HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE - SOUTHWEST
COURSE OUTLINE FOR PHYS 1401 – COLLEGE PHYSICS I
Spring, 2016
Class Number 90431
Discipline/Program
Course Level
Course Title
Course Rubric and Number
Semester with Course Reference
Number (CRN)
Course Location/Times
Course Semester Credit Hours
(SCH) (lecture, lab)
Total Course Contact Hours
Course Length (number of
weeks)
Type of Instruction
Instructor contact information
(phone number and email
address)
Office Location and Hours
Course Description: ACGM or
WECM
Course Description: HCC Catalog
Description
Course Prerequisite(s)
Academic Discipline Program
Learning Outcomes
Course Student Learning
Outcomes (SLO)
Physics
First Year (Freshman)
College Physics I
PHYS 1401
Spring, 2016
CRN 90431
Felix Morales Building: Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Room 214); Wednesday: 8:00 AM
– 11:00 AM (Room 220)
4 (3 lecture, 3 lab)
96
16
In-person
Dr. Prabhavathi Turaga
E-mail: prabhavathi.turaga@hccs.edu
Learning Web: https://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/prabhavathi.turaga
By appointment
Algebra-level physics sequence, with laboratories, that includes study of mechanics,
heat, waves, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics .
Non-Calculus based course for medical related majors, architecture majors,
technology majors, and other non-engineering and non-science majors. Topics
include motion and forces, work and energy, momentum and collision and thermal
properties of matter. Laboratory exercises include selected related experiments on
these topics. Core curriculum course
MATH 1314 (College Algebra) and MATH 1316 (Plane Trigonometry) must also be
placed into GUST 0341 (or higher) in reading.
1. To provide the student a basic and practical understanding of physics
and recognize its relevance in our daily lives.
2. To prepare our students to meet with success in higher level physics and
other science courses when they transfer to four-year universities.
3. To enhance class lectures with a meaningful, hands-on laboratory experience
involving making measurements, evaluating the results,
and drawing conclusions with the involvement of lab group or other class
members.
1. Analyze motion in one and two dimensions.
2. Apply the laws of motion to the solution of dynamics problems
3. Use conservation laws as alternative tools to solve dynamics problems.
4. Use the laws of physics to analyze rotational motion.
5. Apply the properties of fluids at rest and fluid flow to simple everyday life
situations.
6. State the laws of thermodynamics and apply them to simple problems.
7. Conduct simple experiments in mechanics and thermal physics.
PHYS 1401 - College Physics I Syllabus – Spring 2016
Page 1
Learning Objectives
(Numbering system linked to
SLO)
1.1 Solve simple problems on motion in one and two dimensions.
1.2 Identify and apply an appropriate kinematics equation as applied to motion
with constant acceleration.
1.3 Relate motion of a free fall object to that of a projectile motion.
2.1 State the three Newton’s Laws of motion.
2.2 Apply Newton’s Laws of motion to the analysis of motion of objects in
equilibrium as well as to non-equilibrium situations.
2.3 State the law of Universal Gravitation and use it to determine the weight of
an object.
3.1 State the Work – Kinetic - Energy - Theorem and apply it to the solution of
dynamics problems.
3.2 Distinguish between various types of energy forms.
3.3 Define conservative and non-conservative forces.
3.4 Apply the law of Conservation of Energy as an alternative to Newton’s laws
of motion
4.1 Solve simple problems involving rotational kinematics.
4.2 State the two conditions for equilibrium and use them to analyze a particle
in equilibrium.
4.3 Apply conservation laws to simple everyday activities.
5.1 Explain the physical basis of buoyancy.
5.2 Use the equation of Continuity and Bernoulli’s equation to solve problems
involving fluid flow.
6.1 Define temperature and convert temperature from one scale to another.
(Example Celsius to Fahrenheit).
6.2 Calculate thermal expansion of solids and liquids.
6.3 Determine the amount of thermal energy gained or lost as a result of
temperature change or phase transitions.
6.3 Use the laws of thermodynamics to analyze the change in thermodynamic
state of a system.
7.1 Collect and analyze data from a given experiment.
7.2 Write a laboratory report following a standard scientific laboratory report
writing.
SCANS and/or Core Curriculum
Competencies
Course Calendar
Schedule may be subject to
change as the course progresses
Important Dates
Reading, Speaking/Listening, Critical Thinking, Computer/Information Literacy
Jan 20 (W) Course Policies/Syllabus discussion.
