Syllabus for Physics 110
Physics in Everyday Life
Fall 2013
Section Information:
Section 02
TR 2:00 – 3:15
WDC 1005
Office Hours:
Monday
8:00 – 9:50
Wednesday
8:00 – 9:50
Thursday
1:00 – 1:50
& by appointment.
Instructor:
Peter Betz
ICN 2019
(309) 268-8643
peter.betz@heartland.edu
Course Information:
PHYS 110, Physics in Everyday Life
Catalog Description: This course is designed for non-science majors. The fundamentals of physics
are introduced by emphasizing a conceptual understanding of the material rather than
computational problem solving. Numerous demonstrations and discussions of the applications of
physics to everyday phenomena and experiences are used to present the material. Topics include
mechanics, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, and light.
Prerequisite: Completion of Math through Beginning Algebra level or assessment.
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Laboratory Hours: 0
Text:
Hewitt, Paul, Conceptual Physics, eleventh edition: Addison Wesley 2010.
Hewitt, Paul, Conceptual Physics Practice Book, eleventh edition: Addison Wesley 2010.
Relationship to Academic Development Programs and Transferability: PHYS 110 fulfills 3 of
the semester hours of credit in Life and Physical Science required for the A.A. or A.S. degree.
This course 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. Motion
2. Newton’s Laws
3. Momentum
4. Energy
5. Rotational Motion, Gravity, and Satellite Motion
6. Thermal Energy, Heat Transfers, and Thermodynamics
7. Electricity
8. Magnetism
9. Sound Waves
10. Light Waves
11. Properties of light
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Syllabus for Physics 110
Physics in Everyday Life
Fall 2013
Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
Course Outcomes
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts and language of Physics.
a. Motion in One and Two Dimensions
b. Newton’s Three Laws of Motion
c. Work and Energy Principles
d. Conservation of Energy and Momentum
e. Rotational Motion and Angular Momentum
f. Gravity
g. Fluids
h. Heat Transfer
i. Sound, Wave Motion, Superposition, and Standing Waves
j. Electricity and Electric Circuits
k. Magnetism and Induction
l. Properties of Light
2. Solve problems based on phenomena in everyday life using Physics concepts.
a. Motion in One and Two Dimensions
b. Newton’s Three Laws of Motion
c. Work and Energy Principles
d. Conservation of Energy and Momentum
e. Rotational Motion and Angular Momentum
f. Gravity
g. Fluids
h. Heat Transfer
i. Sound, Wave Motion, Superposition, and Standing Waves
j. Electricity and Electric Circuits
k. Magnetism and Induction
l. Properties of Light
3. Demonstrate knowledge of relationships between Physics concepts.
4. Apply inductive and deductive reasoning to solve problems.
General Education Outcomes:
PS1, CT1
PS1 - Student can only solve problems that they are shown first. Student sees answers as only
being right or wrong. Student is highly dependent on the instructor.
CT1 - Students inquire into an unfamiliar situation given a strategy or concept. (Responding
in a similar situation)
Range of Assessment Methods:
Exams, quizzes, homework, discussion, worksheets, and questions.
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Syllabus for Physics 110
Physics in Everyday Life
Fall 2013
Method of Evaluation:
Evaluation Method
Exams (4 at 100 points each)
Final Exam
Quizzes
Points
400
200
150
Total
750
Grading Policy:
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: There will be no makeup exams! If you miss an exam it will be recorded as
a zero. If your final exam percentage is higher than your lowest exam score then your lowest
exam will be replaced by your final percentage. If more than one exam is missed it will be
recorded as a zero. (Note: If you know you will miss an exam, you may be able to take it
before the scheduled exam date. Please discuss this possibility with your instructor at least a
week before the scheduled exam.)
Quizzes: You will have several quizzes throughout the semester. Quizzes will be worth 10 points
each.
Make-up of Quizzes: Since your lowest quiz grades will be thrown out there will be no makeup
quizzes!
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.
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Syllabus for Physics 110
Physics in Everyday Life
Fall 2013
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, are
encouraged to develop their curiosity, and provide guidance to students in discovering concepts
and solutions themselves.
Methods of Instruction will include lectures, discussions, and group work that will emphasize 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 110
Physics in Everyday Life
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
Newton’s 1st law
Motion
Newton’s 2nd law
Newton’s 3rd law
Momentum
Energy
Energy
Test #1
Rotational Motion
Gravity
Projectile and Satellite Motion
Solids
Liquids
Gases
Temperature, Heat, and Expansion
Heat Transfer
Change of Phase
Test #2
Vibrations and Waves
Sound
Electrostatics
Electric Current
Magnetism
Electromagnetic Induction
Test #3
Properties of Light
Color
Reflection and Refraction
Light Waves
Light Emission
Light Quanta
Test #4
Review for Final Exam
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