PHY 105

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COURSE SYLLABUS

1. TITLE OF COURSE: Conceptual Physics

PREFIX/NUMBER: PHY 105 CREDIT HOURS: 4/3

2. PREREQUISITES: REA 060, MAT 060, ENG 060, or equivalent assessment test scores .

Strongly recommend MAT 090 (an introduction to Algebra is needed).

3. RESOURCES NEEDED:

TEXT: Conceptual Physics, any edition, Paul Hewitt

SUPPLIES: Scientific calculator, (No graphing calculators will be allowed on tests) periodic table, lecture packet, and lab manual

4. COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Focuses on mechanics, heat, properties of matter, electricity and magnetism, light and modern physics. Incorporates laboratory experience. This is one of the State Guaranteed Transfer Courses, GT – SC1.

5. COURSE COMPETENCIES

a) Define each of the related vocabulary words.

b) Recognize symbols used.

c) Distinguish between closely related concepts.

d) Summarize statements of the concepts into their own words.

e) Collect and organize data in a systematic manner.

f) Estimate future consequences implied in data.

g) Interpret charts, tables and/or graphs.

h) Demonstrate standard problem solving methods.

i) Apply the new knowledge/thinking to one’s own life.

j) Read, analyze, and apply to new situations, written material related to the study of Physics

k) Write and speak clearly and logically in presentations and essays about topics related to Physics.

l) Demonstrate the ability to select and apply contemporary forms of technology to solve problems or compile information in the study of Physics.

6. EVALUATION PROCEDURES: Lecture for PHY 105

There will be 6 unit exams and an optional comprehensive final. The comprehensive final (100 pts.) may be used to replace your lowest exam score or a missed exam. The points will be determined as follows:

6 Exams (100 pts. each) 600 pts.

Worksheets (25 pts/unit) 150 pts.

Total 750 pts.

In PHY 105, 75% of the grade will come from lecture with the remaining 25% being determined from lab.

(3 x lecture % + lab %) divided by 4 = final % for PHY 105.

The lab grade will be determined by:

13 lab quizzes (10 pts. each) 130 pts.

13 lab write ups (20 pts. each) 260 pts.

{drop lowest one}

13 participation & clean-up (5 pts. each) 65 pts.

Total 455 pts

GRADE PERCENT LETTER GRADE

92 - 100 % A

82 - 91 % B

72 - 81 % C

65 - 71 % D

64% and below F

7. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

a) In the event that the school or building is closed during the semester, it is the student’s responsibility to contact their instructor concerning missed exams, labs or lectures.

b) It is the students’ responsibility to comply with all of the course prerequisites.

c) Teaching and learning require a team effort. The Science Department expects students to show up for class on time and be prepared for lecture (i.e. you’ve read the assigned chapters and be prepared with questions over the material). We strongly encourage cooperation among students to help each other understand the course material. The Science Faculty greatly appreciates specific feedback on any aspects of the course, both positive and negative.

d) Respect and common courtesy to your peers, staff and instructors is expected.

e) There will be no extra credit (point) projects for individuals.

f) Submitted assignments must be your own work even though you may have worked on it as a group (in your own words & handwriting). Plagiarizing other students’ work is cheating and will result in a zero for that assignment. Repeat offenders will not only lose points for the assignment, they will lose points for participating in the lab/project and will be subject to disciplinary actions.

g) Use of Electronics in the Classroom: Computers and other electronic devices may be used in the classroom only for academic purposes as directed by the instructor. Texting and/or accessing personal e-mail and social networking sites such as Facebook are not allowed. All cell phones must be turned off during class. If a student uses an unapproved electronic device during a test or class activity, the student will receive no credit for the activity or test, may be asked to leave the classroom, and/or may fail the course for cheating.

Professionalism Rubric Criteria	Excellent	Good	Weak	Unacceptable
ATTENDANCE	Student is present every class meeting and does not leave early.	Student has missed two classes and/or left early.	Student has missed 3-4 classes or left early more than once.	Student misses class continually or leaves early frequently.
PUNCTUALITY	Arrives to class on time; turns in assignments on due date.	Arrives late once or misses one assignment deadline.	Arrives late twice or missed 2 deadlines.	Is continually late to class; misses deadlines frequently.
ATTITUDE	Communicates with a positive attitude; never displays rudeness.	Almost always communicates with a positive attitude showing courtesy towards others.	Occasionally communicates negatively bordering on rudeness.	Often communicates with a negative attitude without regard for others' points of view.
COMMITMENT	Demonstrates eagerness for the information presented as well as for the learning process.	Usually demonstrates an eagerness for the information presented as well as for the learning process.	Is indifferent to or uninvolved in the course information and the learning process.	Expresses negativity towards information presented for courses or for the learning process.
CLASSROOM INTERACTION	Politely accepts feedback and uses it constructively. Remains on task and follows the class rules.	Is usually open to positive feedback and follows class policies. Occasionally gets off-task.	Is sometimes unwilling to accept feedback, follow directions, or remain on task.	Is resistant to positive feedback, directions, or class policies. Is frequently off-task.