Chapter 1 – Introduction
25 (M) Chapter 2 – Motion in One Dimension
27 (W) Experiment 1 – Measurement of Lengths
Feb 1 (M) Chapter 3 - Vectors and Two-Dimensional Motion
3 (W) Experiment 2 - Motion (Pasco Lab.)
8 (M)
Chapter 4 - The laws of Motion
10 (W) Experiment 3 - Addition of Vectors
15 (M) HOLIDAY
17 (W) Experiment 4 - Determination of g
22 (M) EXAM I & Chapter 5 - Energy
24 (W) Experiment 5 - Friction
PHYS 1401 - College Physics I Syllabus – Spring 2016
Page 2
29 (M)
Chapter 5 - Energy CONT… & Chapter 6 - Momentum and collisions
March 2 (W) Experiment 6 - Work and Energy
7 (M)
Chapter 6 - Momentum and collisions CONT.. & Chapter 7 - Rotational
Motion and the Law of Gravity
9 (W)
Experiment 7 - Ballistic Pendulum
14 – 23
HOLIDAYS
28 (M)
Chapter 7 - Rotational Motion and the Law of Gravity CONT..
Chapter 8 - Rotational Equilibrium and Rotational Dynamics
30 (W)
Experiment 8 - Uniform Circular Motion
April 4 (M)
EXAM II & Chapter 9 - Solids and Fluids
6 (W)
Experiment 9 – Equilibrium
11 (M)
Chapter 9 - Solids and Fluids CONT…
13(W)
Experiment 10 - Archimedes' Principle
18 (M)
Chapter 10 - Thermal Physics
20 (W)
Chapter 11 - Energy in Thermal Processe
25 (M)
Chapter 12 - The Laws of Thermodynamics
27 (W)
Chapter 12 - The Laws of Thermodynamics CONT….
May 2 (M)
EXAM III
4 (W)
Review
9 (M)
Review
11(W)
FINAL EXAM 8: 00 -10:00 AM
ASSIGNED PROBLEMS FOR PHYS 1401
Chapter 1: 7, 21, 33, 39, 41, 42, 43.
Chapter 2: 3, 6, 11, 13, 27, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 37, 38, 39, 45, 46, 47
Chapter 3: 1, 3, 6, 11, 15, 20, 27 30, 51
Chapter 4: 2, 3, 6, 10, 11, 12, 16, 21, 25, 27, 28, 39, 40, 41, 59, 62
Chapter 5: 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 32, 62, 84
Chapter 6: 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 11, 12, 22, 32, 33, 45, 49, 59
Chapter 7: 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, 30, 75
Chapter 8: 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 20, 21, 60, 61, 62
Chapter 9: 3, 6, 21, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 48, 54
Chapter 10: 11, 12, 14, 33
Chapter 11: 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 15, 17, 19, 21, 25, 28
Chapter 12: 15, 17, 21
PHYS 1401 - College Physics I Syllabus – Spring 2016
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Instructional Methods
Student Assignments
Student Assessment(s)
Standard class lectures using the whiteboard with occasional use of PowerPoint
presentations.
Homework will be assigned for each chapter covered and should be submitted
online for grading. In addition, practice problems from the textbook will be selected
after every chapter is covered. Students are strongly advised to attempt all these
selected problems and other problems from the text. In general, student who fail to
do these assigned problems do not do well in the course.
Laboratory assignments include:
a) a pre-lab set of questions to be submitted at the beginning of each laboratory
session, and
b) a report of the work done in each experiment to be handed in at the beginning of
the next laboratory period or at some other time designated by the instructor.
The overall score is based on the following:
• Three regular exams 45%
• Chapter Homework 15%
• Laboratory
20%
• Final Exam
20%
Overall Score = 0.45(Average of three regular exams) + 0.15(Homework Grade) +
0.20(Laboratory grade) + 0.20(Final Exam)
PHYS 1401 - College Physics I Syllabus – Spring 2016
Page 4
Exams and Make-up Policy
Make-up exams will not normally be given, so make every effort to take the
exams on their scheduled dates. In the event that you must miss a regular exam,
the final examination grade will count as the grade for the missed exam (for one
missed exam only), and the final course grade will be calculated accordingly. If
you do not miss any of the regular exams, your lowest exam score will be
replaced with your final exam score if the final exam grade is higher. This is
intended to provide you a "second chance" if you do not do well on a particular
exam. Remember that the final exam will be comprehensive (meaning that it will
cover all of the material from the whole semester, not just the last part). Please
note that all students are required to take the final (no student can be
exempted).
