PHY U111

Spring 2006

Frequently Asked Questions

last update 4 January 2006

This page contains answers to some frequently asked questions:

Academic Honesty

Academic integrity is essential in science, and students in this course areexpected follow the highest standards of academic honesty. For a detailed statement, see the University policy on Academic Honesty. Of special interest for this course is my policy on using calculators on quizzes and exams (see below).

Can I use a calculator on exams?

Normally, you may use a calculator for doing numerical calculations if necessary, but you may not store text information or formulas in any calculator you use. If you use such a information on any test, you will be asked to turn in your paper and leave immediately, with further action taken according to circumstances. To avoid questions, I suggest that you use a simple calculator that can calculate trig functions, exponentials and logarithms, but has no memory capacity.

Attendance

You are expected to attend every class. Obviously if you are truly ill, or have other sudden emergencies, you should set your priorities accordingly, but otherwise, come to class. Since this is a small class, you absence will be noticed.

Do you give makeup tests?

Rarely. If you miss the midterm exam for good reason (this means a serious emergency), we can arrange a makeup. If you miss the final exam for good reason, then you receive a grade of incomplete in the course if you were passing going into the exam (otherwise an F), and we will arrrange a makeup.

Can I take the course on a pass-fail basis?

Probably not. If this course is taken as a science elective for any major in science, engineering or computer science, then it must be taken for a regular grade. It may be possible if it is a free elective, but you need to check with your academic advisor to see if this is possible.

If you do wish to take the course on a 'pass-fail' basis, you must ask me in writing before February 15. I will not accept a request to change to 'pass-fail' under any circumstances after the midterm exam.

Can I bring my cell phone to class?

Yes, but please turn it off so that it does not ring in class. Nobody appreciates the interruption of a cell phone ringing in a class, or in the theater or movie house. If your cell phone rings in class, I will take down your name. If it happens a second time during the term, you will be asked to leave the class at once. In the unlikely event that it happens a third time, you will be referred to OSCCR.
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