Syllabus for Physics 110
Physics in Everyday Life
Fall 2005
Section 01
TR 12:30 – 1:45
ICB 1405
Instructor:
Peter Betz
ICB 2405
(309) 268-8643
peter.betz@heartland.edu
Office Hours:
Monday
11:00 – 12:00
Tuesday
2:00 - 4:00
Wednesday
11:00 – 12:00
Thursday
2:00 - 4:00
& By appointment.
Course Information:
Introduction: This is an elementary course that emphasizes principles and applications of mechanics, heat,
sound, and electricity. The course is presented with an emphasis on observations and descriptions being
used to illustrate basic problem solving principles and laws, with students learning to solve problems
applying these principles and laws.
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: MATH 087 with a “C” or better.
Text: Conceptual Physical Science Explorations, Addison Wesley 2003, Hewitt-Suchocki-Hewitt
.
Relationship to Academic Development Programs and Transfer: PHYS 110 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 and Energy
4. Gravity and Satellite Motion
5. Fluid Mechanics
6. Thermal Energy
7. Heat Transfers and Thermodynamics
8. Electricity
9. Magnetism
10. Sound Waves
11. Light Waves
12. Properties of light
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Syllabus for Physics 110
Physics in Everyday Life
Fall 2005
Course Objectives (Learning Outcomes):
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1.
apply the following physics concepts to solve
problems based on physical situations and explain
theoretical concepts.
 Motion in One and Two Dimensions
 Newton’s Three Laws of Motion
 Work and Energy Principles
 Conservation of Energy and Momentum
 Rotational Motion and Angular Momentum
 Gravity, Static Equilibrium, and Fluids
 Oscillations
 Wave Motion, Superposition, and Standing
Waves
 Electricity and Magnetism Principles
2. analyze physical data, integrate concepts, formulate
a method of solution, and clearly articulate the
method of solution and why it was chosen
 Homework
 Tests
 Rubric
 Student self/peer
assessment
 Homework
 Tests
Grading Policy:
Course grades: The grade you receive will be based on your exam scores 65%, quiz scores 10%, and final
exam score 25%. Note, the final is cumulative.
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 criterion will receive a zero for the missed 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.
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Syllabus for Physics 110
Physics in Everyday Life
Fall 2005
Classroom restrictions:
Children will not be allowed into the classroom.
Food will not be allowed into the classroom.
Beverages, except water, will not be allowed into the classroom.
Required Writing and Reading: Students are expected to read the material in the textbook for each section
studied. Required writings will be part of most assignments and exams as students explain how they
found the solution, describe their solution graphically, and interpret their answer in the context of the
problem.
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.
Incomplete grade: An incomplete grade may be given to a student who, by the withdrawal date, can
reasonably be expected to pass the course. An incomplete grade may be granted only when justified by
extreme circumstances (e.g., serious illness, accident, death or serious illness in the immediate family).
Incomplete grades are not given for such reasons as unjustified failure to appear for the final
examination. A written agreement that outlines the requirements to be met, must be signed by the
instructor and the student. The agreed upon requirements must be completed no later than the end of the
following semester. By the agreed upon date, the instructor will assign a grade or the incomplete will be
changed to an `F’ if the requirements are not completed.
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.
Academic Integrity, Plagiarism, and Student Conduct:
Syllabus Disclaimer: This syllabus is subject to change.
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Please refer to the student handbook.
Any changes will be announced in class.