Electronic Devices
No recording devices or cellular phones will be allowed at any time without the
express permission of the Instructor. If you carry a cellular phone to class, make
sure the sound is set to “silent”, and that the telephone is tacked away in your
bag. Any student found using a cellular phone during a test/exam will receive a
zero grade for that assignment.
Program/Discipline
Requirements
HCC Grading Scale
Instructor Grading Criteria
Instructional Materials
At the program level, the Physics Discipline strives to accomplish the Program
Learning Outcomes, Student Learning Outcomes, and Learning Objectives as
described above. Our aim is to ensure that students receive a challenging and
rewarding experience in our Physics classes which will prepare them well for Physics
and related science courses that they may take in the future.
A = 100 – 90;……………………………………4 points per semester hour
B = 89 – 80: …………………………………….3 points per semester hour
C = 79 – 70: …………………………………….2 points per semester hour
D = 69 – 60: …………………………………….1 point per semester hour
59 and below = F…………………………… 0 points per semester hour
FX (Failing to withdraw from the course ) ……0 Points per semester hour
IP (In Progress) ………………………………. 0 points per semester hour
W(Withdrawn)…………………………………0 points per semester hour
I (Incomplete)………………………………… 0 points per semester hour
AUD (Audit) …………………………………….0 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress) is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must reenroll to receive credit. COM (Completed) is given in non-credit and continuing
education courses. To compute grade point average (GPA), divide the total grade
points by the total number of semester hours attempted. The grades “IP,” “COM”
and “I” do not affect GPA.
See the above descriptions of the lab, exams, homework, and final examination. The
course grade is based on these four criteria according to the Assessment section
above.
Textbook
PHYS 1401 - College Physics I Syllabus – Spring 2016
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Text Book:
College Physics 10th Edition: Serway & Vuille, Chapters 1-12;
Textbook ISBN: 978-1-285-73702-7
Laboratory Manual
There is no standard textbook followed for laboratory exercises for this course. Handouts will be posted on Eagle
Online. Students are responsible for printing out the material.
PHYS 1401 - College Physics I Syllabus – Spring 2016
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HCC Policy Statement:
Attendance Policy
Policy Regarding Multiple
Repeats of a Course
Last Day for Administrative and
Student Withdrawals
Policy Regarding Withdrawals
ADA Policy
Academic Honesty
Students Discipline
Sexual Harassment
Access Student Services Policies on their Web site:
http://hccs.edu/student-rights
Attendance Policy
The HCCS attendance policy is stated as follows: “Students are expected to attend
classes regularly. Students are responsible for materials covered during their
absences, and it is the student's responsibility to consult with instructors for make-up
assignments. Class attendance is checked daily by instructors. Although it is the
responsibility of the student to drop a course for non-attendance, the instructor has full
authority to drop a student for excessive absences. A student may be dropped from a
course for excessive absences after the student has accumulated absences in excess of
12.5% of the hours of instruction (including lecture and laboratory time).”
Note that 12.5% is approximately 4 classes for a 3 semester hour course, such as this
one, which meets two times per week in a normal 16 week semester. If circumstances
significantly prevent a student from attending classes, please inform the instructor.
Sometimes, outside circumstances can interfere with school, and the instructor will try
to be as accommodating as possible, but please be aware of the attendance policy.
Policy Regarding Multiple Repeats of a Course
“NOTICE: Students who repeat a course three or more times may soon face
significant tuition/fee increases at HCC and other Texas public colleges and
universities. If a student is considering course withdrawal because he/she is not
earning passing grades, conferring with the instructor/counselor as early as possible
about study habits, reading and writing homework, test-taking skills, attendance,
course participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be
available is advised.”
Last Day for Administrative and Student Withdrawals
For 16-week Spring 2016 classes, this date is April 5, 2016. Students who are
contemplating withdrawing from the class are urged to see the instructor first!
Students may be doing better than they think.

Policy Regarding Withdrawals 
Students desiring to withdraw from a class must do so by the above withdrawal date
by filling out a withdrawal form at the registrar’s office. After this date, instructors can
no longer enter a grade of “W” for the course for any reason.
ADA Policy
HCCS is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act and the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (section 504)
"Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric,
vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must
contact the Disability Services Office at the respective college at the beginning
of each semester. Faculty are authorized to provide only the accommodations
requested by the Disability Support Services Office”
If a student has any special needs or disabilities which may affect his/her ability to
succeed in college classes or participate in college programs/activities, please
contact the office of disability support services at the college. Upon consultation and
documentation, a student will be provided with reasonable accommodations and/or
modifications. Please contact the DSS office as soon as the term begins. For
PHYS 1401 - College Physics I Syllabus – Spring, 2016
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questions, contact Donna Price at (7130 718- 5165 or the Disability Counselor at
HCC-Southwest: Dr. Becky A. Hauri at (713) 718- 7909; also see the Schedule of
Classes for additional DSS numbers.
