College Physics I Syllabus for 2026-2027
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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.

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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.
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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.

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Statement on State-Authorized Courses at Amarillo College

For-credit academic and workforce education courses offered at Amarillo College are limited to the course options available in the statewide inventory for two-year public institutions. Courses in the state-authorized lower-division Academic Course Guide Manual and Workforce Education Course Manual have specific descriptions that prescribe course content and may include specific student learning outcomes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) maintains and regularly updates these manuals. Amarillo College faculty and leaders ensure that these courses are aligned with THECB guidelines and evaluated based on student performance outcomes. Students enrolled in these courses are expected to engage with and learn course content. According to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual, "faculty members are entitled to academic freedom in the conduct of research and teaching and are tasked with the associated responsibilities" (DGC). Students are entitled to academic freedom in the classroom, as well, and faculty "must not attempt to force on students a personal viewpoint and must at all times allow diversity of opinion" (Amarillo College Academic Affairs Manual).

Course

PHYS-1401-001 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

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

Hours

(4 sem hrs 3 lec 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

College Physics (11th Edition) by Serway and Vaughn [optional]

Laboratory Manual:

On Blackboard

Supplies

Science Composition Notebook (suggested for lecture notes)

Scientific or graphing calculator

Pencil + eraser

Ruler

Graphing or engineering paper

Student Performance

Upon successful completion of the lecture part of this course, students will:

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

2. Apply Newton’s laws to physical problems including gravity.

3. Solve problems using principles of energy.

4. Use principles of impulse and linear momentum to solve problems.

5. Solve problems in rotational kinematics and dynamics, including the determination of the location of the center of mass and center of rotation for rigid bodies in motion.

6. Solve problems involving rotational and linear motion.

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

8. Demonstrate an understanding of equilibrium, including the different types of equilibrium.

9. Discuss simple harmonic motion and its application to quantitative problems or qualitative questions.

10. Solve problems using the principles of heat and thermodynamics.

11. Solve basic fluid mechanics problems.

Upon successful completion of  the lab part of this course, students will:

1. Demonstrate techniques to set up and perform experiments, collect data from those experiments, and formulate conclusions from an experiment.

2. Record experimental work completely and accurately in laboratory notebooks, and communicate experimental results clearly in written reports.

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

4. Apply Newton’s laws to physical problems including gravity.

5. Solve problems using principles of energy.

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

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

8. Solve problems in rotational kinematics and dynamics, including the determination of the location of the center of mass and center of rotation for rigid bodies in motion.

9. Solve problems involving rotational and linear motion.

10. Demonstrate an understanding of equilibrium, including the different types of equilibrium.

11. Discuss simple harmonic motion and its application to quantitative problems or qualitative questions.

12. Solve problems using the principles of heat and thermodynamics.

13. Solve basic fluid mechanics problems.

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

Class Conduct:  Please be respectful of everyone in class.  Set cell phones to silent mode and avoid sending text messages during lecture.  Any use of electronic devices (like tablets, laptops, etc) should be related to the course material currently being discussed.  If you need to be "on call" for family or other reasons, set phone to vibrate and quietly step outside if you need to take a call.  Pay attention in class and take good notes.  Do not be disruptive.  If you are causing a disruption in class, you will be asked to leave after one warning.

Cheating Policy: If there is any evidence of cheating on any examination or assignment, you will receive a zero for that item and cannot make it up or replace it and it cannot be dropped.

AI Policy: Artificial intelligence (AI) should not be used for anything in this course. All homework should be done by you and not an AI program.  If you use AI to do your homework, you will not learn the material well enough to be able to handle exam questions. Any evidence of AI use will be treated as cheating and adhere to the above cheating policy.

Please see Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for further information.

Grading Criteria

Required Evaluation Activities:

4 Exams                                40%      (1 drop, exams are taken in Science Testing Center)

Homework                             20%      (1 drop)          

Laboratory Assignments       25%       (1 drop)

Attendance                              5%       (1 drop)

Final Examination                 10%        (required for everyone; no drop grade allowed)

Grading Criteria/Grading Scale:

The following criteria will be used to determine your grade (rounded to the one's place):

A:90 or above, B: 89-80, C: 79-70, D: 69-60, F: 59 or below.

Attendance

It is the responsibility of the student to attend class. Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement and 5% of overall grade.

It is the student’s responsibility to make up any missed assignments. One lab grade will be dropped at the end of the semester. If the student is unable to attend a lab session, that grade will be dropped or the lowest lab grade will be used if all labs are completed.

Calendar

Additional Information

 The schedule is subject to change.