PHYS& 115A
General Physics II
6 Credits
Spring 2015 Syllabus
Instructor
Prefer to be addressed as
E-Mail Address
Robert H. Lee, PhD
Bob or Prof. Lee
rlee@tacomacc.edu
Office
Office Hours
Office Phone
Mailbox Location
15-332
M-TH 11:30-12:00 T-TH 12:00-12:30
253-566-5060
Bldg 15 Front Office
Daily 9:30-10:20
Lab T 12:30-2:20
March 30, 2015
June 8, 2015
Wednesday, June 10 9:30-11:30
Class Times
First Day of Class
Last Day of Class
Final Exam
Introduction
Welcome to Physics 115. Physics is the basis for nearly everything observed in the physical world
and is used extensively in most science and engineering fields (although in some cases it may be
disguised). Physics is an extremely mathematical science and you need to be good at math to
succeed in a physics course. However, physics is not all math. Basic physical principles are often
stated verbally instead of mathematically. In addition, the way to learn physics is not by memorizing
laws and equations, but to truly understand what those equations mean and how they are correctly
applied to different physical systems
Instructional Methods
It is important to understand that physics is learned best through practice and hands-on experience.
This class will stress conceptual ideas and critical thinking so if you have difficulty understanding the
material make sure you seek help (from me or someone else). We will have homework, worksheets,
demonstrations, quizzes, exams, and laboratories designed to help you learn physics.
Course Description
Physics 115 is an introductory physics course for liberal arts, medical professionals, and certain other
professions. Physics 115 requires a basic understanding of algebra, so it is a prerequisite for this
course that you have completed Math 95 (intermediate algebra) or an equivalent course or higher.
Since this is a continuation course, it is also required that you have successfully completed Physics
114 (or equivalent). It is also suggested (but not required) that you have successfully completed Math
141. Physics 115 will teach you the basic concepts of circular motion, gravitation, heat, temperature,
heat flow, oscillations, waves, and electric fields/forces.
Degree Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the degree, the student will be able to:
Core of Knowledge (COK)
Demonstrate a basic knowledge of each of the distribution areas (Written Communication,
Humanities, Quantitative Skills, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences; or, as applicable, specific
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professional/technical programs), integrate knowledge across disciplines, and apply this
knowledge to academic, occupational, civic and personal endeavors.
Communication (COM)
Listen, speak, read, and write effectively and use nonverbal and technological means to make
connections between self and others.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (CRT)
Compare, analyze, and evaluate information and ideas, and use sound thinking skills to solve
problems.
Information and Information Technology (IIT)
Locate, evaluate, retrieve, and ethically use relevant and current information of appropriate
authority for both academic and personal applications.
Living and Working Cooperatively / Respecting Differences (LWC)
Respectfully acknowledge diverse points of view, and draw upon the knowledge and experience of
others to collaborate in a multicultural and complex world.
Responsibility & Ethics (RES)
Demonstrate and understanding of what constitutes responsible and ethical behavior toward
individuals, the community, and the environment.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to:
1. Evaluate information scientifically in the context of his/her own life (COK, COM, CRT, IIT,
RES).
2. Explain the importance of observation and hypothesis testing in the scientific process, and
distinguish between the scientific process and other human endeavors (COK, COM, CRT).
3. Communicate the primary principles and processes underlying at least one natural system (for
example: atoms and molecules, cells and organisms, the oceans and atmosphere, the solid
earth, or the cosmos) (COK, COM, CRT).
4. Perform and effectively communicate the results of scientific investigations, and explain how
research is done in science (COK, COM, CRT, IIT, LWC).
5. Demonstrate the safe and proper use of scientific instrumentation, measuring devices,
chemical reagents, media, and/or other tools of science in a laboratory or field setting relevant
to specific disciplines of science (COK, COM, CRT, IIT, LWC).
