Physics 162 Syllabus: Spring 2003

Instructor: Stanley J. Micklavzina

Textbook:

Energy Its Use and the Environment Third Edition

This course is an introduction to physics principles as they apply to solar and renewable energy and an introduction to direct applications of solar and other alternative energy sources. We will begin by studying energy use, mechanical and thermal energy physics topics, sources of energy, and then focus on applications of direct solar and wind energy conversion systems. We will also look at energy storage and other sources of renewable energy. PHYS 161 and 162 both start by studying basic physics principles before branching into different areas of focus. (PHYS 161 focusses on current popular energy sources and the environmental impact from energy use.)

We will meet a number of times in a lab setting to give you hands-on experience of the physics principles. I will have a sign-up sheet in the class and there is a sheet listing the times in the Lab Preference Sheet. Special outside class activities exist for students who have conflicts and cannot meet at any of these times. The lab or these activities are a requirement for this course. It is a 4 credit class that only meets for 3 hours per week. These activities complete the education you paid for!

PHYS 199: Special Studies Advanced Topics PHYS 162: This is a one credit hour small group special seminar that will discuss the topics of energy. Possible topics of discussion are President Bushs' Energy Plan, Oregon Energy Plan, Renewable Energy and Transportation. If you would like to study the topics of energy to a deeper level in a small group setting, than I encourage you to sign up for this seminar. It meets on Wednesdays 16:00 - 16:50 (4:00 - 4:50 p.m.) in Room 112 Willamette Hall.

Course Grading:

  1. Homework 15%
  2. Lab Exercises and Reports 25%
  3. Midterm Exam: 25%
  4. Final Exam: 35%

Homework, lab assignments, and reports will be graded.

No late homework, reports, or journals will be accepted. Lab meetings are scheduled in advance. Lab meetings cannot be made up. If you miss the lab you will have to the outside class activity. Late homework will not be accepted due to grading hassles.

The exams will be both multiple choice and essay.

There is some room for adjustment in the schedule and I will update this web site regularly. It is your responsibility to find out what announcements were made and what was discussed in class if you miss a lecture. Please let me know what your interests are and I can try and adjust the course to meet your interest.

Have a nice Spring.

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