Introduction to Physics I

 

Course Prefix, Number, Title, Credit Hours

Phys 111/111L, Introduction to Physics I, lecture and laboratory, 4 cr.

 

University Name

Northern State University

 

Academic Term, Year

Fall 2007

 

Course Meeting Time and Location

10:00 – 10:50, MWF Classroom: MJ112

11:00 – 11:50, MWF Laboratory: MJ112

 

Instructor’s Contact Information

            Name: Dr. Duane Dolejsi

            Office location: MJ-111

            Office hours: 1 – 2:50 PM, MWF

            Office phone number: 626-2456/626-2467

            Email address: dad@northern.edu

 

Course Description

Catalog description

PHYS 111-111L. Introduction to Physics I. This is the first in a two semester algebra-level sequence, covering fundamental concepts of physics. This sequence is appropriate for pre-professional majors requiring two semesters of physics. Topics include classical mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves. Prerequisite: MATH 102 or MATH 115 or MATH 121 or MATH 123. 4 credits

 

Additional course description

The intent of this course is to introduce students to the principles and methods of physics and to show them how these principles are applied in order to explain the phenomena of the physical world. The laboratory experiences and demonstrations will give the students insight into how experimentation leads to the discovery of new scientific principles.  Cooperative attitudes will be nurtured through the use of group activities.  In addition to the knowledge base developed in physics (see topics list later in this document), use of computer technologies are integrated through out the entire course. The use of these technologies are intended to impart the following specific skills: ability to use a web browser to access on-line information; ability to use bulletin boards; ability to download files; ability to use software packages for graphing, digital video analysis, and simulations; and ability to use software packages for data acquisition and analysis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Course Prerequisites

Previous courses/experience

MATH 102 or MATH 115 or MATH 121 or MATH 123

            Technology skills

As mentioned in the “Additional course description”, we make extensive use of computer technologies in this course.  Some familiarity with Windows Based computer operations (pointing, clicking, dragging, loading programs, and saving files) is assumed as well as basic familiarity of web browser usage.

 

 

Course Learning Goals or Objectives: This course addresses the System General Education GOAL #6:  Students will understand the fundamental principles of the natural sciences and apply scientific methods of inquiry to investigate the natural world.

 

Student Learning Outcomes:  As a result of this course, students will:

 

1.  Demonstrate the scientific method in a laboratory experience;

2.  Gather and critically evaluate data using the scientific method;

3. Identify and explain the basic concepts, terminology and theories of the selected natural sciences;

4.  Apply selected natural science concepts and theories to contemporary issues.

 

 

Description of Instructional Methods: Class is scheduled to meet for three two-hour periods per week. You will be assigned groups for classroom and laboratory activities. I will minimize lecture to allow time for interactive lecture demonstrations, problems, examples, and cooperative group discussion & activities.  Additional Course resources include the “Core Concepts in Physics CD-ROM”, “Student Tools CD-ROM”, WebAssign, WebCT,  Serway’s internet site, and Physics Now.

 

Course Requirements

Required textbook(s)

Serway & Faughn, College Physics, 7th ed (ISBN:0-534-99723-6)

 

Supplementary materials

Gordon, Teague & Serway, Study Guide and Student Solutions Manual, College Physics, 7th ed.

Class attendance policy: The student is responsible for any material and laboratory/activities missed due to absence from class.  Attendance is necessary in order to perform the laboratories, activities, and exams.

 

 

 

 

Cheating and plagiarism policy: Students who violate the rules concerning academic dishonesty (Section II, subsections B.1.a, b, and c of the Student Disciplinary Code) should be aware that members of the faculty may initiate one of the following options:

A.  Give the student a failing grade for the test or project involved in the violation.

B.  Give the student a failing grade in the course. (An instructor’s grade of ‘F’ for academic dis- honesty will override a ‘W’ that has been given for a student’s withdrawal from the class.)

C.  Do neither A nor B, but file a written complaint with the Vice President for Academic Affairs for the initiation of disciplinary proceedings as described in the section of this handbook entitled Judicial Structure and Procedures.

D.  Do either A or B, and file a written complaint as set out in item C above.

 

Make-up policy: If an absence is unavoidable, make‑up exams and laboratories should be arranged as soon as possible upon the student's return. Make-up laboratory activity guides as well as practice sheets may be downloaded from the NSU WebCT server.

 

Evaluation Procedures

            Assessments

Tests, projects and assignments

Four exams will be given.  Each exam will be composed of 7-8 problems.  You will choose 5 of these problems for solution. Downloadable practice tests are available on WebCT.

A laboratory journal will be maintained by each laboratory group.  This will be checked and graded three to four times during the semester.  Laboratory activity guides and practice pages are available for download on the NSU WebCT server. We will be making use of Computer based data acquisition, Digital Video Analysis, Computer Simulations, and Graphing Software.

The student is expected to read the assigned chapters and review the multimedia notes on WebCT.  A problem set will be due following completion of each chapter.  The problems will be submitted and scored using an online homework service called WebAssign.                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The System General Education criteria are assessed in the following manner: students will:

1)   Demonstrate the scientific method in a laboratory experience (assessed by laboratory hands-on experiences and the laboratory journal)

2) Gather and critically evaluate data using the scientific method (assessed by laboratory hands-on experiences and the laboratory journal)

3) Identify and explain the basic concepts, terminology and theories of the selected natural sciences (assessed by the exams and problem assignments)

4) Apply selected natural science concepts and theories to contemporary issues (assessed by the exams and problem assignments.

