University Physics I
Course
Prefix, Number, Title, Credit Hours
Phys
211/211L, University Physics I, lecture and laboratory, 4 cr.
University
Name
Northern
Academic
Term, Year
Fall
2007
Course
Meeting Time and Location
10:00 –
10:50, MWF Classroom: MJ112
11:00 –
11:50, MWF Laboratory: MJ112
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
Catalog
description
PHYS 211-211L. University Physics I. This is the first course in a two semester calculus-level sequence, covering fundamental concepts of physics. This is the preferred sequence for students majoring in physical science or engineering. Topics include classical mechanics and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: MATH 123. 4 credits.
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.
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.
Serway & Jewett, Principles of Physics, 4th ed (ISBN:
0-534-49143-X)
Supplementary
materials
Gordon, McGrew,
& Serway, Student Solutions Manual & Study Guide to Accompany Principles of
Physics, 4th ed, Vol 1. (ISBN: 0-534-49145-6)
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.
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 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%.
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 and Vectors - Chapter 1 |
Sept
5, 7, 10, 12 |
|
Motion
in One Dimension - Chapter 2 |
Sept
14, 17, 19 |
|
Motion
in Two Dimensions - Chapter 3 |
Sept
21, 24, 26 |
|
Exam
#1 (Chapters 1 - 3) |
Sept
28 |
|
The
Laws of Motion - Chapter 4 |
Oct
1, 3, 5 |
|
More
Applications of |
Oct
10, 12, 15 |
|
Energy
and Energy Transfer – Chapter 6 |
Oct
17, 19, 22 |
|
Exam
#2 (Chapter 4 – 6) |
Oct
24 |
|
Potential
Energy – Chapter 7 |
Oct
26, 29, 31 |
|
Momentum
and Collisions - Chapter 8 |
Nov
2, 5, 7 |
|
Relativity
- Chapter 9 |
Nov
9, 14, 16 |
|
Exam
#3 (Chapters 7 – 9) |
Nov
19 |
|
Rotational
Motion – Chapter 10 |
Nov
26, 28, 30 |
|
Gravity,
Planetary Orbits, and the Hydrogen Atom – Chapter 11 |
Dec
3, 5, 7 |
|
Oscillatory
Motion - Chapter 12 |
Dec
10, 12, 14 |
|
Exam
#4 (Chapters 10 – 12) |
Dec
18 @ 9:45 am |
Problem Assignments:
|
Problem Assignments: |
Due Date: |
|
Chapter 1 |
Sept 14 |
|
Chapter 2 |
Sept 19 |
|
Chapter 3 |
Sept 28 |
|
Chapter 4 |
Oct 10 |
|
Chapter 5 |
Oct 17 |
|
Chapter 6 |
Oct 24 |
|
Chapter 7 |
Nov 02 |
|
Chapter 8 |
Nov 09 |
|
Chapter 9 |
Nov 19 |
|
Chapter
10 |
Dec 03 |
|
Chapter
11 |
Dec 10 |
|
Chapter
12 |
Dec 18 |
Phys 211 Laboratory Schedule
|
Lab 1: Find the Relationship (Computer Data
Graphing) Lab 2: Vectors |
Chapter 1 Sept 7, 10, 12 |
|
Lab 3: Introduction to Motion (Computer
Data Acquisition and Graphing or Digital Video Analysis) Lab 4: Ball Toss (Computer Data Acquisition
and Graphing) |
Chapter 2 Sept 14, 17, 19 |
|
Lab 5: Horizontally Launched Projectile
(Digital Video Analysis) Lab 6: Softball Throw (Digital Video
Analysis) |
Chapter 3 Sept 21, 24, 26 |
|
Lab 7: Second Law – Mass on a Spring
(Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing) Lab 8: The Atwood Machine (Computer Data
Acquisition and Graphing) |
Chapter 4 Oct 1, 3, 5 |
|
Lab 9: Air Resistance (Computer Data
Acquisition and Graphing) Lab 10: Centripetal Force (Computer Data
Acquisition and Graphing) |
Chapter 5 Oct 10, 12, 15 |
|
Lab 11:
Work and Energy (Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing) Lab 12: Work-Kinetic Energy Theorem on an
Incline (Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing) |
Chapter 6 Oct 17, 19, 22 |
Phys 211 Laboratory Schedule (Continued)
|
Lab 13: Energy of a Tossed Ball (Computer
Data Acquisition and Graphing) Lab 14: Energy of a Mass on a Spring
(Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing) |
Chapter 7 Oct 26, 29, 31 |
|
Lab 15: Impulse and Momentum (Computer Data
Acquisition and Graphing) Lab 16: Momentum and Energy in Collisions
(Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing) |
Chapter 8 Nov 2, 5, 7 |
|
Lab 17: Simultaneity (Simulation) Lab 18: Time Dilation (Simulation) |
Chapter 9 Nov 9, 14, 16 |
|
Lab 19: Rotational Dynamics (Computer Data
Acquisition and Graphing) Lab 20: Angular Momentum Conservation
(Computer Data Acquisition and Graphing) |
Chapter 10 Nov 26, 28, 30 |
|
Lab 21: Orbits (Simulation) Lab 22: The Bohr Atom (Simulation) |
Chapter 11 Dec 3, 5, 7 |
|
Lab 23: Simple Harmonic Motion (Computer
Data Acquisition and Graphing) Lab 24: Simple Pendulum (Computer Data
Acquisition and Graphing) Variable “g” Pendulum (Computer Data
Acquisition and Graphing) (extra credit) |
Chapter 12 Dec 10, 12, 14 |