TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

All problem assignments from the designated textbook will be completed through WebAssign. This resource will make it more convenient to grade students, as well as provide them with additional tutoring resources. Students will have two weeks to obtain an access code (costs $25/semester). This access code can be obtained several ways. First, if the textbook is purchased through TSU’s bookstore, the cost of the book includes the access code to WebAssign (students must confirm this). Second, if the book is purchased elsewhere, then the student may have to buy the code separately. Third, you can buy the access code without having bought the book; however, having access to the textbook is important since it will be a reference for better understanding issues discussed through WebAssign.

Students will be given automatic access to WebAssign by the instructor based upon the official list of students provided through “My Web”. This access will remain open only for two weeks, during which time the students shall have purchased their own access code. Students cannot use another person’s WebAssign access because all homework grades, etc., will be awarded to the student registered on WebAssign (i.e. if more than one student uses the same student WebAssign account, then at the end of the semester, the student officially linked to that account will get the earned grade. The others will get nothing).

All assignments and tests making use of the problems in the designated textbook will be graded and recorded through WebAssign. In addition, your instructor may define additional tasks, which will be used to grade you at the end of the semester.

We would like all classes to be covering the material at the same pace. One advantage of this is that if a student misses a class, he/she will be allowed to attend another section in order to make up the missed material. This will only be done with permission of the instructor and confirmation of available space. The impacted student must send an e-mail request to the chair (handycr@tsu.edu) explaining their unique situation and identifying the alternate makeup class. This does not apply to making up tests.

Students can purchase their access code through the above website using a credit card.

Tutors: Depending on Department Resources there will be some tutors.

Exam Policy: All exam questions will require demonstration of critical thinking skills. Thus, there may be multiple-choice questions on some exams, but the answers chosen will be based on some calculation (no guessing). If there is no work associated with the answer - there is no credit! Partial credit will be awarded if there is evidence that the student has the right idea but made a simple arithmetic/algebraic mistake.

Course Content: Chapters 1-14 will be covered. There will be weekly WebAssign exams (using randomized data) where students will be allowed only two tries to enter correct answer. Exams will have to be completed on date designated. This is designated as a WebAssign-Exam or “WebA-Exam”. There also maybe exams given within the lecture hall. Homework’s will be Assign per week.

Attendance Policy: Attendance will be taken at the beginning of every class. For every unexcused absence, 1% per academic hour will be deducted from your final grade (a tuesday or thursday class is 1.5 academic hours and a monday, wednesday or friday calss is 1.0 academic hours).

CALENDAR

STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

1. In the event of significant personal problems (i.e. medical, family, etc.) which might cause the student to miss many classes, the Dean of Students is available to counsel you on how to meet your academic responsibilities. It is your obligation to make these arrangements and not go to the instructor (particularly at the “last minute”).

2. Excessive tardiness will not be permitted if it disrupts the class.

3. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. If a student cheats, and this is proven beyond a doubt, he/she will be dropped from the course and sanctioned by the appropriate academic authorities.

Disability Policy: Texas Southern University maintains a policy for students with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Under these federal guidelines, the University is obligated to:

• Protect the civil rights of students with disabilities.

• Protect the confidentiality and privacy of students with disabilities.

• Provide reasonable accommodations and services to students with known disabilities, who are qualified to meet the requirements of the academic programs, apart from the handicapping condition.

The burden of proof is on the student to demonstrate the need for requested accommodations. If you feel you are qualified to receive services, please contact the Office of Disabled Students Services at 713-313-4210 or visit the office in the Fairchild Building, Room 147 between the hours of 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday.