NSCI101 Conceptual Physics (3,2)
School of Physical Sciences
College Natural, Mathematical and Health Sciences
Prerequisites:
Instructor:
4 Credits
Fall 2010
MATH086 or equivalent/satisfactory score on ACT or Placement Exam
David Myton, Ph.D.
Crawford 327 (906) 635-2349 dmyton@lssu.edu
Office Hours:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
9-11 AM 1-3 PM
9-11 AM
Class meets Mon/Wed/ from 10:00-10:50 AM in CRW207
Students attend one 2-hr laboratory session per week
Friday
Required Text: Conceptual Physics, 11th edition preferred but the 10th Edition is acceptable, by Paul
Hewitt
Course Description: A survey of basic physical science principles emphasizing their applications in daily life.
Course Goals: The goal of this course is to facilitate students’ understanding of the rules of nature by learning
their foundations using simple scientific relationships. Physics being the foundation of all sciences, what
students learn in this course will be the basis on which their knowledge in other disciplines of science builds.
After being equipped with a conceptual base of physical knowledge students develop skills to predict, calculate,
measure, and observe their interactions with the physical world around them. These skills eventually foster their
critical and analytical thinking for use in their future career.
Course Objectives: At the conclusion of NSCI101 students will be able to have a good, conceptual and
operational understanding related to the following topics:












Position, velocity, and acceleration
Force, mass, and Newton’s laws of motion
Momentum and the law of conservation of momentum
Work, kinetic energy, potential energy, and energy conservation
Newton’s law of universal gravitation
Temperature, thermal energy, and heat transfer
Vibrations, waves, and sound
Electric charges, conductors, insulators, and Coulomb’s Law
Electric current, voltage, resistance, power, and Ohm’s Law
Magnetism
Properties of light and color
Reflection and Refraction
Recommended Text: none
Online Resources:
Physics Simulations: http://phet.colorado.edu
The Physics Classroom: http://physicsclassroom.com
Safety Information for Teacher Candidates - State Council of State Science Supervisors:
College Natural, Mathematical and Health Sciences
NSCI 101 001 Conceptual Physics
2
Fall 2010
4 Credits
http://www.csss-science.org/safety.shtml
http://www.csss-science.org/downloads/scisafe.pdf
Grading Scale and Policies:







Course grades will be based on a 100 WAP scale.
Test 1 = 10 available WAP. (weighted aggregate points) If the first test has 22 questions and three of them are
double value then the test could be considered a 25 point total value. If a student has 20 of the 25 test questions
answered correctly that would equate to 20/25 or 80% and this student would earn 80% of the 10 available WAP
– or 8 WAPs.
Test 2 = 13 available WAP.
Test 3 = 17 available WAP.
Final Exam = 30 available WAP.
Laboratory = 10 available WAP. Most lab instructors will grade each lab-day activity out of 20 or perhaps 25
points, adding the total of all points through the semester and reporting a lab grade as a percentage. This
percentage will be multiplied by the available WAP to determine the points earned from lab, up to a total
available 10 WAP. For example if the lab assignments average grade was 85%, then 8.5 WAP would be earned.
Homework = 10 available WAP. Each chapter will have a certain, and probably different, number of assigned
homework problems from Chapter-End questions, Blackboard Assessments or both. The total of correctly
answered problems will be divided by the adjusted number (equivalent to 90% of the total ) of assigned
homework problems to get a homework percentage. The WAP earned for homework will be that percentage
multiplied by the 10 available WAP points for homework. For example, if there are 118 assigned homework
questions then only 106 (0.90*118) are required and if a student correctly answers 80 of them, they would earn
7.54 WAP points {80/106 }*10 WAP
Iclicker and Practice Pages = 10 available WAP. Each chapter will have a two-page practice worksheet to
practice key concepts. Iclicker points are earned based on questions and reviews completed during class. A
subtotal of 5 WAP can be earned for each activity.
The laboratory work is a mandatory component for the course, a passing grade in the lab must be achieved to
receive a passing grade in the course. In the occasional circumstance where a student is repeating this course,
the laboratory is still required and must be completed regardless of their past laboratory experience. Assessments
includes writing assignments, quizzes, scheduled tests and the final exam. Grading is progressively weighted
with later tests (whose content is cumulative for the entire course to date) weighted more than earlier tests.
Scantron forms and #2 pencil are required for each test/exam date and the first laboratory. Attendance at all class
sessions is strongly advised, graded activities will be included without further notice. If you find that the class
sessions are not meeting your needs please let me know how you feel we could change the structure to assist you.
Approximate WAP Grading Scale:
98-100
A+
92-97
A
90-91
A88-89
B+
82-87
B
80-81
B78-79
C+
70-77
68-69
66-67
62-65
60-61
0-59
C
CD+
D
DF
Exam Dates: Graded daily work may be used to help chart your progress and mastery of the content. We will
hold our regular exams on Mondays: September 27, October 25 and November 22 and a final comprehensive
NSCI 101 001 Conceptual Physics
Fall 2010 Dr. Myton
Page 2 of 6
College Natural, Mathematical and Health Sciences
NSCI 101 001 Conceptual Physics
3
Fall 2010
4 Credits
exam held during finals week. Missed exams cannot be retaken except in emergency or extenuating
circumstances – contact me as soon as possible, preferably in advance of the emergency to schedule a make-up
early exam if an approved absence is unavoidable. The cumulative exam is required. No grades are dropped or
replaced, extra credit is not necessarily available. Full credit is available only to work completed by the assigned
completion date, late work may be discounted or rejected.
Exams: Each student is advised to bring a personal calculation aid with them to every class, laboratory and
test/examination (abacus, slide rule or calculator) - these cannot be shared during tests and should be capable of
manipulating scientific notation, logarithms and exponents. My philosophy regarding the memorization of
formula and physical constants is that each student can and will learn those that they find useful and valuable on
an ongoing basis. Therefore I, for this semester only, (don’t count on anyone else doing this) will allow the use
during any quiz or mid-semester test, in addition to your personal calculator, pencil, and blank scratch paper, the
use of one and only one 3”x5” conventional index card. No card may be used on the course final – you must
work toward full independence by the end of the course. This one card may contain any physical constants,
formulas, sample calculations, prayers and/or meditative verse that you believe you may find useful. All
information on the card must be handwritten. I will provide unusual or unique physical constants for specific
chemicals, bond energies, activities of metals, and standard molar enthalpies, etc. Each student may possess one
and only one card as described above, violations of this rule are considered academic dishonesty - severe
penalties will be enforced. It is vital that you report promptly for exams, as no time extensions are possible.
Online Homework/Quizzes: Success in Physics is undeniably linked to the amount of time invested in learning
the material and developing your problem solving skills. Online homework will be assigned within Blackboard
which refers to them as “assessments”, these are timed, can be repeated for higher credit, and are drawn from
questions which could be on the test. Full credit for Blackboard Assessments will be given for students who
successfully complete 90% of the assigned sections. The 10% grace factor is to allow for technical difficulties,
poorly structured questions, or issues with deadlines.
In addition, a small number of assigned chapter-end questions will be selected for hand-grading from each
assigned chapter from the textbook. Full credit for Hand-graded homework will be given for completing 16 of
the 21 chapter assignments . Hand-graded chapter-end homework is spot-graded and due on the Monday lab
section following the week that chapter is completed in lecture. After each due date the key will be posted on
Blackboard, but then late work cannot be accepted. Students are encouraged to check their submitted answers
after the key is released to confirm that they correctly understand each concept and calculation.
Handgraded homework was selected from the 11th edition, but for those students who are using an earlier edition
you can view these questions from Blackboard where scanned copies of the chapter-end problems are available.
Students who have the book know that the odd-numbered questions have answers in the back of the book. These
have also been scanned and posted to blackboard to assist all students complete their homework.
Handgraded homework: (later chapters will be posted in Blackboard as they become available)
Chapter
2
3
4
5
6
7
Review Questions
Plug/Chug
9, 15, 16
10, 20, 24
20
24
16
NSCI 101 001 Conceptual Physics
Fall 2010 Dr. Myton
6
Ranking
2
3, 4
3, 4
1, 4
2, 4
Exercises
9, 14, 22, 46
12, 32
24, 46, 48, 56
22, 38, 39, 50
42, 43,48, 54
Problems
4
2
6
2, 3, 6
2, 6
Page 3 of 6
College Natural, Mathematical and Health Sciences
NSCI 101 001 Conceptual Physics
4
Fall 2010
4 Credits
Practice Pages:
Our ability to translate thoughts to writing is inseparably linked to our understanding about a subject. It is very
difficult to correctly explain something when we don’t understand it. The “Conceptual Physics Practice Pages”
will provide a tool to reinforce key concepts from each chapter. While this class will cover 21 chapters during
the semester, these “Conceptual Physics Practice Page” worksheets are required for only 16 of the chapters,
others can be completed for extra credit up to the total of 10 WAP for this category. The Practice Pages will be
posted in Blackboard, and copies made available in Lab each week. Practice Pages for the chapters covered on
each test are due on the Friday before each of the three tests and final’s week, full credit only for correct work
submitted on time. Submit a single stapled packet in class on each of the four Fridays with the chapters in
numerical order. A key for each Practice Page will be posted in Blackboard by noon on Friday for the purpose of
self-checking your understanding, and giving the weekend for review and further practice before each test Some
practice pages may also be incorporated into lab activities.
Ground Rules:
The LSSU Catalog/Calendar contains a more complete description of your rights and responsibilities as a member of the University
community. In the Catalog/Calendar you will find a complete statement of our institutional purpose, definitions of university terminology,
our Equal Opportunity policy, and especially the ACADEMIC POLICIES. NOTICE: A failing grade (F) can be assigned to students who
commit acts of academic dishonesty. At the instructor’s discretion this grade may be for the assignment or the entire course depending on
the nature and severity of the offense. Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating (the intentional use or attempted use of
unauthorized materials, information or study aids in any academic exercise) , fabricating (intentional or unauthorized falsification or
invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise), facilitating academic dishonesty (Intentionally or knowingly helping or
attempting to help another violate any provisions of this code), or plagiarism (intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas
of another as one’s own in any academic exercise). Definitions from the Code of Academic Integrity, University of Maryland at College
Park. This syllabus is not intended to be a comprehensive statement, please be aware that other academic policies and procedures are
outlined in the catalog and they apply to you as well. The course syllabus represents the best estimate and projection of course content,
scope and sequence. In the case of extenuating circumstances, changes in enrollment, flood, fire or tornado, other Acts of God, by mutual
consent, or at the discretion of the instructor, the course and lab syllabi are subject to change.
University Policies and Statements:
The Americans with Disabilities Act & Accommodations
In compliance with Lake Superior State University policies and equal access laws, disability-related accommodations or services are
available to students with documented disabilities.
If you are a student with a disability and you think you may require accommodations you must register with Disability Services (DS),
which is located in the KJS Library, Room 130, (906) 635-2355 or x2355 on campus. DS will provide you with a letter of confirmation of
your verified disability and authorize recommended accommodations. This authorization must be presented to your instructor before any
accommodations can be made.
Students who desire such services should meet with instructors in a timely manner, preferably during the first week of class, to discuss
individual disability related needs. Any student who feels that an accommodation is needed – based on the impact of a disability – should
meet with instructors privately to discuss specific needs.
