological issues.

• Grading: In-person – 50% attendance, 50% correctness; Online – 100% correctness.

Labs

Lab Requirements

• In-person labs: Run by graduate TAs and organized by the course instructor.

• Online labs: Organized by the course instructor.

• All labs must be completed; no lab scores are dropped.

• Receiving zero on more than 3 labs results in failing the lab portion.

• Final grade is an average of lecture and lab grades; failing either results in failing the course.

• University-excused absences require documentation and a lab Make-Up request.

Exams

Exam Schedule

• Midterm 1: Wednesday, September 17th @ 8:15–9:35pm

• Midterm 2: Friday, November 4th @ 8:15–9:35pm

• Final Exam: Friday, December 11th @ 2:15–5:00pm

• Exam format and locations announced in class and on Brightspace.

• Prepare well in advance; avoid last-minute studying.

Office Hours and Help Room

• Help room staffed by TAs and students who have previously taken PHY121.

• Prof. Riccio: Mondays 2:00–4:00pm (Room S-108 and Zoom).

• Prof. Piacquadio: Mondays 2:00–4:00pm (Office D-143 and Zoom).

• Full schedule posted on Brightspace.

Course Success Tips

• Read textbook chapters and pre-lecture materials.

• Complete pre-lecture homework for bonus credit.

• Participate actively in lectures and clicker questions.

• Ask questions during lectures and office hours.

• Review lecture slides and posted materials on Brightspace.

• Complete all homework assignments.

• Attend help room and office hours for assistance.

Additional info:

• This syllabus covers organizational and logistical aspects of the course, including grading, required materials, participation, lab and exam policies, and strategies for success. It does not contain direct physics content, but is essential for understanding course expectations and structure.