Course includes requirements and learning activities that promote students’ abilities to…

1. Understand how scientists approach and solve problems in the natural sciences;

University Physics 221 and 222 introduce students to the fundamental methods of how scientist approach and solve problems in the natural science. The course starts with the simplest concepts and develop models to explain the motion of objects. As the students’ skills and knowledge expand, the models become more complex. Students are introduced to the laws of physics and some of the laboratory assignments are designed for students to verify these laws. Misconceptions that students have about the topics are challenged and demonstration experiments and hand-on laboratory exercise help the students develop a new framework based on mathematical equations. A historical perspective of the scientists and the laws of physics that they developed are also given.

(b) Apply those methods to solve problem that arise in the natural sciences

Each chapter introduces a few new concepts. Students are given problem assignments to practice applying the concepts. Quizzes, hour exams, and laboratory assignments are given and graded to test the students’ understanding of the concepts. The goal of this procedure is to develop in the student a problem solving capability such that they will be capable of solving a problem they have not seen before.

Math 160 is a prerequisite to Physics 221 and Math 165 is prerequisite to Physics 222. Algebra ,trigonometry, and calculus is used the first day of class and is an essential part of the class.

Developing problem solving ability is both a collaborative and independent learning experience. Students do study together and help each other solve problems. Some group exercises are done during the lecture period. However, the quizzes and exams are taken individually. The laboratory assignments are done in groups of two.

The primary source of information for the student is the textbook. Textbooks are now coming equipped with CD that contain tutorial, interactive simulations of homework problems, and internet links to web sites.

The burden of proof in physics is high and each week as new concepts are added demonstrations and laboratories are performed to convince the students that the concepts are true. The basic premise of all science courses is that students should not accept the word of an authority figure that a statement is true but should prove it themselves. It is this questioning of authority that students develop critical thinking skills which they can apply to new statements to convince themselves what is opinion and what is fact.

University Physics 221 and 222 spends every week challenging students’ misconceptions of physics.

Courses that satisfy the laboratory requirement in the natural sciences will additionally provide students the opportunity to practice scientific inquiry through hands-on investigations and to analyze and report the results of those investigations.

There are weekly lab assignments that students obtain hand-on experiences in which students take data, analyze it, and report the results.

Students are required to take weekly quizzes, hour exams, tests, and a comprehensive final. Weekly lab reports are also due. Successful students soon learn that they need to be active in the learning process. They need to come to class, ask questions, due the homework, attend labs, and turn in lab reports. If general physics was an inert body of knowledge that students need to memorize, then they could be successful in a passive role. However, problem solving requires student to be active learners and involved in their own learning.

This first semester course in calculus-based physics covers mechanics, fluids, wave motion and sound. Students are expected to have completed a first course in calculus, however no prior experience in physics is required. This course and its sequential course, physics 222, comprise a year-long survey of introductory physics. These courses serve as the foundation for further courses in physics and engineering, many of which expand upon subtopics covered in the first year course. Students are expected to develop skills in solving problems in physics, to make and analyze laboratory measurements and to develop conceptual and mathematical understanding of a broad range of physics concepts. (Objectives a, b, c, d, e, f, g) Student will develop an understanding on how scientists approach and solve problems and in the process develop their own critically thinking skills. In order to accomplish these goals, a number of problems from each chapter will be assigned. These are problems which are representative of what is expected to be learned and what will be asked on the exams and quizzes. Therefore, it is important to work them. (Objectives a, b, c, d, e, f, g)

During class you will be expected to be prepared to participate in discussion and to work with your fellow students in determining answers to questions posed by your instructor and other students. Consequently, it is important that you come to class prepared by having read the assigned material and having attempted to do the assigned problems. (Objectives a, b, c, d, e, f, g)

Each week a two-hour lab session will be held. Prior to each lab a write-up will be provided which will include instructions for the lab activity and which may include activities and assignments to be completed prior to coming to lab. (Objectives a, b, c, d, e, f, g)

Solution of the problems can be found in the library reserve section or at the web site (http://www.harcourtcollege.com/physics ). The text comes with four CD's that provide tutorial sections, computer simulations, solutions to selected homework problems. (Objectives d, e)

At the completion of the course, students will accomplish the University Studies outcomes for a Natural Science. That is, students will understand (a) how scientists approach and solve problems in natural science, (b) apply those methods to solve problems that arise in the natural science, (c) engage in independent and collaborative learning, (d) identify, find and use the tools of information science at it relates to natural science, (e) critically evaluate both source and content of scientific information, and (f) recognize and correct scientific misconceptions.

Text: Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Serway and Beichner, 5th Edition

Instructor: D.W. Bloom, Pasteur 114C. Tele. 457-5390

Proposed Schedule

Aug. 28 - Sept. 15 1. Physics and Measurements

2. Motion in One dimension

3. Vectors

4. Motion in Two Dimensions

5. The Laws of Motion

EXAM I - Sept. 18

Sept. 20 - Oct. 11 6. Circular Motion

7. Work and Energy

8. Potential Energy and Conservation of Energy

9. Linear Momentum and Collisions

EXAM 2 - Oct. 13

Oct. 16 - Nov. 15 10. Rotation of Rigid Object About a Fixed Point

11. Rolling Motion and Angular Momentum

12 Static Equilibrium

EXAM 3 - Nov. 17

Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 13. Oscillatory Motion

16. Wave Motion

17. Sound Waves

18. Superposition and Standing Waves

FINAL EXAM - Dec. 14 8 am

1. Rain Gauge

2. Projectile Motion

3. Uniformly Accelerated Motion

4. Acceleration of a Cart

5. Free Fall with Air Resistance

6. Rubber Bands and Bungee Cords

7. Ballistic Pendulum

8. Moment of Inertia

9. Conservation of Angular Momentum

10. Simple Harmonic Motion

11. Speed of Sound

12. Archimede's Principle

Grading 3 exams @ 100 pts each...............................................300 pts

weekly quizzes..............................................................100

lab grades........................................................................ 50

final exam.......................................................................150

Total   600 pts

The grading scale indicates the relative importance of each activity in determining the final course grade. Each component will be individually curved (from A+ to F). The final grade will be the weighted average of these individual grades.