College Physics I Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Course Information

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Course

PHYS-1401-004 College Physics I

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: Math 1316

Course Description

Fundamental principles of physics, using algebra and trigonometry; the principles and applications of classical mechanics and thermodynamics, including harmonic motion, mechanical waves and sound, physical systems, Newton’s Laws of Motion, and gravitation and other fundamental forces; with emphasis on problem solving. Laboratory activities will reinforce lecture content.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

• College Physics, 1^st Ed, by Etkina, Gentile, and Van Heuvelen
  • eText and MasteringPhysics access provided by Amarillo ISD
  • paper copy of textbook available on request
• ​College Physics: Algebra & Trig, 3^rd Ed, by Hecht
  • ​available in the classroom

Supplies

The following supplies should be brought to class every day:

• 2 bound composition notebook with “quadrille” (grid) paper in it (NO SPIRALS!!)
  • one for labs, one fo

    Student Performance

    \ Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

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    1. \ Demonstrate knowledge of basic physical units and their relationships.
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    2. \ Determine the components of linear motion (displacement, velocity, acceleration, and especially motion under conditions of constant acceleration).
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    3. \ Apply Newton’s laws to physical problems including gravity.
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    4. \ Solve problems using principles of energy.
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    5. \ Use principals of impulse and momentum to solve problems.
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    6. \ Determine the location of the center of mass and center of rotation for rigid bodies in motion.
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    7. \ Solve problems involving rotational and linear motion.
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    8. \ Define equilibrium, including the different types of equilibrium.
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    9. \ Discuss simple harmonic motion and its application to real-world problems.
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    10. \ Solve problems using the principles of heat and thermodynamics.
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    11. \ Solve basic fluid mechanics problems.
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    \

    \ Lab Component:

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    1. \ Develop techniques to set and perform experiments, collect data from those experiments, and formulate conclusions from an experiment.
    \
    2. \ Demonstrate the collections, analysis, and reporting of data using the scientific method.
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    3. \ Communicate effectively the results of investigations.
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    4. \ Demonstrate knowledge of basic physical units and their relationships.
    \
    5. \ Same as 2-11 above.
    \

    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 respectful to everyone in the classroom and exhibit responsibility with behavior as well as assignments.  Students are expected to work hard to understand the physics they are learning and attend tutorials if needed.  Students are expected to be on time to class and have their materials every day. Electronic devices may only be used during class with permission from the instructor.

    Grading Criteria

    This one-semester college course will be taught over an entire high school year. At the high school there are two semesters so the final course grade will be an average of 6 6-Weeks Grades (85%) and 2 Semester Exams (15%).

    Six Weeks Grades – 85% of final grade

    • Tests (200 pts) – 1 each 3 weeks (3-Wk assessment and 6-Wk assessment)
    • Formal Labs (200 pts) – 1 per six weeks
    • Informal Labs (100 pts) – 1-2 per six weeks
    • Daily Work and Homework (10 pts) – 2-4 per week

    Semester Exams – 15% of final grade

    • fall semester exam in December
    • spring semester exam in May

     

    Additional Information

    • ALL students enrolled in this course will take a comprehensive final exam at the end of each semester. Test questions will be similar to those on the AP Physics 1 Exam.
    • Work missed due to an absence is to be made up in a timely manner.  You are allowed one day per day of school missed for a non-school-related absence.  If you miss class due to a school activity the work will be turned in before the absence or the day immediately following the absence.  Please contact your instructor as soon as possible.
    • Students may correct lab reports to earn back ½ of the points that were lost. Corrections MUST be done during a scheduled tutoring session within ONE WEEK of the assignment’s due date.

    GRADING SCALE

    • A – 89.5-100%
    • B – 79.5-89.49%
    • C – 69.5-79.49%
    • D – 59.5-69.49%
    • F – 0-59.49%

    Attendance

    Since this is a dual-credit course at a high school, attendance is required per the Texas Education Code.

    Work missed due to an absence is to be made up in a timely manner.  You are allowed one day per day of school missed for a non-school-related absence.  If you miss class due to a school activity the work will be turned in before the absence or the day immediately following the absence.  Please contact your instructor as soon as possible if you have questions or need an extension.

    Calendar

    The class calendar will be on AISD's Blackboard web site at www.blackboard.amaisd.org since students enrolled in this course are also high school students and not all students in the high school course have access to the AC Blackboard calendar.

    Students should keep up with homework assignments on the MasteringPhysics class calendar.

    Tests will be administered the 3rd and 6th week of each grading period following Amarillo High School's testing schedule and as required by AHS administration.

    This class will follow AISD’s calendar for AP Physics 1.

    FALL SEMESTER
    Six Weeks	Topic
    1	Kinematics and Representations of Motion Motion Graphs Written Descriptions Motion Maps/Diagrams Using Equations Vectors Six Weeks Test – Monday of the 6th Week
    2	Newton’s Laws of Motion and Representation of Forces Types of Forces/Identifying Forces Gravitational Mass and Weight Using Free-body Diagrams and Summation Equations Net Force and Acceleration Six Weeks Test – Tuesday of the 6th Week
    3	Gravitation; Uniform Circular Motion; Projectile Motion Newton’s Law of Gravitation Centripetal Acceleration Central Net Force Use of FBD and Summation Equations Projectile Motion No Six Weeks Test this grading period.
    Fall Semester Exam (last week of school in December)

     

     

    SPRING SEMESTER
    Six Weeks	Topic
    4	Work, Energy, Power & Linear Momentum Work-Energy Theorem Impulse-Momentum Theorem Energy & Momentum Conservation Six Weeks Test – Wednesday of the 6th Week
    5	Simple Harmonic Motion Mass-Spring Harmonic Oscillators and Pendulums Simple Harmonic Motion Graphs Rotational Kinematics, Dynamics, and Conservation of Angular Momentum Center of Mass Rotational Kinematics Static Equilibrium/Rotational Equilibrium Angular Momentum Conservation Six Weeks Test – Thursday of the 6th Week
    6	Waves & Sound Wave Characteristics and Behaviors Standing Waves and Harmonics Electrostatics & Simple Electric Circuits Electric Force Basic DC Circuits Kirchoff’s Rules No Six Weeks Test this Six Weeks.
    Spring Semester Exam (last week of school in May)

     

    Additional Information

    This course follows the AP Physics 1 Framework in addition to the state requirements for Physics 1401.

    Tutorials schedules are posted outside of each physics teacher’s classroom.

    Syllabus Created on:

    11/30/-1 12:00 AM

    Last Edited on:

    11/30/-1 12:00 AM