Physics 312   Engineering Mechanics (Statics and Dynamics)   Spring 2010   Syllabus

Instructor:  Dr. Brian M. Davies
Instructor's office:  Currens 532 (top floor, NW corner)
Phone:  309-298-1307
Office Hours:  MWF 11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. and MW 2:00 –2:50 p.m. or by arrangement
Instructor's e-mail address:  BM-Davies at wiu.edu
Instructor’s web site:  http://frontpage.wiu.edu/~bmd111/

Required textbook:  "Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics and Dynamics", by Beer and Johnston, 9th edition. We will cover Ch. 2-8 and 11-13. Note:  The Union Bookstore ordered the OLD edition.  Don't buy that one. We will need to special order the 9th edition, from Chapman's, for example.

Class Schedule
Lecture: M W F 3:00 – 4:10 p.m. in Currens 336 (to be equivalent to 4 regular 50 minute class sessions) 

Exams:  three exams on Feb. 15, March 10, and April 7
             Final exam (determined by WIU policy): Wed., May 12, from 3 – 4:50 p.m.

Course Objective:  Analysis of force systems; static equilibrium; dynamics of particles and rigid bodies using Newton's Laws and the principles of work, energy, impulse, and momentum. 

ADA policy:  “In accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), academic accommodations may be made for any student who notifies the instructor of the need for an accommodation.  It is imperative that you take the initiative to bring such needs to the instructor’s attention, as he/she is not legally permitted to inquire about such particular needs of students.  Students who may require special assistance in emergency evacuations (i.e. fire, tornado, etc.) should contact the instructor as to the most appropriate procedures to follow in such an emergency.  Contact Disability Support Services at 298-2512 for additional services.” 

Grading: 
Homework   35 %
Hour Exams 15 % each (x3)
Final Exam   20 % (scheduled for Wed., May 12, from 3 – 4:50 p.m.)

Homework:  Working on problems is a key feature of this kind of class.  Problems will be assigned almost every time the class meets, and will usually be due at the beginning of the next class.  A significant portion of the class meetings will be devoted to reviewing and/or working out details of the problem assignments.   Attendance is not strictly mandatory but you will be expected to turn in your work on time and keep up with the material.