Also visit the ADA web site at:
http://www.hccs.edu/students/disability/index.htm. Faculty Handbook/ Faculty
Orientation is also available at
http://www.hccs.edu/students/disability/faculty.htm
Academic Dishonesty
Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in
fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be
initiated by College System officials against a student accused of scholastic
dishonesty.
“Scholastic dishonesty” includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism,
and collusion.
“Cheating” on a test includes:
• Copying from another student’s test paper;
• Using materials during a test that are not authorized by the person giving the test;
• Collaborating with another student during a test without authority;
• Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or
part the contents of an administered test;
• Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
“Plagiarism” means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged
incorporation of that work in one’s own written work offered for credit.
“Collusion” means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing
written work offered for credit.
Students Discipline
Any student failing to abide by appropriate standards of conduct during scheduled
College activities may be asked to leave that day’s class or activity by the instructor
or another College official. (The student has the right to return to the next
class/activity.)
If a student refuses a request to voluntarily leave the classroom, security may be
summoned to remove the student so that the scheduled activity may resume
without further disruption. In cases of serious problems, the faculty member will
document and report the incident to his/her supervisor. Further disciplinary action
may be pursued.
HCCS Sexual Harassment Policy
HCC shall provide an educational, employment, and business environment free of
sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that is not
tolerated at HCC. Any student who feels that he or she is the victim of sexual
harassment has the right to seek redress of the grievance. HCC provides procedures
for reviewing and resolving such complaints through its Grievance Policy.
Substantiated accusations may result in disciplinary action against the offender, up to
and including termination of the employee or suspension of the student. In addition,
complainants who make accusations of sexual harassment in bad faith may be
subject to equivalent disciplinary action.
Distance Education and/or
Continuing Education Policies
Access DE Policies on their Web site:
http://de.hccs.edu/Distance_Ed/DE_Home/faculty_resources/PDFs/DE_Syllabus.pdf
Access CE Policies on their Web site:
http://hccs.edu/CE-student-guidelines
PHYS 1401 - College Physics I Syllabus – Spring, 2016
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Sample Assignments
Sample Instructional
Methods/Activities
N/A
PowerPoint presentations, laboratory handouts and other instructional material will
be posted on Eagle Online.
Evaluation for Greater Learning
Student Survey System (EGLS3)
“At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student
feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning. During a designated time,
you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research-based questions related
to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to
your professors and division chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look
for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System online near
the end of the term.”
LAB REPORT FORMAT
1.
Reports are due one week after the experiment has been done. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS
REQUIREMENT.
2.
On separate sheet of blank paper you should write your name, course number, course/class title, time and days of
class meeting, and lab title. This called the “Cover Sheet.”
3.
The Objective of the lab should be clearly stated and the caption, “OBJECTIVE”, should be underlined.
4.
The Caption, “EQUIPMENT”, should also be underlined and the equipment should be listed from lab brochure.
5.
A summary of the Theory should also be stated and captioned. Do not copy the entire theory, just important ones.
6.
A summary of the Procedure/Method should also be stated. Please be precise.
7.
Note! Items nos. 2-6 above should be type- written and it is worth 20% for every Lab Report. If you leave the typewritten (“Write-Up”) segment mentioned above off your Lab Report, you are starting with 80%, that is, you have lost
20% of your Lab Report grade. This applies to every Lab Report you will do in this class. Please beware.
8.
All data collected during the lab should be reported on the data table provided on Lab Brochure. Please use pencil.
9.
All questions and all required computations should be attempted on the space provided on the before each. Please
leave none blank unless otherwise stated. Please use pencil.
10. Each lab should contain Conclusion and Observations/Remarks about the lab.
11. Please try and submit a NEAT and WELL ORGANIZED REPORT for good grade.
12. After the completion of lab report, staple all the sheets together before submitting your final report.
13. There is NO LAB MAKE-UP. You can only report on the lab you actually participated in.
14. Please observe all equipment and Lab Safety Rules.
15. At the end of every lab, each group should appoint a member to clean up and return the equipment where the
instructor directs.
16. Absolutely no copying of Lab Reports is allowed. Please beware!
There is always a temptation to copy somebody else lab report. Don’t do it. If you are caught, you and the person you
copied from will be penalized.
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