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Conceptually explain and mathematically solve problems associated with the following topics:
a) The relationships between forces, circular motion, orbital motion, and gravitation. b)
Rotational and circular motion, including their similarities and differences. c) Heat,
temperature, heat flow, and phase changes. d) The concept of work and how it relates to heat
engines. e) Ideal fluids and fluid flows. f) The general theory of oscillations and waves
including spring oscillations, pendula, sound, superposition, and standing waves. g) Electric
forces and electric fields and how each influences charged particles. PLO: 1, 3
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between graphs and equations and how
they represent physical systems. PLO: 3
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3. Perform lab experiments as part of a lab team and write group lab reports which clearly
communicate the results of those laboratory activities using proper grammar, spelling, and
organization. PLO: 4, 5
4. Demonstrate an ability to solve both conceptual and mathematical problems. Use physics
vocabulary correctly in context. PLO: 1
5. Use proportional reasoning and unit analysis to identify possible solutions to problems.
Approach problems in an organized manner by a) modeling the problem, b) visualizing the
problem with pictorial, physical, and graphical representations, c) developing a mathematical
representation, and d) assessing the solution. PLO: 3
6. Discriminate between relevant and irrelevant information. PLO: 1, 4
7. Use logical reasoning to quickly and correctly evaluate whether laboratory data collected from
various sources (including technology) is valid or invalid. PLO: 1, 4
8. Use the English and SI unit systems and convert between them. PLO: 1
General Course Calendar (Tentative)
Chapter 6 – Circular Motion, Orbits, and Gravity
Week 1
Chapter 11 – Using Energy
Week 2
Chapter 12 – Thermal Properties of Matter
Weeks 3 & 4
Chapter 13 – Fluids
Week 5
Chapter 14 – Oscillations
Weeks 5 & 6
Chapter 15 – Traveling Waves and Sound
Weeks 7 & 8
Chapter 16 – Superposition and Standing Waves
Weeks 9
Chapter 20 – Electric Forces and Fields
Week 10
Chapter 21 - Electric Potential (Optional)
Week 11
Class Website
Many useful and necessary class files can be accessed from Canvas. For example, written
homework problems are provided in the form of “worksheets” and should be directly accessed by
each student. The worksheet should be printed out, problems solved, and turned in at the request of
the instructor.. Similarly with weekly laboratory experiments, each student should review the lab
handout before attending lab each week and bring their own copy with them.
New files will be added to Canvas as they become current.
Powerpoint slides will be available for printout – these may be handy for taking notes during class.
In order to access Mastering Physics – it is necessary that you connect through Canvas.
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Grading
Your grade in this class will be based upon the scores you receive in each of the following categories.
The overall weight of each category is given below.
Final Exam
25%
Mid-Term
17%
Four Quizzes (Drop low quiz)
15%
Written Lab Reports
18%
Online MP Homework
13%
Worksheets
12%
All written assignments are due at the beginning of the class period.
The grading scale based on your overall score will be:
Online Grade Book
A-
90% - 93%
A
94% - 100%
B-
80% - 83%
B
84% - 86%
B+
87% - 89%
C-
68% - 71%
C
72% - 76%
C+
77% - 79%
E
0% - 56%
D
57% - 64%
D+
65% - 67%
Canvas
Textbooks & Supplemental Materials
College Physics (.pdf version) – (Open source textbook)
On Canvas
College Physics (iBook) – (Open Source Textbook )
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/college-physics/id575595601?mt=13
College Physics - A Strategic Approach 2nd Edition, Knight/Jones/Field
(This textbook may also be used)
Supplies:
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Lab notebook
Flash drive (USB drive, thumb drive) to save laboratory data
Calculator: TI 84 or at least a scientific calculator. You may not use a symbolic calculator (e.g.
TI 89 or above) on quizzes or exams.
Lined Paper and graph paper
Ruler or straight edge for sketching
A dark pencil or writing instrument – (eyestrain, on my part, causes crankiness)
A good eraser
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Reading Assignments
The textbook is to be seen as a resource – a source for factual knowledge, for explanation of new and
difficult ideas, and for worked examples. Class time is used to discuss the ideas presented in the
textbook, to answer questions, to clarify points of confusion, to demonstrate physical process and to
practice doing physics while I am present. This approach helps to promote an active-learning
environment, which is also supported by the experiments and other activities you will carry out during
the course. Reading the textbook and practicing problems (through self-study, homework,
worksheets, and laboratory periods) will provide you with a strong basis for understanding the basic
physical principles and mastering the math associated with it. Learning physics also requires learning
new terminology and mathematical formulations. By reading the textbook, you will have initially
digested the new material prior to it being discussed in lecture, allowing you to ask pertinent questions
and participate fully during class discussions. You will also have familiarization with the textbook
when you need to review concepts and apply formulas to problems.
