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Introductory Physics I Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Instructor

Kay Fincher (Curriculum Vitae)

E-Mail

klfincher@actx.edu

Phone

Office Location

Office Hours

Office hours vary depending on the course. Please check the syllabus under “Additional Information”.

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

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.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

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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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

  • Conceptual Physics Fundamentals by Paul G. Hewitt (blue wave on the front cover)
  • Practice Book for Conceptual Physics Fundamentals by Paul G. Hewitt
  • Subscription to Quest Online Learning ($25.00 for one semester) https://quest.cns.utexas.edu

Supplies

  • Scientific calculator (needs to have trigonometric functions and scientific notation)
    • 2-line display or graphing calculators are suggested but not required
  • Small notebook for notes (spiral, binder, or folder w

    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. projectile flight 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

    Student 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:

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

    SOME RULES of the ROAD

    1. Calculators may be used during tests but cell phones and other electronic gadgets may not.
    2. Due to federal privacy laws no video images or audio recordings may be made during class without permission.
    3. To be successful in this course requires you to participate in learning during class. Please refrain from using electronic devices (laptops, netbooks, ipads, smartphones, etc) during class unless it is part of a learning activity. If something urgent requires your attention please go to the hallway so you don’t disrupt others.
    4. Cheating is absolutely NOT allowed. Unauthorized help on tests will result in a grade of “zero” on the test. Refer to the AC Student Code of Conduct for further information.

    Grading Criteria

    Your final grade will consist of the following grade categories worth the listed percentages. No extra credit or bonus work will be assigned.

    Tests

    • five tests each covering several topics (1-3 chapters)
    • the lowest test grade will be dropped

    40%

    Homework

    • average grade from Quest Online Learning Homework
    • one low homework grade will be dropped from the average

    25%

    Assignments

    • syllabus quiz on Blackboard
    • Learning Module 01 from Quest
    • assignments completed in class

    10%

    REQUIRED Comprehensive Final Exam

    • comprehensive final exam
    • turn in all graded tests for bonus points

    25%

    GRADING SCALE:

    • A -- 90-100%
    • B – 80-89%
    • C – 70-79%
    • D – 60-69%
    • F – 0-59%   

    0.50 rounds a grade up, 0.49 does not  (EX:  79.50 = B, 79.49 = C)

    Attendance

    Attendance will be taken each class.  Attendance will not count towards your grade, however, students with good attendance generally perform better on homework and tests.  In addition, there will be occasional assignments completed in class for grading that may not be made up by students who were absent.

    Calendar

    PHYS 1305 LECTURE CALENDAR

    Each semester a schedule is adhered to as much as possible, however, some calendar items may be shifted slightly from what is planned depending on a variety of issues. Students will be given adequate notice of changes to the calendar via class announcements, email, and Remind101 texting. The most current calendar will always be on the class web site. No tests will be moved ahead of schedule without giving students ample time for study.

    *Students are expected to read the appropriate chapters of their textbook PRIOR to the class during which the topic will be discussed.

    **Bb refers to the course Blackboard site.

    Wk

    Date

    Chapter/Topic

    Homework

    Complete By

    1

    Tue 01-21

    No Class—sign up for Quest; check email; Bb

    • Syllabus Quiz (on Bb)

