BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Technologies Division, Dr. Tara Carter - Dean
Fall 2014
Instructor: Michael Childers
e-mail:
cmchilders@augusta.k12.va.us
Course Prefix & Number: PHY 100 – Elements of Physics
Credit Hours: 4 credit hours
Course Description: PHY 100 Elements of Physics
Covers basic concepts of physics, including Newtonian mechanics, properties of matter, heat and sound,
fundamental behavior of gases, ionizing radiation, and fundamentals of electricity.
Prerequisite: Proficiency with basic algebra is recommended.
Co requisite: None
Textbook: Inquiry into Physics by Ostdiek & Bord, 7th Ed.
Additional Materials: Scientific calculator, WebAssign account with ebook
Student Performance Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Identify fundamental concepts in a physical situation,
Identify the processes by which scientific conclusions are drawn,
Apply fundamental principles to physical situations,
Apply mathematics and problem solving skills to physical situations,
Communicate principles, processes, data and conclusions in writing.
Notes: i)
ii)
iii)
Concepts include ideas, terminology and units.
Principles include mathematics and general relationships.
Processes include methods and techniques.
These outcomes will be applied to such topics as Newtonian mechanics, properties of matter, heat and
sound, fundamental behavior of gases, ionizing radiation, and fundamentals of electricity.
Methodology: Lecture/lab/practice problems/homework
Course Requirements:
Laboratories
Homework
Unit tests – 4
Final exam
Evaluation of Performance:
Each of the 3 six week grades will be calculated as follows:
Six Week Grade = 0.45(Test Average) + 0.30(Homework Average) + 0.25(Lab Average)
The semester grade will be calculated as follows:
Semester Grade = 0.80(Average of Six Weeks Grades) + 0.20(Final Exam Grade)
No exam exemptions will be granted.
College Grading Scale:
Grade Explanation
A
B
C
D
F
Superior
Above average
Average
Below average
Failure
Numerical Points
90 - 100
80 - 89
70 - 79
60 - 69
Below 60
Quality Pts/Credit Hr
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
Attendance Policy:
Regular attendance in class is essential to receiving maximum benefit from the educational experience.
This class will follow the attendance policy explained in the Stuarts Draft High School Student Handbook.
The student is expected to attend all classes. After an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the
instructor to obtain missed assignments. All work is to be made up within 3 days. Make up is graded as zero
after 3 unexcused absences. In addition, you should be aware that BRCC expects you to attend every class.
School related absences (i.e. sports, choir, etc.) are not recognized by BRCC. Be absent only when
absolutely necessary.
Special Note:
If a lab is missed, there will be no make-up lab. An alternate make up assignment will be made at the
instructor’s discretion.
Academic Honesty (Honor Code):
"The functioning of an academic community depends on the integrity of all of its members. Blue Ridge
Community College values truthfulness, respect for the property of others, and honesty in academic
work." BRCC Honor Code: http://www.brcc.edu/Student/Catalog/academic/code.htm
As a member of this community, you are responsible for understanding and adhering to the Honor Code.
Violations include (but are not limited to) cheating on tests and quizzes, unauthorized collaboration
on assignments, and plagiarism. Your instructor is the ultimate source of policy on individual
assignments; please consult him or her if you have any questions or concerns about what is permitted.
Violations of the Honor Code may result in a grade penalty and/or disciplinary action. For further
information on your rights and responsibilities as a student, and the disciplinary guidelines and
procedures, please consult the Student Handbook at
(http://www.brcc.edu/Student/Handbook/policy/rights.htm). For information on the grade appeal
procedure, please consult the Catalog (http://www.brcc.edu/Student/Catalog/academic/grades.htm).
Email Correspondence:
To protect your privacy, your business with Blue Ridge Community College is conducted only through
your college-provided email account. Please use this account to contact your instructors, or when you
are conducting other business with BRCC. Your instructors will use this address to contact you as
well.
Disability Access Statement: If you have a disability for which you wish to be considered for an
accommodation, please make an appointment with the Office of Disability Services located in the
Houff Student Center.
The purpose of providing accommodations is to ensure that students with disabilities are granted the
opportunity to access programs and services offered by the college. Requested accommodations are
considered on a case by case basis by the Coordinator of Disability Services, who works with faculty
to ensure both access and academic standards are maintained. Students requesting services must meet
with the Disability Services Coordinator and provide sufficient documentation of the disability prior
to receiving accommodations. Accommodations are not retroactive and do not result in modification
of the essential academic elements of the course.
Tentative Schedule for PHY 100
This schedule is flexible and may be changed.
Week
Topics
Support Text
Labs / Tests
Aug 18 - 22
Introduction & 1-D
Motion
Prologue &
Begin Chapter 1
Measurement
Aug 25 - 29
Free Fall
Chapter 1
Graphing Motion
Sept 2 - 5
Dynamics 2-D
Motion
Chapter 2
Free Fall
Sept 8 - 12
2-D Motion &
Momentum
Chapter 2 & Start
Chapter 3
Force and Motion
Sept 15 - 19
Work, Energy &
Power
Chapter 3
Sept 22 - 26
Work, Energy &
Power
Chapter 3
Lecture
Test 1 (Chaps 1 & 2)
Work and Power
Sept 29 – Oct 3
Phases of Matter,
Fluids
Chapter 4
Conservation of
Energy
Oct 7 - 10
Temperature
Start Chapter 5
Thermometers and
thermocouples
Oct 13 - 17
Thermodynamics
Chapter 5
Oct 20 - 24
Waves & Sound
Chapter 6
Lecture
Test 2 (Chaps 3 & 4)
Calorimetry
Oct 27 - 31
Electrostatics
Chapter 7
Wave Motion
Nov 3 - 7
Circuits
Chapter 7
Sound
Nov 10 - 14
Magnetism
Chapter 8
Ohm’s Law
Nov 17 - 21
Nov 24,25
Electromagnetism
Chapter 8
Dec 1 - 5
Modern Physics
Chapter 10
Lecture
Test 3 (Chaps 5 – 7)
Circuits
Dec 8 - 12
Modern Physics
Chapter 10 & 11
Chain Reaction
Dec 15 - 19
Modern Physics
Chapter 11
Lecture
Test 4
Jan 5 - 9
Review and
Problem Solving
Jan 12 -13
Final Exam