University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
5210 Grand Avenue
P.O. Box 3649
Fort Smith, AR 72913
479-788-7000
General Syllabus
PHYS 2823 College Physics II
Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Prerequisite: PHYS 2803 College Physics I
Prerequisite or Corequisite: none
Effective Semester: Spring 2002
I.
Laboratory Hours: 0 hours
Course Information
A. Catalog Description
A fundamental course for students in pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, and other areas in
which a basic introduction to electricity, magnetism, light, and modern physics is
needed. (ACTS PHYS 2024; must complete PHYS 2823/2831)
B. Additional Information
This course and its companion lab course provide the second four semester hours in a
sequence of eight that majors in most biological fields, including pre-medical fields,
should take. Majors in physics, chemistry, and engineering should take the eight hours
of Engineering Physics.
II.
Student Learning Outcomes
A. Subject Matter
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Explain the nature of electric charges and use Coulomb's Law.
2. Use the concepts of the electric field and electric potential to describe the space
around an electric charge.
3. Derive the expressions of Ohm's Law and Joule's Law by using the energy method.
4. Calculate components of electric circuits by using Kirchoff's Law.
5. Describe the magnetic properties associated with moving charges.
6. Explain the processes used in electrical machines and devices in our society.
7. Show the relationship between electromagnetism and light.
8. Use the rules of geometrical optics to study reflection and refraction of light.
9. Calculate the relationship of waves to light.
10. Describe the applications of optics to common phenomena.
11. Explain the modern interpretation of electrons and photons.
B. University Learning Outcomes
The student who completes this course will make progress toward attainment of the
following outcomes:
Area I, Outcome A: The student will demonstrate problem-solving and critical
thinking ability by rationally and intuitively organizing, analyzing, synthesizing,
evaluating, and applying information.
In problem-solving and critical thinking, the student will:
1. Demonstrate factual knowledge.
Factual knowledge is information that one has gathered and can remember, and
includes such things as terminology, facts, methods, processes, and patterns by
which information and ideas are organized. The knowledge of facts does not
suggest comprehension or application; it only involves bringing to mind appropriate
information.
2. Comprehend information and ideas.
Comprehension means understanding what is being communicated without
necessarily relating the information to other material or seeing its fullest
implications. Students demonstrate comprehension when they paraphrase or
summarize information, or when they recognize irrelevant information.
3. Apply knowledge and comprehension.
Application involves the ability to transfer technical principles, ideas, and theories
to new situations. Students apply information when they create examples, apply
principles, or demonstrate an ability or skill.
4. Analyze information.
Analysis is breaking information into component parts, and sorting and classifying
it. Through analysis, the student is able to discover interrelationships and
hierarchical relationships between facts and ideas. Students analyze information
when they identify main ideas and supporting details, identify relationships and
patterns, list attributes, compare and contrast ideas, or recognize assumptions,
hypotheses, and persuasive techniques.
5. Synthesize and interpret information.
Synthesis is arranging and combining information into new patterns. Students
synthesize information when they use it to generate a plan and steps to implement
the plan, to formulate and modify a hypothesis, or to generate solutions to
problems. Students interpret information when they use analysis and research to
understand the various levels of meaning in texts (literary, poetic, rhetorical, visual,
musical, etc.).
6. Evaluate information.
Evaluation is the appraisal of information in which quantitative and qualitative
judgments are based on criteria. Students evaluate when they set criteria, verify
information, detect fallacies, or otherwise measure the value of information against
criteria.
Area I, Outcome B: The student will communicate through reading, listening,
writing, and speaking.
In reading and listening, the student will:
1. Recognize the organization of ideas and information, including main ideas,
supporting details, and actual and implied relationships within and between
sentences.
2. Determine the meaning of words on the basis of context, identify facts as opposed
to opinion, and perceive the tone and bias of a message.
3. Draw logical inferences and conclusions.
In writing and speaking, the student will:
1. Formulate and explain a central idea using a variety of rhetorical methods, logical
methods of organization, and adequate and clear support consistent with purpose.
2. Phrase questions to obtain information, and provide appropriate responses to others.
Area I, Outcome C: The student will apply mathematical skills.
The student will:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Perform computations appropriate to the discipline.
Understand and use a mathematical vocabulary.
Use a calculator, including business and/or scientific keys.
Solve application problems involving simple inductive or deductive reasoning, or
mathematical modeling, disregarding irrelevant information.
5. Interpret information from graphs and construct graphs appropriate to data or
equations.
6. Choose and correct apply formulas to the solution of problems.
7. Solve equations as appropriate to the discipline.
Area I, Outcome D: The student will utilize learning tools and resources.
In the use of computers, the student will:
1. Know and utilize the features and components of a personal computer system.
In the use of the library or resource center, the student will:
1. Develop a search strategy, narrow the topic, and locate resources.
2. Use reference materials, catalog system, indexes, and computer databases to
identify and locate relevant and accurate information.
3. Evaluate the quality and applicability of information obtained in the search process.
In the use of other campus and community resources, the student will:
1. Seek out instructional support, including conferences with instructors, study groups,
tutors, and supplemental learning materials such as computer-assisted instruction
and videos.
2. Seek out and use campus services such as the Counseling Services, the Financial
Aid Office, the Assessment Center, and the Learning Assistance Center.
Area III, Outcome A: The student will demonstrate a knowledge and appreciation
of social and cultural history and its implications for the present and future.
The student will:
1. Demonstrate a general knowledge of the sequence and continuity of major historical
events.
Area III, Outcome B: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the
organization and functioning of United States society and will be able to apply that
knowledge as an informed citizen.
The student will:
1. Be able to recognize the major forces of social change.
Area III, Outcome D: The student will demonstrate an understanding of major
philosophies and their relevance to contemporary issues.
The student will:
1. Develop an awareness of philosophy as an activity that engages every human being.
Area III, Outcome E: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the
physical universe and knowledge of man's impact on the environment.
The student will:
1. Understand the quantitative nature of science.
2. Understand, construct, and evaluate empirical relationships in life and physical
sciences.
3. Know the basic principles of the currently accepted scientific theories of the origin
and unfolding of the universe.
4. Understand the fundamental laws of nature--gravity, motion, electromagnetism,
etc.--that determine the interactions of matter.
5. Know and understand the essential life processes, and the basic ways in which they
occur across the range of living species.
6. Gain an understanding and appreciation of the interdependence of all natural
systems.
7. Understand the major issues in the ecological crises we now face, the causes, and
the possible solutions.
Area III, Outcome F: The student will demonstrate knowledge and understanding
of scientific and technological movements.
The student will:
1. Understand how the scientific method has been used to extend knowledge in all
areas.
2. Know the significance of major historical developments in science.
3. Be aware of current areas of important research in science, medicine, and
technology and the potential impact they will have on society and its environment.
III. Major Course Topics
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
Electric Charge
Electric Field
Electric Energy
Electric Circuits
Electromagnetism
Applied Electricity
Electromagnetic Waves
Geometrical Optics
Wave Optics
Applied Optics
Electrons and Photons
IV. Resources
Textbook: Urone, College Physics, 2nd edition, ITP Publ., ISBN: 0-534-37688-6.
V.
Conduct of the Course
Individual instructor's policies and course schedules will be distributed at the first class
meeting.