Course Syllabus

PHYS 1010, Elementary Physics

Spring 2018

MWF    9:30–10:20   GRSC 341

Instructor: Dr. Larry Smith         GRSC 311        283-7520        Larry.Smith@snow.edu     

Goals: I invite you to come with me as fellow learners on an exciting journey.  We will use physics as a vehicle to learn to apply scientific reasoning and computational skills in a variety of contexts.  Students will learn to think deeply about the physical universe and how to solve problems.  Students will become familiar with important scientific laws and principles and will learn that science is a process to gain knowledge.  Students will also learn to appreciate and understand the physical world around them.

The Snow College General Education learning outcomes for Physical Science are:

1. Demonstrate understanding of science as a way of knowing about the physical world;
2. Demonstrate understanding of forces in the physical world;
3. Discuss the flow of matter and energy through systems (in large and small scales);
4. Develop evidence-based arguments regarding the effect of human activity on the Earth;
5. Describe how the Physical Sciences have been shaped by historical, ethical, and social events.

Texts: Conceptual Physics 10th ed. by Paul Hewitt ISBN-10: 0805391908   ISBN-13: 9780805391909.

Also a PHYS 1015 Experiments lab packet voucher from the Snow Bookstore for lab.

Other Materials:  A calculator capable of exponential notation and trig functions.  

Prerequisites: Prerequisites: MATH 1010 or MATH 0850 (or equivalent) with a C or better, ACT math score 21 or higher (or equivalent), or appropriate placement test score

Corequisite:  Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 1015.  Make sure you have the same section number for lecture and lab.

Homework:  Homework will be assigned every chapter; see the assigned problems here.  You are encouraged to study in groups to achieve understanding, but what you write on your paper must be your own work—don't turn homework in without understanding it.  Due dates will be posted in Canvas.  Homework that is late for any reason other than a pre-approved legitimate excuse will be worth 50% up to one week late; thereafter no credit will be given.  No late homework after Apr. 12 will be accepted. 

Signature Assignment: A major project will be a signature assignment to demonstrate your mastery of the learning outcomes.  More info here.

Participation:  Ask questions in class (the more the better); the way to get a good college education is to ask questions.  Also come to office hours, go to the Math Lab, and help other students.  You need to pay close attention to announcements and the grade book in Canvas.  If you are serious about this class the majority of your learning will take place outside of class time.  Working in groups is strongly recommended.  Please expect to spend about two hours outside of class for every hour in class.  Please do not wear earbuds, earpods, earphones, or other sound devices during class (even just one).

Help:   Please work in groups; I strongly recommend this.  Use the Math/Science Lab and Canvas as further resources.  You are encouraged to see me during my posted office hours and at other times by appointment.

Policies: Follow the links to the Americans With Disabilities (ADA) and the FERPA policies.  Here are my policies regarding attendance and academic dishonesty.  Please read them all.

Quizzes:  Short frequent quizzes will help you stay caught up and keep you apprised of your progress.

Tests:  There will be some tests in the testing center before the final exam.  Take your photo ID, a #2 pencil, and your calculator.  Testing Center hours are listed here Links to an external site..

Final Exam:  Tuesday, April 24, 9:30–11:30, in the classroom.  It will be comprehensive.

Grading:        Here are the category weightings.

Participation              10%                

Quizzes                    20%                

Homework                20%                       

Signature Assignment   10%                

Tests                        20%              

 Final Exam             20%