All of the factual knowledge provided in the text will not necessarily be repeated by me during class
time, but you will still be required to know the material for the quizzes and exams. This means that
you must read the text, which is best done prior to lecture in order to be prepared to discuss the
material. Ultimately, the reading assignments contribute to both your quiz and exam grades,
especially for questions that require a conceptual understanding of the basic principles of physics.
These questions tend to be in short essay format.
Homework and Worksheets
Online homework will be done on-line through Canvas – Mylab and Mastering Physics. Actually the
MP access is good for a year, so if you used it in PHYS 114… This packet grants you access to the
Mastering Physics site for one year after your initial login. You will receive separate instructions for
how to create an account and log in to this site. Homework assignments will be posted at our
Mastering Physics online classroom. Due dates will be visible on the Mastering Physics Homework
list. Problems within Mastering Physics state their point values on the homework summary.
In addition to online homework, you will have written worksheets that will be turned in at class time.
The worksheet grade for written work will be based upon your score on the graded problems. You
must show ALL your work. Due dates for written work will be posted approximately 1 week in advance
on Canvas.
Quizzes
In this class, we will have four quizzes during the recitation section of the class. Tentative quiz dates
are (Fridays) 4/17, 5/1, 5/15, 5/29. The low quiz score will be dropped. The purpose of quizzes is
twofold:
1) To encourage you to keep up.
2) To let you know what you understand and what you don't.
If you know ahead of time that you are going to miss a quiz, please schedule an alternate time with
me for you to take it. If you miss a quiz, you may not be allowed to make it up. You must make up a
quiz (if allowed) within a week of returning to class or a score of zero will be given.
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Exams
There will be two exams in this course designed to test your understanding of the material covered.
The first exam (midterm) will cover the first 5 weeks of the course. This Mid-Term exam will be given
in Lab in the week of April 27. (Holidays dictated this scheduling). The final exam will be
comprehensive. This includes material covered in reading assignments. Exam questions may
include multiple choice, true/false, short answer essay questions of a conceptual nature (asked to
explain a situation in a nonmathematical way) and/or mathematical problems in which you must use
mathematics to find an "answer." Exams may only be rescheduled due to dire emergencies.
Do NOT schedule travel on an exam day or attempt to take the exam early to lengthen your vacation.
Electronic notebooks, personal digital assistants and other electronic devices may not be used during
exams (this includes electronic translation dictionaries).
Laboratory
Lab will be an integral part of the course this quarter and, therefore, missing lab or failing to turn in lab
reports will be detrimental to your course grade. All written laboratories for this course will be a group
effort and each member of the group will receive the same grade. This means that you will need to
coordinate with your lab partners to write one report. There will be no make-up for missed labs. If
you are out because of illness, you should get information and data from your lab partner(s) and help
turn in the write-up as usual. Excessive absences will NOT be tolerated and may result in a
decreased laboratory grade.
You will be asked to complete an exit evaluation this quarter for your lab group and an individual
grade will be assigned to each person based on the answers received. Even though you will be
receiving a group grade on lab reports, your lab partners will have the ability to influence whether your
lab grade should be higher or lower than the group average due to your participation. It is YOUR
responsibility to make sure your lab group gets the best effort possible from you.
Lab write-ups will be due at the beginning of the period one week from when the lab was completed
unless otherwise stated. Please refer to the separate “Lab Guidelines” handout on our class website
for written lab report organization and grading policies.
We will be using Logger Pro software in the laboratory. This software is available to students as a
result of a license agreement with the manufacturer. You may obtain a free copy of the full version
Logger Pro software by downloading the software directly from the Files menu on Canvas. I highly
recommend having a copy of this software installed at home for use in writing laboratory reports.
