Syllabus for Physics 172
Electricity & Magnetism
Fall 2013
Section 01
MW 10:00 – 11:50
WDC 1005
Office Hours:
Monday
8:00 – 9:50
Wednesday
8:00 – 9:50
Thursday
1:00 – 1:50
& by appointment.
Instructor:
Peter Betz
INC 2019
(309) 268-8643
peter.betz@heartland.edu
Course Information:
PHYS 172, Electricity & Magnetism
Course Description: This is the second course in a calculus-based physics sequence for students in
engineering, mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Topics include Coulomb’s Law, electric fields, Gauss’
Law, electric potential, capacitance, circuits, magnetic forces and fields, Ampere’s law, induction,
electromagnetic waves, polarization, and geometrical optics. Laboratory activities stress development of
measurement, observational, and analytical skills, and are based on lecture topics. Students may not
receive credit for both PHYS 172 and PHYS 162.
Prerequisite: PHYS 171 and credit or concurrent enrollment in MATH 163.
Credit Hours: 4
Contact Hours: 6
Lecture hours: 4
Laboratory Hours: 2
Text: University Physics, Thirteenth Edition, Young & Freedman, Addison Wesley.
Required Technology: A TI-89 graphing calculator.
Relationship to Academic Development Programs and Transfer: PHYS 172 fulfills 4 of the 7(A.A.) or
8(A.S.) semester hours of credit in the Life/Physical Sciences required for the A.A. or A.S. degree. It also
satisfies the laboratory requirement for the A.A. degree. PHYS 172 should transfer as part of the General
Education Core Curriculum described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative to other Illinois colleges and
universities participating in the IAI. However, students should consult an academic advisor for transfer
information regarding particular institutions. Refer to the IAI web page for information as well at
www.itransfer.org
Topic outline for the course:
1. Coulomb’s Law & Electric Fields
2. Electric Potential
3. Capacitance
4. Circuits
5. Magnetic Fields & Forces
6. Induction & Faraday’s Law
7. Electromagnetic Waves
8. Polarization
9. Geometrical Optics
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Syllabus for Physics 172
Electricity & Magnetism
Fall 2013
Course Objectives (Learning Outcomes): After completing this course, the student should be able to:
1. Increased skills in problem solving and scientific reasoning.
2. Ability to apply Coulomb’s law to practical problems.
3. Skills to apply the principle of electric potential.
4. Ability to analyze circuits using Kirchoff’s Rules.
5. Skills to apply magnetic field and force principles.
6. Ability to understand the relationship between electricity and magnetism.
7. Ability to describe electromagnetic waves and their behavior.
8. Understanding of geometric optics principles and ability to solve related problems.
9. Ability to clearly describe and present problem solutions in homework, exams, and laboratory reports.
General Education Outcomes:
PS3, CT3
PS3 - Student tries to apply multiple strategies to solve problems. Student shows ability to solve problems
which have not been previously demonstrated by the instructor. Student is not as dependent on the
instructor.
CT3 - Students use creative thinking to produce a product, idea, or method that is new to them.
(Designing your own)
Range of Assessment Methods:
Exams, quizzes, homework, laboratories, discussions, worksheets, and questions.
Method of Evaluation:
Course grades: The grade you receive will be based on:
Evaluation Method
Tests (4 at 100 points each)
Final Exam (Note, the final is cumulative.)
Homework
Laboratory Assignments
Total
Points
400
200
200
200
1000
90% will guarantee a grade of at least A
80% will guarantee a grade of at least B
70% will guarantee a grade of at least C
60% will guarantee a grade of at least D
Exams: Attendance is required at scheduled exams and the final exam.
Make-up of Exams: Students will be allowed to make up a missed exam provided the student may
provide a valid (to be determined by the instructor), verifiable, pre-approved (by instructor) reason for
missing the exam. Students not meeting these criterions will receive a zero for the missed exam.
Page 2 of 4
Syllabus for Physics 172
Electricity & Magnetism
Fall 2013
Attendance: Regular class attendance is an important part of educational success and is expected of all
students. Students who miss class are responsible for the material covered that day, including obtaining
the homework assignments and lecture notes. Attendance will not be a calculated part of your grade, but
you are responsible for all announcements made in class. I also reserve the right to give unannounced
quizzes.
Midterm Withdrawal Policy: Any student who has not completed 40% of the graded work at Midterm will
be withdrawn from the course. The only exception to this is students who have made arrangements with
me before Midterm to complete missed work.
Homework: You are expected to do the assigned homework. It is expected that, at a minimum, 2 hours of
outside work will be required for each hour in the classroom. This is a minimum. Some students will
require more outside homework time. Also note that nothing precludes you from doing more than the
required work. Extra work may be brought up by you in class or during office hours for questions and
help.
Beliefs:
Student Learning: Learning is a life-long process. In order to enhance the learning process, students need to
take responsibility for their learning. This means being responsible in completing assignments, attending
and participating in classes, and studying. It also means taking the initiative to ask questions when
something is not understood and seeking assistance outside of class, from the instructor or tutors if there
are further unanswered questions or problems.
Instructor’s Role: The instructor’s role is to aid the students by creating a positive learning environment
where students feel free to ask questions, feel free to learn from mistakes, and are encouraged to develop
their curiosity. The instructor’s role is to help the students develop problem solving skills and to provide
guidance to students in discovering concepts and solutions themselves.
Methods of Instruction will include lectures, discussions, and group work that will emphasize applying
problem solving strategies to discover and reinforce concepts.
Syllabus Disclaimer: This syllabus is subject to change. Any changes will be announced in class.
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Syllabus for Physics 172
Electricity & Magnetism
Fall 2013
Week to Week Course Calendar:
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Topics
Electric Charge
Electric Field
Gauss’s Law
Electric Potential
Test #1
Capacitance
Dielectrics
Current
Resistance
Electromotive Force
Direct Current Circuits
Kirchhoff’s Rules
Test #2
Magnetic Field
Magnetic Forces
Sources of the Magnetic Field
Electromagnetic induction
Inductance
Alternating Current
Test #3
The nature and Propagation of Light
Geometric Optics
Interference
Diffraction
Test #4
Review for Final Exam
Page 4 of 4