 

Performance standards/grading policy:

 

Course grade will be determined 50% by exams, 20% by homework, 30% by laboratory and practice pages. The laboratory and practice pages will be graded on a group basis. Work is due by 5:00 p.m. on the day indicated by the instructor.  Late work drops in value by 10% for each succeeding class meeting up to a maximum of 50%. Exceptions to this policy may be granted for unusual circumstances and university activities.

           

The following grading scale is used: A = 90-100%, B = 80-89%, C =70-79%, D = 60-69%, F = less than 60%.

 

ADA Statement

 

Northern State University recognizes its responsibility for creating an institutional climate in which students with disabilities can thrive.  If you have any type of disability for which you require special accommodations, please contact Karen Gerety at the NSU Office of Disability Services (626-2381, Student Center 217) as soon as possible to discuss your needs. All information and documentation of disability is confidential.

 

Freedom to Learn and Academic Freedom

 

    Under Board of Regents and University policy student academic performance may be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards. Students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled. Students who believe that an academic evaluation reflects prejudiced or capricious consideration of student opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards should contact the academic dean administratively in charge of the class to initiate a review of the evaluation."

     Nonetheless academic freedom as the freedom of faculty to teach the knowledge encompassed by their academic disciplines is vital to successful education, and thus must be defended.  As stated in the Higher Education Agreement, “Academic freedom in its teaching aspect is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the teacher in teaching and of students to freedom in learning. It includes the freedom to perform one's professional duties and to present differing and sometimes controversial points of view, free from reprisal.”   This academic freedom must be shielded against harassment and limitation in accordance with the words and spirit of the Higher Education Agreement.

     Furthermore, students bear the responsibility to become informed on the subject matter of the course and base their comments on a coherent understanding of these materials.  The mastery of these materials will constitute the basis for judgments of academic achievement and performance in this course.

 

 

Tentative Course Outline/Schedule:

 

Introduction & Chapter 1

Sept 5, 7 , 10, 12

Motion in One Dimension - Chapter 2

Sept 14, 17, 19

Vectors and 2-Dim. Motion - Chapter 3

Sept 21, 24, 26

Exam #1 (Chapters 1 - 3)

Sept 28

The Laws of Motion - Chapter 4 

Oct 1, 3, 5

Energy - Chapter 5

Oct  10, 12, 15

Momentum and Collisions - Chapter 6

Oct 17, 19, 22

Exam #2 (Chapters 4 - 6)

Oct 24

Circular Motion and the Law of Gravity - Chapter 7

Oct 26, 29, 31

Rotational Equilibrium and Rotational Dynamics – Chapter 8

Nov 2, 5, 7

Relativity – Chapter 26

Nov 9, 14, 16

Exam #3 (Chapters 7, 8, & 26)

Nov 19

Solids and Fluids – Chapter 9

Nov 26, 28, 30

Vibrations and Waves - Chapter 13

Dec 3, 5, 7

Sound - Chapter14

Dec 10, 12, 14

Exam #4 (Chapters 9, 13, & 14) 

Dec 18 @ 9:45 am

 

Problem Assignments:

 

Problem Assignments:

Due Date:

Chapter 1

Sept 14

Chapter 2

Sept 21

Chapter 3

Sept 28

Chapter 4

Oct 10

Chapter 5

Oct 17

Chapter 6

Oct 24

Chapter 7

Nov 2

Chapter 8

Nov  9

Chapter 26

Nov 19

Chapter 9

Dec 3

Chapter 13

Dec 10

Chapter 14

Dec 18

 


Laboratory Schedule*

(*Additional and/or alternate labs may be assigned at the instructor’s discretion)

  Lab 1: Find the Relationship

  Lab 2: Vectors

Sept 7, 10, 12

  Lab 3: Introduction to Motion (Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing)

  Lab 4: Ball Toss (Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing)

Sept 14, 17, 19

  Lab 5: Horizontally Launched Projectile (Digital Video Analysis)

  Lab 6: Softball Throw (Digital Video Analysis)

Sept 21, 24, 26

  Lab 7: Springing into Newton’s 2nd Law (Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing)

  Lab 8: The Atwood Machine (Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing)

 

Oct 1, 3, 5

  Lab 9: Work and Energy (Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing)

  Lab 10: Energy of a Tossed Ball

   & Energy of a Mass on a Spring (Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing)

Oct 10, 12, 15

  Lab 11 Impulse and Momentum (Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing)

  Lab 12: Inelastic Head On Collisions (Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing)

Oct 17, 19, 22

 

 

  Lab 13: Rotational Kinematics (Digital Video Analysis and Computer Graphing)

  Lab 14: Investigation of a Centripetal Force (Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing)

Oct 26, 29, 31

  Lab 15: Rotational Dynamics (Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing )

  Lab 16: Conservation of Angular Momentum (Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing)

Nov 2, 5, 7

  Lab 17: Simultaneity (Simulation)

  Lab 18: Time Dilation (Simulation)

Nov 9, 14, 16

  Lab 19: Pressure and Depth in a fluid & Archimedes Principle (Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing)

  Lab 20: Equation of Continuity in Fluid Flow and Bernoulli's Principle (Computer Simulation)

Nov 26, 28, 30

  Lab 21: Simple Harmonic Motion (Computer Data Acquisition)

  Lab 22: The Simple Pendulum (Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing)

Dec 3, 5, 7

  Lab 23: Resonance and Standing Waves on a String (Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing)

  Lab 24: Sound Waves and Beats (Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing)

Dec 10, 12, 14