Learning and Support Services
Tacoma Community College offers several learning and support services for students. A list of these
services is provided below. The Writing and Tutoring Center provides walk-in or appointment times
for physics tutors. Additional services can assist you with computer skills, writing assistance, and
developing reading and study skills. I wholeheartedly encourage you to take advantage of these
resources to help you with studies at TCC. Hours of operation and other specific information for each
of these resources can be found at:
http://www.tacomacc.edu/resourcesforstudents/learningandsupportservices/
Departments
 Access Services
 The Bridge Program at Evergreen State College
 Career and Job Placement
 Center for Academic Support and Achievement (CASA)
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Early Learning Center
Counseling (Advising and Counseling Center)
Gig Harbor Student Learning Center
Information Commons Computer Lab
Multi-Ethnic and Cultural Affairs (MECA)
Veterans Services
Worker Retraining/WorkFirst
Learning Centers
 Computer Assisted Learning Lab
 Gig Harbor Campus Academic Support
 Information Commons
 Language Center
 Library
 Math Advising and Resource Center (MARC)
 Reading and Study Skills Center
 Writing and Tutoring Center
Attendance
This is a college course and I expect you to behave as mature adults. Attendance is crucial to
understanding the material presented. In my experience, missing more than a week of class (total
throughout the quarter) will have serious repercussions in your understanding/grade no matter how
good a student you are. Because of this, I highly encourage you to attend class EVERY day. You are
not graded upon attendance, but remember that if you are not present you cannot participate. If I
notice that you’re not present, my blood pressure may rise, necessitating an increase in my medicine
– which will please Rite-Aid, but is less appreciated by me. If my blood pressure gets high enough, I
may give an unannounced pop quiz to lower it instantaneously.
Withdrawals
While faculty permission is not required, a completed add/drop form must be submitted to Registration
and Records to complete drops from the 11th instructional day through the 55th calendar day of the
quarter” “The instructor must sign the form or [send] an e-mail [to Registration] acknowledging the
withdrawal. If the instructor is not available, a signature from a full-time advisor in the Advising
Center is an acceptable substitute
Last Day to Withdraw with Instructor Permission: May 22, 2015
Last Day to Withdraw without Instructor Permission: April 10, 2015
Academic Dishonesty
As stated in the TCC catalog, “Students are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic
endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication or other forms of academic dishonesty corrupt the
learning process and threaten the educational environment for all students.”
The complete Administrative Process for Academic Dishonesty is available on the TCC website.
In this course, sanctions for academic dishonesty will be as follows:
First offense will result in a zero on the assignment or test. Second offenses result in an E for the
class. All offenses will be reported to the Associate Vice President of Student Services.
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Accommodations
Students with Disabilities: If you need auxiliary aids or services due to a disability, please contact the
Access Services office in Building 7 (253-566-5328). Accommodations are not retroactive; please act
promptly to make sure your letter of accommodation is in place.
Students with Special Needs: All students are responsible for all requirements of the class, but the
way they meet these requirements may vary. If you need specific auxiliary aids or services due to a
disability, please contact the Access Services office in Building 7 (253-566-5328). They will require
you to present formal, written documentation of your disability from an appropriate professional. When
this step has been completed, arrangements will be made for you to receive reasonable auxiliary aids
or services. The disability accommodation documentation prepared by Access Services must be given
to me before the accommodation is needed so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
General Class Policies
Cell Phones and Pagers should be turned off when entering class unless they are required for
emergency or job related situations. In this case, I would appreciate it if you could put them in silent
operation mode. (Sometimes I forget and you may identify my ringtones). Food and drink are allowed
in limited quantities. You should probably not be bringing your breakfast or lunch to class (unless you
wish to share it), but a can of soda or cup of coffee is fine (except in a laboratory setting). Children
brought to class may have to answer questions pertaining to Physics.
Student Conduct
Admission to Tacoma Community College carries with it the expectation that the student will conduct
himself/herself as a responsible member of the academic community and observe the principles of
mutual respect, personal and academic integrity and civility. The Code of Student Conduct
establishes rules governing academic and social conduct of students, including due process rights.
Violations of the Code may result in dismissal from class for the day and/or referral to the Student
Conduct Administrator for sanctions.
Program/Dept Chair
Mike Flodin
Katie Gulliford
Dean of Math, Science & Engineering mflodin@tacomacc.edu 253-566-5261
Science & Engineering Chair
kgulliford@tacomacc.edu 253-566-5017
Final Grade Grievance
Students who believe they have received a final course grade that has been awarded improperly or in
an arbitrary or capricious manner may grieve or appeal the grade. Details of the process are located
on the TCC Portal at :
https://my.tacomacc.edu/uPortal/p/StudentForms.ctf9/max/render.uP?pCm=view&pP_NSHistoryPara
m=21426%2C21435%2C21435%2C26224&pP_struts.portlet.action=%2Fview%2Findex&pP_ticket=S
T-215398-bcm1AKn0zYfxmqTwgrVm-portalsvr2.tccnet.edu
Caveats
This syllabus and schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.
If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check for announcements made while you were
absent.
This syllabus and schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. If you
are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check for announcements made while you were
absent.
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