    • Quest LM 01

    11:59 pm Mon 01-27

    Thu 01-23

    No Class—assignments on Bb and Quest

    2

    Tue 01-28

    Ch 3 – Equilibrium & Linear Motion

    HW 01 Ch 3 Motion

    11:59 pm Mon 02-03

    Thu 01-30

    Ch 3 – Linear Motion

    3

    Tue 02-04

    Ch 4 – Newton’s Laws

    HW 02 Ch 4 Forces

    11:59 pm Mon 02-11

    Thu 02-06

    Ch 4 – Newton’s Laws

    4

    Tue 02-11

    Review & Practice

    Study for Test #1

    Thu 02-13

    Test #1 – Chs 3 & 4

    Start reading Ch 5

    5

    Tue 02-18

    Ch 5 – Momentum & Impulse

    HW 03 Ch 5 Momentum

    11:59 pm Mon 02-24

    Thu 02-20

    Ch 5 – Momentum & Collisions

    6

    Tue 02-25

    Ch 5 – Energy & Work

    HW 04 Ch 5 Energy

    11:59 pm Mon 03-03

    Thu 02-27

    Ch 5 – Energy Conservation

    7

    Tue 03-04

    Review & Practice

    Study for Test #2

    Thu 03-06

    Test #2 – Ch 5

    Start reading Ch 6

    8

    Mar 10-14

    SPRING BREAK – No Classes

    9

    Tue 03-18

    Ch 6 – Law of Gravitation

    HW 05 Ch 6 Gravity

    11:59 pm Mon 03-24

    Thu 03-20

    Ch 6 – Projectiles

    10

    Tue 03-25

    Ch 6 – Projectiles

    HW 06 Ch 6 Projectiles

    11:59 pm Mon 03-31

    Thu 03-27

    Review & Practice

    11

    Tue 04-01

    Test #3 – Ch 6

    Start reading Ch 8 & 9

    Thu 04-03

    Ch 8 – Temperature & Heat

    HW 07 Ch 8 Heat, Temp

    11:59 pm Mon 04-07

    12

    Tue 04-08

    Ch 8/9 – Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer

    HW 08 Chs 8/9 Thermo, Heat Transfer, Phase Changes

    11:59 pm Mon 04-14

    Thu 04-10

    Ch 9 – Heat Transfer & Phase Changes

    13

    Tue 04-15

    Review & Practice

    Study for Test #4

    Thu 04-17

    Test #4 – Chs 8-9

    Start reading Ch 12

    14

    Tue 04-22

    Ch 12 – Mechanical Waves

    HW 09 Ch 12 Waves

    11:59 pm Mon 04-28

    Thu 04-24

    Ch 12 – Mechanical Waves

    15

    Tue 04-29

    Ch 12 – Sound

    HW 10 Ch 12 Sound

    11:59 pm Mon 05-05

    Thu 05-01

    Ch 12 – Sound

    16

    Tue 05-06

    Review & Practice

    Study for Test #5

    Thu 05-08

    Test #5 – Ch 12

    Study for Final Exam

    17

    Tue 05-13

    No Class – Finals Week

    Study for Final Exam

    Thu 05-15

    Final Exam – Chs 3-6, 8-9, 12

    Additional Information

    PREREQUISITES/COREQUISITES 

    In addition to learning the concepts and laws regarding physical phenomena, students taking this course will be applying mathematics to solving physics problems. While some mathematics skills will be reviewed, students are expected to already know how to solve linear equations and use basic algebra and right-angle geometry to solve problems. Amarillo College requires that students show their readiness for this course with the following 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.

    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 INFORMATION

    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.

    MAKE-UP TESTS

    Make-up tests will be granted due to an emergency such as severe illness, car accident, death in the immediate family, or a family illness.  Students will be required to show proof of extenuating circumstances such as a doctor’s note or police accident report before being allowed to make up a test.  A missed test results in a grade of ‘zero’ and students who miss a test will not be given a copy of the test for study purposes.  Tests may only be missed for non-emergency situations with prior approval from the instructor.

    HOMEWORK

    Homework assignments will be delivered through an online homework service managed by the University of Texas at Austin. The cost is $25. 00 per semester. Homework will be due weekly. Answers must be submitted online at Quest. One low homework grade will be dropped from the average. The FIRST assignment on Quest is a Learning Module that will introduce you to the Quest system and explain how to submit answers and how grading is done. Sign up at https:quest.cns.edu. The course’s unique number will be sent out via email to students enrolled in the course.

    STUDY GROUPS

    In general, research shows that students learn physics best from meaningful, thoughtful discussion of topics and problem-solving with their peers. You are strongly encouraged to form a study group that meets regularly to review and discuss concepts and complete homework assignments. It can make a huge difference in your understanding of physics concepts, your grade, and your general attitude toward learning physics. 

    TUTORING and HOMEWORK HELP

    Your instructor will answer homework questions via email and after class on Thursdays. If you need further assistance please check the course web site for helpful resources and links to useful videos. You may also try AC’s online tutoring system or the Science Outreach Center which is located on the 1st floor of Warren Hall. Please be careful not to get too much help with your homework--the struggle of figuring out solutions to problems actually helps you learn physics better.

    CLASS WEB SITE

    The Blackboard web site for the course is a fantastic resource for students. Notes, videos, due dates, and more are posted there. Check it frequently.

    Syllabus Created on:

    11/30/-1 12:00 AM

    Last Edited on:

    11/30/-1 12:00 AM