IPASS (Individual Plan for Academic Student Success)
If at mid-term your grades reflect that you are at risk for failing some or all of your classes, you will be contacted by a representative of
IPASS. The IPASS program is designed to help you gain control over your learning through pro-active communication and goal-setting,
the development of intentional learning skills and study habits, and personal accountability. You may contact 635-2887 or email
ipass@lssu.edu if you would like to sign up early in the semester or if you have any questions or concerns.
NSCI 101 001 Conceptual Physics
Fall 2010 Dr. Myton
Page 4 of 6
College Natural, Mathematical and Health Sciences
NSCI 101 001 Conceptual Physics
Week Week
of Date
Aug 30
1
Sep 6
2
Sep 13
Monday
Chapter #
5
Fall 2010
4 Credits
Tentative Course Outline
Wednesday
Friday
Chapter #
Chapter #
Lab
2
Newton’s 1st law
of motion
Labor day
No class
2
3
Linear motion
Linear Motion
3
3
4
HW:2&3
No Lab, Monday is the
U.S. Labor Day a
National Holiday
Laws of Motion
Sep 20
4
5
Oct 4
6
7
Energy
Practice Pages 1-6
8
Rotational Energy
9
Momentum
Sep 27
Oct 11
7
15
Temperature and Heat
Projectiles
Oct 18
8
9
Nov 1
10
16
Practice Pages 7-10
19
Vibrations and Waves
20
Nov 8
11
16
Heat Transfer
17
Change of Phase
20
Sound
22
Thermodynamics
Oct 25
23
Electric Current
Sound
Nov 15
12
13
24
Magnetism
Thanksgiving
24
Practice Pages 15-24
Thanksgiving
Electric Circuits
Nov 22
Nov 29
14
27
Color
27
Color
Dec 6
15
6
Momentum
HW:4&5
Test 1
HW:6
8
HW:7
10
Projectiles and
Satellites
HW:8&9
15
HW:10
Test 2
HW:15&16
19
HW:17
22
Electrostatics
HW:19&20
23
HW:22
Test 3
HW:23&24
26
Properties of Light
No HW
28
Reflection and
Refraction
HW:26-27
Final Exam
Monday
December 13
10 AM - noon
5
Newton’s 3rd
law of motion
6
4
Newton’s 2nd law of
motion
5
28
Review
Practice Pages 26-28
Reflection and
Refraction
Dec 13
NSCI 101 001 Conceptual Physics
Fall 2010 Dr. Myton
7
9
Gravity
10
Energy
Gravity
Phase Changes
Waves
Magnetism
Page 5 of 6
College Natural, Mathematical and Health Sciences
NSCI 101 001 Conceptual Physics
6
Fall 2010
4 Credits
Laboratory: Physics is an experimental science. You are encouraged to think independently about the data you collect
and you will not be graded solely on whether you acquire the right number or deduce the correct explanation, but rather
whether your explanations and hypotheses follow logically from the data and that your reasoning is clearly stated. In the
laboratory component of this course students may GENERALLY work together in teams of no more than two, as
directed by the instructor. Each student team member is responsible for assuming an equal share of the lab
responsibilities and work load. If you must be absent from a laboratory session you should contact your laboratory
instructor immediately. Missed labs cannot be made up after the end of the week following the scheduled lab. The
laboratory grade is included in the course grade. ***It is MANDATORY that you attend and pass the laboratory. Failing
to complete two or more laboratories, or earning a failing grade in the laboratory may result in a failing grade for the
class.
Fall 2010 Lab Sections
Class 1:00 pm - 2:50 pm M Crawford Hall 251
Class 3:00 pm - 4:50 pm M Crawford Hall 251
Topical Outline for NSCI 101 (4 credits)






Mechanics
Heat
Sound
Electricity and Magnetism
Light
Assessments
% of time spent
35%
15%
10%
15%
15%
10%
Total
NSCI 101 001 Conceptual Physics
Fall 2010 Dr. Myton
100%
Page 6 of 6