Contents

PHYS 103 Fundamentals of Physics I

This algebra/trigonometry physics course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the elementary principles of classical mechanics with some heat and energy in thermal processes, discuss applications to everyday phenomena (esp. life sciences), enhance conceptual understanding of physical laws, and increase problem-solving abilities as applied to physical systems. Topics investigated include: dimensional analysis, 1- and 2-D motion, vectors, Newton’s Laws, conservation of energy/work and momentum, rotational motion, summation of forces and torques, fluids, temperature and heat, and energy transfer in thermal processes. This course is designed mainly for life science majors and pre-professional students. In the laboratory portion of the course, students learn to use common physics equipment (including microcomputer-based sensors), analyze data, develop empirical models of phenomena, and communicate their results through written and oral lab reports. 

Credits

4

Prerequisite

Pre- or corequisite: MATH 153, MATH 155, or higher

Hours Weekly

3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab weekly

Course Objectives

  1. 1. Identify physics misconceptions and support scientific models through class discussions and
    by comparing and contrasting your ideas with results from demonstrations, experiments, and
    computer simulations.
  2. 2. Develop problem-solving techniques as well as methods using various representations
    including diagrams, graphs, equations, vector techniques, etc. to become a creative and
    practical problem solver.
  3. 3. Apply physics principles, scientific reasoning, and appropriate math techniques as needed to
    answer questions and solve quantitative problems related, but not limited, to: dimensional
    analysis, 1- and 2-D motion, Newton’s Laws with forces, conservation of work/energy and
    momentum, rotational motion, fluids, temperature, and heat.
  4. 4. Explain the fundamental concepts in physics using appropriate vocabulary, units, symbols,
    and notation.
  5. 5. Solve a problem by identifying the essential parts, formulating a strategy to solve it, applying
    appropriate techniques (including trigonometry) to solve it, verifying the solution’s correctness
    (e.g. sign, order of magnitude), and interpreting results.
  6. 6. Identify and operate common lab equipment and data-gathering tools such as motion and
    force sensors; spring scales; graphical analysis programs; and computer simulations to
    gather information about a system or phenomena.
  7. 7. Develop and analyze models and/or empirical equations to predict and describe physics
    phenomena using experiments (some self-design) working with different lab partners and
    experimental results, and communicate these findings through written formal lab reports.

Course Objectives

  1. 1. Identify physics misconceptions and support scientific models through class discussions and
    by comparing and contrasting your ideas with results from demonstrations, experiments, and
    computer simulations.

    This objective is a course Goal Only

  2. 2. Develop problem-solving techniques as well as methods using various representations
    including diagrams, graphs, equations, vector techniques, etc. to become a creative and
    practical problem solver.

    This objective is a course Goal Only

  3. 3. Apply physics principles, scientific reasoning, and appropriate math techniques as needed to
    answer questions and solve quantitative problems related, but not limited, to: dimensional
    analysis, 1- and 2-D motion, Newton’s Laws with forces, conservation of work/energy and
    momentum, rotational motion, fluids, temperature, and heat.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Final exam questions

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

    Scientific Reasoning

    • SR2
  4. 4. Explain the fundamental concepts in physics using appropriate vocabulary, units, symbols,
    and notation.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Final exam questions

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

    Scientific Reasoning

    • SR1
  5. 5. Solve a problem by identifying the essential parts, formulating a strategy to solve it, applying
    appropriate techniques (including trigonometry) to solve it, verifying the solution’s correctness
    (e.g. sign, order of magnitude), and interpreting results.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Final exam questions.

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

    Scientific Reasoning

    • SR3
  6. 6. Identify and operate common lab equipment and data-gathering tools such as motion and
    force sensors; spring scales; graphical analysis programs; and computer simulations to
    gather information about a system or phenomena.

    This objective is a course Goal Only

  7. 7. Develop and analyze models and/or empirical equations to predict and describe physics
    phenomena using experiments (some self-design) working with different lab partners and
    experimental results, and communicate these findings through written formal lab reports.

    This objective is a course Goal Only