Phy112 Physics I
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to the laws of classical physics designed to help students apply basic principles of physics to the world around them. Topics include kinematics and dynamics in one and two dimensions, momentum, Newton's laws of motion, work, kinetic and potential energy, rotational motion, and conservation laws of energy and momentum. Additional topics include thermodynamics, fluids, waves, and sound. These topics are introduced and explored through a series of microcomputer based labs (MBL) using PASCO's DataStudio software and 750 Interface. Using Knowledge Revolution's Interactive Physics 5.0, students learn to build models of physical systems and simulate the effect of various forces such as gravity, electricity, friction and air resistance on such systems.
Prerequisite: MAT 112 - Algebra and Trigonometry I or permission of instructor
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 2
Credit Hours: 4
Instructor: Doyle V. Davis
OFFICE : Room 136
Phone: 603 752-1113 x1360
TEXTBOOK:
Physics
5th edition by Wilson/Buffa, Prentice-Hall, ISBN 0-13-067644-6
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
As a result of this course the student will be able to:
Use standard measuring instruments commonly found in the laboratory including scales, balances, meters and electronic interfaces such as the PASCO 750 to gather physics data from various sensors and probes and use PASCO's software DataStudio to analyze the data .
Use spreadsheets such as Window's Excel to analyze data taken in physics experiments and produce tables and graphs as part of a laboratory report.
Solve physics problems by first carefully reading the problem to determine what information is given and what must be determined in order to solve the problem. Develop an appropriate solution strategy and then carry out this strategy to solve the problem.
Use Knowledge Revolution's Interactive Physics software to simulate and model physics problems.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
Learning activities will include problem solving, use of spreadsheets to prepare charts and graphs of lab results, simulation and modeling of physics problems using Interactive Physics 5.0 by Knowledge Revolution and then actually design an experiment using PASCO's 750 interface and DataStudio software to see how close the model compares with the actual experiment.
Students will watch a series of excellent physics demonstrations from the award-winning Physics: Cinema Classics laser videodiscs. These videos are designed to explain and illustrate basic physics principles by using slow motion and other special effects which would be difficult to explain in a standard lecture or textbook format.
ASSESSMENT PROCESS AND GRADING POLICY:
Short Quizzes
Short ten minute quizzes are given at the beginning of each class. The purpose of each quiz is to determine if students understand a concept, problem solving technique, and/or definition which has been covered recently in the lectures. The nature of each short quiz is given in the course calendar (time table) At the end of the course, the lowest of the short quizzes is dropped before determining the average of the short quiz scores. On most but not all of these short quizzes, students may use their books and notes. The average of the short quizzes will count 10% of the total grade.
Chapter Tests
Tests are given over each chapter covered in the textbook to assess the student's current understanding of the material. The major purpose of these tests is to discover areas of weakness where improvement is needed. Each test consists of a "closed book" part and an "open-book" part. The closed book part consists generally of multiple choice questions designed to test the conceptual understanding of electronic principles as well as definitions of important terms and principles. The "open book" part of each chapter test is designed to test the student's ability to solve problems. On this section of the exam, students may use their books and notes. Dates for the tests are given in the course timetable. At the end of the course, the lowest test score is dropped before the final test average is calculated. The average of the chapter tests will count 30% of the total grade.
Lab Activities
Students will receive a grade for each lab completed. The grade on each lab is determined by several factors including answers to questions on the "Post-Lab" exam.
Lab reports are due one week from the date the lab activity is first assigned.
No late lab reports will be accepted. A student will receive a zero on any lab that is missed. At the end of the course the lowest of the lab scores will be dropped before the final lab average is calculated.This will count for 30% of the final grade.
Comprehensive Final Exam
A comprehensive examination will be given during the last full week of the course (See course timetable.) The exam will cover all topics which have appeared on previous quizzes and chapter tests plus any material upon which students have not been tested since the last set of chapter tests. This final exam counts as 30% of the final grade. Students may use their books and notes on parts but not all of the final exam. The examination also includes questions related to the lab activities covered in the course. Students have the entire week to complete the exam.
Calculating the final numerical grade average:
Example: Suppose the average of the short quizzes a student has taken is 80 (after the lowest quiz is dropped). Since the short quiz average counts 10% of the grade, take 80 and multiply by 0.1. If the average of the chapter tests is 70, take 70 and multiply by 0.30 since the test average counts 30% of the grade, Now let's say the student has a 90 lab average. Since the lab counts for 30% of grade, take 90 and multiply by 0.30. Finally, let's suppose the student makes an 80 on the final exam. Since this counts for 30% of the grade, we multiply the 80 x 0.25.
The total points which have earned is therefore:
80(.10) + 70(0.30) + 90(0.30) + 80(0.30) =80
The total numerical average is 80 which is a letter grade of B-. A summary of the final numerical average and corresponding letter grade appears in the table below.
| Final Average |
|
Grade |
| >93 |
|
A |
| 90-92 |
|
A- |
| 87-89 |
|
B+ |
| 83-86 |
|
B |
| 80-82 |
|
B- |
| 77-79 |
|
C+ |
| 73-76 |
|
C |
| 70-72 |
|
C- |
| 67-69 |
|
D+ |
| 63-66 |
|
D |
| 60-62 |
|
D- |
| 0 - 59 |
|
F |
The last day to drop this course is April 2, 2003
SPECIFIC DIRECTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS:
- NO FOOD OR BEVERAGES ARE PERMITTED IN THE ELECTRONICS
CLASS ROOM AND LABORATORIES !
Each lab contains computers and electronics equipment which can be seriously damaged if exposed to liquids and food particles. There is also the potential risk of fire and/or electrocution if such equipment is accidentally short-circuited by spilled beverages and foods.
- A scientific calculator is required. It is strongly recommended that you get a graphing calculator such as the TI-82, TI-83, TI-85 or TI-86 or equivalent.
- If you have a documented disability which may affect your performance in this course, please advise the instructor immediately so appropriate accommodations may be put in place. Accommodations may be arranged through the Disabilities Service Coordinator in room #104. Accommodations and assistive technology are available to students at no additional cost, and should be accessed at the beginning of each semester.
CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY:
It is very important to attend all classes and the labs. The course consists of two seventy-five minute units of lecture, demonstrations, and computer activities followed by two 50 minute units of lab.
Class attendance is not required. However, students are strongly advised to attend class since there is no make up for missed quizzes, labs, and chapter tests. Much material is covered each week.
Remember, it is important to seek help from the instructor immediately if you feel you are falling behind. Your instructor is available at normal office hours (posted on door) and at other times by special appointment.
Class Schedule for Prof. Davis
Send E-Mail to Your Teacher
You can reach your instructor at ddavis@nhctc.edu . If you are viewing this course outline via a WWW browser and it has been configured to let you send email from within the browser, simply click on the email address above. Your message will be answered as quickly as possible.
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