Introductory Physics I Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Course Information

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Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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Course

PHYS-1305-001 Introductory Physics I

Prerequisites

MATH 0303-minimum grade of C, an Accuplacer score of 75, a THEA score of 270 or an equivalent score on a state-approved test and RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

Introduction to physics for students who have limited backgrounds in science and mathematics. Topics include mechanics, properties of matter, heat and thermodynamics.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Textbook TBA

Students will also need to purchase access to Quest Online Learning for online homework submission. The cost is $25.00. More information will be given in class.

Supplies

The following supplies will be needed in class:

• notebook or spiral
• scientific calculator (with trig functions and scientific notation)
• pencils
• good erasers

Student Performance

This course is an introduction to physics for non-science majors who have limited backgrounds in science and mathematics. Topics covered in this course will include motion, forces, energy, momentum, mechanical waves, and sound. Conceptual knowledge will be stressed along with mathematical problem-solving.

Students will understand basic principles of physics such as:

1. the differences between constant velocity and uniform acceleration in one dimension.
2. the net force concept and how motion is determined by net force.
3. Newton's laws of motion.
4. the difference between mass and weight.
5. the force and motion concepts applied to projectile motion.
6. the momentum, impulse, and energy of objects associated with collisions.
7. the conservation of momentum and energy.
8. the difference between heat and temperature.
9. the laws of thermodynamics.
10. the basic concepts of mechanical wave motion and sound.

Students will relate the basic principles of physics to real-life situations such as:

1. Races (both human, animal, and vehicular)
2. Safety features in vehicles
3. Thrill rides
4. Sports
5. Energy usage in buildings
6. Air conditioning and heating
7. Sonar use by humans and animals.
8. Radar use by humans.
9. Lag time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder.

Students will use basic algebra and geometry in solving problems including calculations of:

1. position, displacement, velocity, and acceleration.
2. mass, weight, and net force.
3. individual forces on an object (when the net force is known).
4. projectileflight time, height, and range.
5. changes in momentum, impulse, and velocities following collisions.
6. energy transfers (work and heat) into and out of systems.
7. frequency, period, speed, and wavelength of mechanical waves.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

\ Students are expected to:

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• \ Be prepared by studying assigned textbook pages prior to class, reviewing material learned in class within 24 hours, and keeping up with the class calendar.
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• \ Be responsible by attending class (100% attendance is expected), bringing materials to class, completing assigned work, and studying for tests.
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• \ Be an active learner by participating in class discussions and share sessions, working with your classmates to figure out solutions, and having a “can-do” attitude.
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• \ Be polite by being on time for class, turning cell phones and electronic gadgets to “silent” when in class, and only using electronic devices during class when allowed.
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Grading Criteria

Grades are based on the following categories:

• TESTS -- 40% -- best 3 of 4 tests
• HOMEWORK -- 20% -- one dropped
• CLASSWORK -- 10% -- work completed in class; no drops; must be present in class to complete
• FINAL EXAM -- 30% -- comprehensive (students may turn in old graded tests for bonus points on the final)

• A = 89.50-100
• B = 79.50-89.49
• C = 69.50-79.49
• D = 59.50-69.49
• F = 0 - 59.49

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all classes. Although attendance will be taken each class meeting there will be no point deductions for missed classes. In-class assignments, however, count as 10% of the final grade and can only be completed by students who are in attendance.

Calendar

Additional Information

\ ADA INFORMATION

\ “Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact Accessibility Services (Student Services Center, Room 125, 371-5436).”

\ DROP POLICY

\ Students may drop the course at any time that Amarillo College regulations permit.  Reference to published regulation should be made if a student decides to drop this course. Important dates can be found on the AC master calendar and will be posted on our class web site.