WINTHROP UNIVERSITY course Syllabus
Department of Chemistry, Physics, & Geology
Semester: Fall 2014 Course: PHYS 201 (001 & 002) -
General Physics I
Credit hours: 4
Pre-requisite: Completion of General Education Quantitative Skills
requirement with a grade of C or above.
Co-requisite:
PHYS
201L
Lecture: 001 MWF 12:30-1:20, Sims 209; 002 MWF 11-11:50, Kina 315 Course Schedule
Professor:
Dr. Ponn Maheswaranathan (Mahes).
Office: 213-B, Sims, Office Hours: M, W, & F 10 - 10:50, or R 1-1:50, or by appointment.
Phone: 323 4940, E-mail:
mahesp@winthrop.edu
Textbook: Physics, Cutnell & Johnson, 9th Edition, John Wiley Publishing.
Laboratory:
Students need to register for one of the lab sections,
PHYS
201L.
Physics laboratory will start during the second week, Sept. 2-4, Sims
205.
Course Description:
The PHYS 201-202 sequence covers the major branches of classical physics: PHYS
201 deals with mostly mechanics, fluids, and thermodynamics while PHYS 212 covers
wave motion, electromagnetism, and optics. The course emphasizes
understanding of fundamental physics concepts and principles as well as the
development of conceptual and analytical problem solving skills by using physics
concepts, principles, and mathematics in the solution of various interesting and
challenging real world problems. This course should also help you review and
master your algebra and trigonometry and enable you to
putting it to work in physics.
Course Objectives:
University-Level Competency:
General physics I introduces students to the role of scientific reasoning in solving introductory physics problems (e.g. describing motion and calculating force, forces involved in circular motions, how automobile air bags reduce injury during a collision, and describing the laws of thermodynamics). They will apply the scientific methodologies of inquiry during the laboratory, PHYS 201L, and write well-reasoned conclusions. They will also be introduced to the history of scientific discovery (e.g., topics and devices are introduced with historical perspectives) and learn that the theories in physics evolve into laws after continuous re-evaluations and arguments. In addition they will see how the scientific advances made in a laboratory transforms into useful technological devices (e.g., the development of the transistor from vacuum tube to silicon chip).
General Education Requirements:
PHYS 201
and the co-requisite PHYS 201L together fulfill four hours of general education
requirement for natural sciences. Listed below are the seven fundamental student
learning outcomes for natural science courses as well as examples of how they
will be fulfilled in PHYS 201 and 201L.
Students will be:
1.
Conversant with a few fundamental concepts from among the three main areas of
natural science, including earth, life, and physical sciences. (e.g.,
mechanics, fluids, heat, and thermodynamics)
2. Able
to apply the scientific methodologies of inquiry. (e.g.,
experiments and investigations in the
PHYS 201L laboratory)
3. Able
to discuss the strengths and limitations of science. (e.g., experimental
error and analysis in the PHYS 201L laboratory)
4. Able
to demonstrate an understanding of the history of scientific discovery. (e.g.,
topics and devices are introduced with historical perspectives)
5. Able
to discuss the social and ethical contexts within which science operates. (e.g.,
environmental and health hazards of new devices and materials and sharing of
knowledge)
6. Able
to communicate about scientific subjects including (lab courses only) the
defense of conclusions based on one’s own observations. (e.g., PHYS 201L
laboratory reports)
7. Able
to discuss the application of scientific knowledge to the social sciences and to
non-scientific disciplines. (e.g., application of technology in everyday
life)
Writing Component:
The General Education Writing Component will be incorporated into this course
via
PHYS
201L, which is the laboratory
component, where students will write lab reports with conclusion.
Attendance and Participation:
The attendance policy described in the Winthrop University undergraduate
catalog will be followed. Students are encouraged to attend all the lectures and
to actively take part in classroom activities. Regular attendance and good
participation efforts will help in the final letter grade assignment for
borderline cases.
Homework:
Chapter sections, questions, and problems are assigned for each lecture. It is
important that you read the chapter sections before coming to a lecture. After
attending the lecture you should re-read the chapter, answer the questions and
solve problems. Get help when needed. Homework will be collected via
WileyPlus.
Students with Disabilities:
Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education. If you have a
disability and need classroom accommodations, please contact Gena Smith,
Coordinator, Services for Students with Disabilities, at 323-3290, as soon as
possible. Once you have your professor notification, please tell me so that I am
aware of your accommodations well before the first {test/paper/assignment}.
Student Conduct Code:
The policy on student academic misconduct is outlined in the “Student Conduct
Code Academic Misconduct Policy” in the online
Student Handbook (http://www2.winthrop.edu/studentaffairs/handbook/StudentHandbook.pdf).
Syllabus change policy:
The instructor will make changes to this syllabus as deemed necessary for the
progression of the course.
Tests & Final:
Four tests (10% each) and a comprehensive final (25%) are scheduled as follows.
Date |
Tests and Final |
Chapters |
Content Description |
09-17-14 |
Test #1 |
1,2, & 3 |
Kinematics in one dimension, Kinematics in two & three dimensions, and
Projectile, Circular, & Relative Motions. |
10-15-14 |
Test #2 |
4,5,6, & 7 |
Newton's laws of motion, Friction, Circular motion, Work, Energy, Power,
Conservation of Energy, Center of Mass, and Momentum. |
11-14-14 |
Test #3 |
8,9,10, & 11 |
Rotational Kinematics & Dynamics, Angular
Momentum, Equilibrium, Elasticity, and Fluids. |
12-08-14 | Test #4 |
12,13,14, & 15 |
Temperature, Heat, Specific Heat, Kinetic Theory, and Thermodynamics. |
During Finals Week |
Final Exam |
1-17 |
Comprehensive |
Points & Grade:
Tests: 40%, Wiley-Plus homework: 10%, Laboratory: 25%, and Final: 25%.
The letter grade will be assigned as follows:
100% - 90% = A 89% - 87% = A- 86% - 84% = B+ 83% - 80% = B 79% -
77% = B-
76%-74% = C+ 73% - 67% = C 66% - 64% = C- 63%-60% = D 59%-
0% = F