Syllabus - Physics 115 - Conceptual Physics (4 S H)
Instructor:
Office:
E-mail:
Website
My office phone
Office Hours
Required Materials:
Gary Shields
Pasteur 125
gshields@winona.edu
D2L
457-2257 (Physics Office is 457-5260)
Posted on D2L and my office door.
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Conceptual Physics, Paul G. Hewitt
Practicing Physics Review Workbook
Calculator
Overview
The author of the text that we use is Paul Hewitt. In his introduction to the student
he captures the essence of the manner in which this course is taught. In it he states:
"You know you can't enjoy a game unless you know its rules- whether it's a ball game, a
computer game, or simply a party game. Likewise, you can't fully appreciate your
surroundings until you understand the rules of nature. Physics is about the rules of
nature--so beautifully elegant that it can be neatly described mathematically. That's why
many physics courses are treated as applied mathematics. But introductory physics that
emphasizes computation misses something essential -comprehension-a gut feeling for
the concepts. This course emphasizes comprehension rather than computation. We treat
physics conceptually- in down-to-earth English rather than in mathematical language.
You'll see the mathematical structure of physics in frequent equations, but you'll see the
equations as guides to thinking rather than as recipes for computation."
Major Focus
o Conceptual Physics presents concepts of the major themes of physics. There are
two ways that beginning students of physics can understand the topic: (a) through
mathematical models, and (b) through concepts. This course takes the latter
approach. Mathematical approaches will be used when they are deemed as guides
to thinking. First year algebra experience will be all that is required.
o Through demonstrated discrepant events, the students will learn how to recognize
physics misconceptions in their everyday lives.
o The students will know the historical origins and evolution of the laws of motion
and energy. Especially important are the historical figures of Aristotle, Galileo,
Newton, Joule, and Faraday.
o The students will be able to apply proportional reasoning by identifying and
manipulating independent, dependent and controlled variables.
o The students will apply proportional reasoning to the laws of motion, gravity,
energy, wave motion, electromagnetic field, and light.
Unit #1
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Ch.
Ch.
Ch.
Ch.
Ch.
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Ch. 7 – Energy
Ch. 8 – Rotational Motion
Ch. 10 – Projectile Motion
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Ch.
Ch.
Ch.
Ch.
Ch.
Ch.
12
13
14
15
16
17
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Solids
Liquids
Gases and Plasma
Temperature and Heat
Heat Transfer
Phase Changes
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Ch.
Ch.
Ch.
Ch.
Ch.
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19
20
21
26
27
28
29
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Waves
Sound
Music
Light
Color
Reflection and Refraction
Light Waves
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Ch.
Ch.
Ch.
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22
23
24
25
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Electrostatics
Electric Current
Magnetism
Electromagnetic Induction
2
3
4
5
6
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Newton’s 1st Law (Inertia)
Linear Motion
Newton’s 2nd Law
Newtons 3rd Law
Momentum
 Test #1 is tentative scheduled
for Monday, Feb 2nd
Unit #2
 Test #2 is tentative scheduled
for Friday, Feb 20th
Unit #3
 Test #3 is tentative scheduled
for Wednesday March 18th
Unit #4
Unit #5
 Test #4 is tentative scheduled
for Wednesday April 8th
 Test #5 is tentative scheduled
for Friday April 24th
 The final is scheduled for
Tuesday May 5th
I will assign reading and study assignments for each main topic. The student will
be expected to have read the assignment and to have completed any assigned problems
by the date posted. The instructor will utilize class time by (1) demonstrating concepts
covered in the reading material, (2) showing relevance of the concept to the contemporary
world, (3) show the historical context of the subject material, (4) demonstrating problem
solving techniques, and (5) answering questions from class.
EVALUATION
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The student's grade will be determined by the percent of correct responses on five
exams averaged with the lab grades and chapter quizzes.
Tests
 The tests are designed to measure a student's ability to apply the principles
of physics to varied applications.
 The tests will be multiple choice and/or matching. There are no
retakes for tests.
 Your lowest test score will be dropped and replaced with you average
test score.
 The final exam cannot be dropped and will cover all material explained
during the semester.
Labs
 The "lab" for this class will be held in Pasteur 129 during the time scheduled
for your section.
 Each lab will be completed in small groups and one write up handed
in.
 If a student misses a lab they can ask for a set of raw data and can
complete the conclusions and questions for up to 15 points.
Chapter Quizzes
 After each chapter, you will be assigned an online quiz.
 You will be given 1 week to complete.
 You may retake this up to 4 times to better your score.
GRADING SCALE
90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
< 59 = F
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Tests - 70% (5 tests worth 100 pts and the
final worth 200 pts)
Labs - 20% (13 labs)
Chapter Quizzes - 10% (25 D2L quizzes)