BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Technologies Division, Dr. Tara Carter - Dean Fall 2014
Instructor: Michael Childers e-mail: [email protected]
Course Prefix & Number: PHY 100 – Elements of Physics
Credit Hours: 4 credit hours
Course Description: PHY 100 Elements of Physics Covers basic concepts of physics, including Newtonian mechanics, properties of matter, heat and sound, fundamental behavior of gases, ionizing radiation, and fundamentals of electricity.
Prerequisite: Proficiency with basic algebra is recommended.
Co requisite: None
Textbook: Inquiry into Physics by Ostdiek & Bord, 7th Ed.
Additional Materials: Scientific calculator, WebAssign account with ebook
Student Performance Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:
1) Identify fundamental concepts in a physical situation, 2) Identify the processes by which scientific conclusions are drawn, 3) Apply fundamental principles to physical situations, 4) Apply mathematics and problem solving skills to physical situations, 5) Communicate principles, processes, data and conclusions in writing.
Notes: i) Concepts include ideas, terminology and units. ii) Principles include mathematics and general relationships. iii) Processes include methods and techniques.
These outcomes will be applied to such topics as Newtonian mechanics, properties of matter, heat and sound, fundamental behavior of gases, ionizing radiation, and fundamentals of electricity.
Methodology: Lecture/lab/practice problems/homework Course Requirements: Laboratories Homework Unit tests – 4 Final exam
Evaluation of Performance:
Each of the 3 six week grades will be calculated as follows:
Six Week Grade = 0.45(Test Average) + 0.30(Homework Average) + 0.25(Lab Average)
The semester grade will be calculated as follows:
Semester Grade = 0.80(Average of Six Weeks Grades) + 0.20(Final Exam Grade)
No exam exemptions will be granted.
College Grading Scale:
Grade Explanation Numerical Points Quality Pts/Credit Hr
A Superior 90 - 100 4.0 B Above average 80 - 89 3.0 C Average 70 - 79 2.0 D Below average 60 - 69 1.0 F Failure Below 60 0.0
Attendance Policy:
Regular attendance in class is essential to receiving maximum benefit from the educational experience. This class will follow the attendance policy explained in the Stuarts Draft High School Student Handbook. The student is expected to attend all classes. After an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor to obtain missed assignments. All work is to be made up within 3 days. Make up is graded as zero after 3 unexcused absences. In addition, you should be aware that BRCC expects you to attend every class. School related absences (i.e. sports, choir, etc.) are not recognized by BRCC. Be absent only when absolutely necessary.
Special Note: If a lab is missed, there will be no make-up lab. An alternate make up assignment will be made at the instructor’s discretion.
Academic Honesty (Honor Code):
"The functioning of an academic community depends on the integrity of all of its members. Blue Ridge Community College values truthfulness, respect for the property of others, and honesty in academic work." BRCC Honor Code: http://www.brcc.edu/Student/Catalog/academic/code.htm
As a member of this community, you are responsible for understanding and adhering to the Honor Code. Violations include (but are not limited to) cheating on tests and quizzes, unauthorized collaboration on assignments, and plagiarism. Your instructor is the ultimate source of policy on individual assignments; please consult him or her if you have any questions or concerns about what is permitted.
Violations of the Honor Code may result in a grade penalty and/or disciplinary action. For further information on your rights and responsibilities as a student, and the disciplinary guidelines and procedures, please consult the Student Handbook at (http://www.brcc.edu/Student/Handbook/policy/rights.htm). For information on the grade appeal procedure, please consult the Catalog (http://www.brcc.edu/Student/Catalog/academic/grades.htm).
Email Correspondence:
To protect your privacy, your business with Blue Ridge Community College is conducted only through your college-provided email account. Please use this account to contact your instructors, or when you are conducting other business with BRCC. Your instructors will use this address to contact you as well.
Disability Access Statement: If you have a disability for which you wish to be considered for an accommodation, please make an appointment with the Office of Disability Services located in the Houff Student Center.
The purpose of providing accommodations is to ensure that students with disabilities are granted the opportunity to access programs and services offered by the college. Requested accommodations are considered on a case by case basis by the Coordinator of Disability Services, who works with faculty to ensure both access and academic standards are maintained. Students requesting services must meet with the Disability Services Coordinator and provide sufficient documentation of the disability prior to receiving accommodations. Accommodations are not retroactive and do not result in modification of the essential academic elements of the course.
Tentative Schedule for PHY 100
This schedule is flexible and may be changed.
Week Topics Support Text Labs / Tests
Aug 18 - 22 Introduction & 1-D Prologue & Measurement Motion Begin Chapter 1 Aug 25 - 29 Free Fall Chapter 1 Graphing Motion
Sept 2 - 5 Dynamics 2-D Chapter 2 Free Fall Motion Sept 8 - 12 2-D Motion & Chapter 2 & Start Force and Motion Momentum Chapter 3 Sept 15 - 19 Work, Energy & Chapter 3 Lecture Power Test 1 (Chaps 1 & 2) Sept 22 - 26 Work, Energy & Chapter 3 Work and Power Power Sept 29 – Oct 3 Phases of Matter, Chapter 4 Conservation of Fluids Energy Oct 7 - 10 Temperature Start Chapter 5 Thermometers and thermocouples Oct 13 - 17 Thermodynamics Chapter 5 Lecture Test 2 (Chaps 3 & 4) Oct 20 - 24 Waves & Sound Chapter 6 Calorimetry
Oct 27 - 31 Electrostatics Chapter 7 Wave Motion
Nov 3 - 7 Circuits Chapter 7 Sound
Nov 10 - 14 Magnetism Chapter 8 Ohm’s Law
Nov 17 - 21 Electromagnetism Chapter 8 Lecture Nov 24,25 Test 3 (Chaps 5 – 7) Dec 1 - 5 Modern Physics Chapter 10 Circuits
Dec 8 - 12 Modern Physics Chapter 10 & 11 Chain Reaction
Dec 15 - 19 Modern Physics Chapter 11 Lecture Test 4 Jan 5 - 9 Review and Problem Solving Jan 12 -13 Final Exam