Introductory Physics I Syllabus for 2014-2015
Return to Syllabus List

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

Prerequisite: 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

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)
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,

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:

\ \

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

\ \

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

\ \

Races (both human, animal, and vehicular)
Safety features in vehicles
Thrill rides
Sports
Energy usage in buildings
Air conditioning and heating
Sonar use by humans and animals
Radar use by humans
Lag time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder

\ \

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

\ \

position, displacement, velocity, and acceleration.
mass, weight, and net force.
individual forces on an object (when the net force is known).
projectile flight time, height, and range.
changes in momentum, impulse, and velocities following collisions.
energy transfers (work and heat) into and out of systems.
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:

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.
Be responsible by
- attending class (100% attendance is expected).
- completing assigned work.
- studying for tests.
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.
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

Calculators may be used during tests but cell phones and other electronic gadgets may not.
No video, images, or audio recordings may be made during class without permission.
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.
Cheating is absolutely NOT allowed. 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 three major tests each covering two chapters no dropped grades no notes allowed during test	30%
Homework average grade from Quest Online Learning Learning Modules 50% (50% of grade based on completion) Homework Sets 50% (30% of grade based on completion)	30%
In-Class Assignments syllabus quiz on Blackboard group activities (problem-solving, presentations, etc) pop quizzes	10%
REQUIRED Comprehensive Final Exam comprehensive final exam turn in all graded tests on final exam day for bonus points	30%

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 (EXAMPLE: 79.50 = B, 79.49 = C)

Attendance

Attendance will be taken each class but will not count towards your grade. Students with good attendance, however, generally perform better on homework and tests and earn better grades. To encourage good attendance, unannounced assignments will occasionally be completed during class. Students are not allowed to make up these assignments and will earn a ‘zero’ if not present for them. In-class assignments will count as 10% of your final grade.

Calendar

This calendar is subject to change.

Updates will be announced in class.
Refer to the calendar on Blackboard for the most up-to-date information.

Week	Date	Chapter/Topic
1	Mon 08-25	Introduction; Syllabus; Expectations
1	Wed 08-27	Ch 3 – Equilibrium
2	Mon 09-01	No Class – Labor Day
2	Wed 09-03	Ch 3 – Linear Motion
3	Mon 09-08	Ch 3 – Linear Motion
3	Wed 09-09	Ch 4 – Newton’s Laws
4	Mon 09-15	No Class – instructor absence
4	Wed 09-17	Ch 4 – Newton’s Laws
5	Mon 09-22	Ch 4 – Newton’s Laws
5	Wed 09-24	Review & Practice
6	Mon 09-29	Test #1 Chs 3-4
6	Wed 10-01	Ch 5 – Momentum
7	Mon 10-06	Ch 5 – Momentum
7	Wed 10-08	Ch 5 – Energy
8	Mon 10-13	Ch 5 – Energy
8	Wed 10-15	Ch 6 – Gravitation
9	Mon 10-20	Ch 6 – Projectiles
9	Wed 10-22	Ch 6 – Projectiles
10	Mon 10-27	Review & Practice
10	Wed 10-29	Test #2 Chs 5-6
11	Mon 11-03	Ch 8 – Heat & Temperature
11	Wed 11-05	Chs 8/9 – Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer
12	Mon 11-10	Ch 9 – Heat Transfer & Phase Changes
12	Wed 11-12	Review & Practice
13	Mon 11-17	Test #3 Chs 8-9
13	Wed 11-19	Ch 12 – Mechanical Waves
14	Mon 11-24	Ch 12 – Mechanical Waves
14	Wed 11-26	No Class – Thanksgiving Break*
15	Mon 12-01	Ch 12 – Sound
15	Wed 12-03	Ch 12 – Sound
16	Mon 12-08	No Class – Finals Week – Study for Exams
16	Wed 12-10	Required Comprehensive Final Exam

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 AC regulations should be made if a student decides to drop this course. You should talk to your instructor prior to dropping, however.

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 serious 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 be missed for non-emergency situations with prior approval from the instructor under only a few circumstances. Communication is key -- talk to your instructor as soon as possible.

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. 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. Instructions for sign-up are on the course web site at Blackboard. Homework will consist of Learning Modules and Homework Sets (each worth half of your homework grade). Quest will keep a running average grade that will count 30% of your course grade.

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 questions via email and after class as often as possible. If you need further assistance please check the course web site for helpful resources and links to useful videos. You may also use AC’s Math Tutoring Center or the Science Success Center at no charge. If you need a tutor please let your instructor know. Do be careful, however, not to get too much help with your homework and studying. The struggle of figuring out solutions to problems actually helps you learn physics and problem-solving better even though it can be frustrating.

PHYS 1305 LECTURE CALENDAR

Each semester a published schedule is adhered to as much as possible, however, some calendar items may be shifted from what is planned depending on a variety of issues. Students will be given adequate notice of changes to the calendar via class announcements and AC email. 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.

CLASS WEB SITE

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

Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on: