Introductory Physics I Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

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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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

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Course

PHYS-1305-001 Introductory Physics I

Prerequisites

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

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Sidney K. Edelman, Understanding Ultrasound Physics, 4th Edition, see: https://esp-inc.com/uup/

Supplies

All lab supplies will be provided by the instructor.

Student Performance

Vide "expected student behavior" infra.

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

Course Philosophy: This course is not merely a requirement; it is the scientific foundation of your future clinical practice. Physics is the language of sonography and radiology. Your ability to understand sound waves, artifacts, and radiation safety directly correlates to the quality of images you will produce and the safety of the patients in your care. Therefore, students are expected to approach this course with the rigor and professionalism required of a clinician.

Core Expectations:

• Active Preparation & Cumulative Learning:

  • Physics is cumulative. Students are expected to read the assigned chapters from the Edelman text before the lecture.

  • Because Week 1 (Foundations) builds directly into Week 11 (Doppler Optimization), falling behind creates a "knowledge debt" that is difficult to repay. Consistent, weekly study is required over cramming.

• Critical Thinking & Application:

  • Do not simply memorize the "Range Equation" or "Snell’s Law." You are expected to ask why and how these principles alter a diagnostic image.

  • Students should be prepared to explain the clinical consequence of physics adjustments (e.g., "If I increase frequency to improve resolution, what am I sacrificing in penetration?").

• Safety Consciousness (ALARA Principle):

  • During the final four weeks (Radiation, Radioactivity, and Health Physics), the focus shifts from diagnostic imaging to biological safety. Students must demonstrate a serious commitment to understanding the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle.

  • A casual attitude toward bioeffects—whether thermal indices in ultrasound or ionization in health physics—is unacceptable.

Grading Criteria

Attendance

Timely and consistent attendance is vitally important for success in this course.  Attendance is worth 10% of the course grade.

Calendar

Additional Information

Teaching and learning are dynamid processes.  As such, the instructor reserves the right to make alterations to the above concept sequence to facilitate student learning.  Any changes will be announced as far in advance as possible.  Your instructor is here for you success; please do not hesitate to contact the instructor at any time.