Principles of Physics I Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Course

PHYS-2425-003 Principles of Physics I

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: MATH 2413

Course Description

Fundamental principles of physics, using calculus, for science, computer science and engineering majors; the principles and applications of classical mechanics, including harmonic motion and physical systems; emphasis on problem solving. Basic laboratory experiments supporting theoretical principles presented in lecture involving the principles and applications of classical mechanics, including harmonic motion and physical systems; experimental design, data collection and analysis, and preparation of laboratory reports.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Lecture: Physics for Scientists and Engineers 9th edition, Serway & Jewitt

Lab: Laboratory Manual for PHYS 2425, Sun

Homework: You will need to get an access code for WebAssign.net at the bookstore.  This course's reference code in WebAssign is actx 0280 4403.

Supplies

Calculator: You will need a calculator that is not your phone that can handle scientific notation, exponents, and trigonometric functions.

Graph Paper: If you find you need this for any lab reports, http

Student Performance

After completing the lecture of this course, students should be able to:

1.      Determine the components of linear motion (displacement, velocity, and acceleration), and especially motion under conditions of constant acceleration

2.      Solve problems involving forces and work.

3.      Apply Newton’s laws to physical problems.

4.      Identify the different types of energy.

5.      Solve problems using principles of conservation of energy.

6.      Define the principles of impulse, momentum, and collisions.

7.      Use principles of impulse and momentum to solve problems.

8.      Determine the location of the center of mass and center of rotation for rigid bodies in motion.

9.      Discuss rotational kinematics and dynamics and the relationship between linear and rotational motion.

10.  Solve problems involving rotational and linear motion

11.  Define equilibrium, including the different types of equilibrium.

12.  Discuss simple harmonic motion and its application to real-world problems.

13.  Describe the components of a wave and relate those components to mechanical vibrations, sound, and decibel level.

   After completing the lab part of the course, students should be able to:

1.      Prepare laboratory reports that clearly communicate experimental information in a logical and scientific manner.

2.      Conduct basic laboratory experiments involving classical mechanics.

3.      Relate physical observations and measurements involving classical mechanics to theoretical principles.

4.      Evaluate the accuracy of physical measurements and the potential source of error in the measurements.

5.      Design fundamental experiments involving principles of classical mechanics.

6.      Identify appropriate sources of information for conducting laboratory experiments involving classical mechanics.

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

The lecture meetings will include class discussion and some activities, so students will not be expected to sit quietly the entire time.  Students will be expected to exercise good judgement regarding when to speak and when to listen, however, both with Dr. Van Domelen and their fellow students.

To avoid disruption and potential embarrassment, please silence all electronic devices.  Outside of quizzes and exams, portable electronics will be allowed.  However, unless they are part of an assistive system (see Disability Services if in doubt), please remove any earpieces or headphones.

Academic dishonesty will at a minimum be punished by a score of zero on the relevant task.  This includes cheating on exams, and turning in lab reports for a lab that was not actually attended.  (The online homework is harder to cheat than to just do honestly, but please do not take this as a challenge.)  Additional sanctions at the College level may be applied if the situation merits.

Grading Criteria

Three hour-long exams will together compose 30% of the class grade, while the final exam will count as 20%.  Homework will count for 20% of the grade, as well Laboratory writeups.  Quizzes given during non-exam weeks will make up the remaining 10%.

If it will raise your average, the lowest regular exam grade (unless it is a zero given for cheating) will be replaced by the percentage score of the final exam.

The laboratory grade will use the best 12 reports out of 14 assigned.  A bonus equalling 1% of the course grade will be given if all 14 reports are completed (or the absence is excused).

An extra credit math skills quiz will be given during the first week, and will also be worth up to 1% of the course grade.

 

The harshest grading scale that will be applied will be as follows: 89.5% = A, 79.5% = B, 69.5% = C, 59.5% = D.  Dr. Van Domelen reserves the right to adjust the curve to be more forgiving, but will not make it harsher.  The final analysis will consider the grades of all students: a few very high scores will not prevent a relaxing of the curve if most of the class struggled.

 

Attendance

Student attendance in lecture and lab is expected. 

If a student knows of an absence in advance, they may be able to arrange to attend the other section of the course at Dr. Van Domelen's discretion.  If this is not possible, one missed exam will be replaced by the percent score on the final exam, and a missed lab will not be counted against perfect attendance (see grading criteria).

Calendar

Additional Information

You must attend the Tuesday/Thursday meetings of PHYS 2425.  However, if there are seats open in the Monday/Wednesday sections and you need to make arrangements for a one-time shift (i.e. you find out you need to work on Thursday night one week), attending the other section may be possible.