Syllabus - Physics 115 - Conceptual Physics (4 S H)
Instructor: Gary Shields
Office: Pasteur 125
E-mail:
Website D2L
My office phone 457-2257 (Physics Office is 457-5260)
Office Hours Posted on D2L and my office door.
Required Materials:
· Conceptual Physics, Paul G. Hewitt
· Practicing Physics Review Workbook
· Calculator
Overview
The author of the text that we use is Paul Hewitt. In his introduction to the student he captures the essence of the manner in which this course is taught. In it he states: "You know you can't enjoy a game unless you know its rules- whether it's a ball game, a computer game, or simply a party game. Likewise, you can't fully appreciate your surroundings until you understand the rules of nature. Physics is about the rules of nature--so beautifully elegant that it can be neatly described mathematically. That's why many physics courses are treated as applied mathematics. But introductory physics that emphasizes computation misses something essential -comprehension-a gut feeling for the concepts. This course emphasizes comprehension rather than computation. We treat physics conceptually- in down-to-earth English rather than in mathematical language. You'll see the mathematical structure of physics in frequent equations, but you'll see the equations as guides to thinking rather than as recipes for computation."
Major Focus
o Conceptual Physics presents concepts of the major themes of physics. There are two ways that beginning students of physics can understand the topic: (a) through mathematical models, and (b) through concepts. This course takes the latter approach. Mathematical approaches will be used when they are deemed as guides to thinking. First year algebra experience will be all that is required.
o Through demonstrated discrepant events, the students will learn how to recognize physics misconceptions in their everyday lives.
o The students will know the historical origins and evolution of the laws of motion and energy. Especially important are the historical figures of Aristotle, Galileo, Newton, Joule, and Faraday.
o The students will be able to apply proportional reasoning by identifying and manipulating independent, dependent and controlled variables.
o The students will apply proportional reasoning to the laws of motion, gravity, energy, wave motion, electromagnetic field, and light.
Unit #1
· Ch. 2 – Newton’s 1st Law (Inertia)
· Ch. 3 – Linear Motion
· Ch. 4 – Newton’s 2nd Law
· Ch. 5 – Newtons 3rd Law
· Ch. 6 – Momentum
Unit #2
· Ch. 7 – Energy
· Ch. 8 – Rotational Motion
· Ch. 10 – Projectile Motion
Unit #3
· Ch. 12 – Solids
· Ch. 13 – Liquids
· Ch. 14 – Gases and Plasma
· Ch. 15 – Temperature and Heat
· Ch. 16 – Heat Transfer
· Ch. 17 – Phase Changes
Unit #4
· Ch. 19 – Waves
· Ch. 20 – Sound
· Ch. 21 – Music
· Ch. 26 – Light
· Ch. 27 – Color
· Ch. 28 – Reflection and Refraction
· Ch. 29 – Light Waves
Unit #5
· Ch. 22 – Electrostatics
· Ch. 23 – Electric Current
· Ch. 24 – Magnetism
· Ch. 25 – Electromagnetic Induction
I will assign reading and study assignments for each main topic. The student will be expected to have read the assignment and to have completed any assigned problems by the date posted. The instructor will utilize class time by (1) demonstrating concepts covered in the reading material, (2) showing relevance of the concept to the contemporary world, (3) show the historical context of the subject material, (4) demonstrating problem solving techniques, and (5) answering questions from class.
EVALUATION
· The student's grade will be determined by the percent of correct responses on five exams averaged with the lab grades and chapter quizzes.
· Tests
· The tests are designed to measure a student's ability to apply the principles of physics to varied applications.
§ The tests will be multiple choice and/or matching. There are no retakes for tests.
§ Your lowest test score will be dropped and replaced with you average test score.
§ The final exam cannot be dropped and will cover all material explained during the semester.
· Labs
· The "lab" for this class will be held in Pasteur 129 during the time scheduled for your section.
§ Each lab will be completed in small groups and one write up handed in.
§ If a student misses a lab they can ask for a set of raw data and can complete the conclusions and questions for up to 15 points.
· Chapter Quizzes
· After each chapter, you will be assigned an online quiz.
§ You will be given 1 week to complete.
§ You may retake this up to 4 times to better your score.
GRADING SCALE
90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
< 59 = F