Physics 101, 102
Fall 2011
ALLEGANY COLLEGE of MARYLAND
Cumberland, Maryland
PHYSICS 101, 102
INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS I & II
Fall 2011, Spring 2012
COURSE SYLLABUS**
GENERAL INFORMATION
Course: Physics 101 – Introductory Physics I
Physics 101 Prerequisite: Math 119 (Pre-Calc I), or Instructor approval
Physics 102 Prerequisite: Physics 101
Textbook: Physics, 6th ed., by Giancoli
Laboratory Manual: Handouts as needed
Course Instructor: Bettie C. A’Hearn, Ed. D.
Time: Lecture 11:00 – 11:50 M W F, Room S-12
Lab 2:00 – 4:45 Tues., S-12
Faculty Office: S – 66, Science Bldg.
Office Hours: 10:00 – 10:50 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday,
Or by appointment
Telephone Numbers: Office (301) 784 – 5246
Secretary, Ms. Roberta Mills (301) 784 – 5255
Home (301) 478 – 5042
Email: bahearn@allegany.edu
This course qualifies as a General Education elective in the Physical Sciences.
** Please Note: Under extenuating circumstances, the instructor retains the right to change any
course provisions or requirements during the semester.
PURPOSE
The Physics 101 and Physics 102 courses comprise a two-semester sequence that is a noncalculus introduction to physics. The topics to be studied in Physics 101 include kinematics and
dynamics, work and energy, momentum, equilibrium, fluids, vibration and sound, and heat and
thermodynamics. Mathematics 119 (Pre-Calc I) or its equivalent is a pre-requisite for Physics
101; Physics 101 is a prerequisite for Physics 102. The topics to be studied in Physics 102
include electricity and magnetism, electromagnetic waves and optics, topics from modern
physics, and nuclear physics. The purpose of this course is to introduce physics to students who
are interested in liberal arts, pre-professional, and general studies curricula.
1
Physics 101, 102
Fall 2011
2
OBJECTIVES
The students will learn to use and express scientific terms, laws, principles, and theories verbally
and mathematically. Problem solving techniques will be developed emphasizing the use of
algebra and graphical analysis. The students will learn to interpret the models that are used to
explain physical phenomena. The students will also gain an understanding of laboratory
technique. The usefulness of basic physics in everyday life will be stressed throughout the
semester.
COURSE POLICIES
(In addition to the following course policies, college policies stated in the Student Handbook
regarding academic standards and student conduct apply.)
ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to attend all lecture and laboratory sessions. Each unexcused absence may
reduce the final course grade. It is helpful if the student can notify the instructor that he or she
will be absent that class period. If the number of absences is such that the instructor believes that
the student cannot successfully complete the course in the time remaining, the instructor may
drop that student from the class roster. If the student is dropped after the midpoint of the course,
a grade of “F” will be recorded. If the student has registered in an audit status, a grade of “W”
will be recorded.
PARTICIPATION
Students are expected to read all assignments in advance and be able to take part in class
discussions. Class participation is encouraged and students should feel free to ask questions
during the lecture or lab. The students should try to apply their new knowledge to everyday
happenings in order to make physics more meaningful to them.
ACCOMODATING DISABILITIES
In compliance with federal 504/ADA requirements, Allegany College of Maryland supports the
belief that all “otherwise qualified” citizens should have access to higher education and that
individuals should not be excluded from this pursuit solely by reason of handicap. The college is
committed to the integration of students with disabilities into all areas of college life. Therefore,
support services are intended to maximize the independence and participation of disabled
students. Further, the College complies with applicable state and federal laws and regulations
prohibiting discrimination in the admission and treatment of students.
Any student who has a disability should contact the Director of Learning Support and Disability
Services at 301-784-5112, TDD 301-784-5001, jbracken@allegany.edu or
http://www.allegany.edu/ssc/disabledstudentservices.shtml to obtain information and assistance.
Physics 101, 102
Fall 2011
3
STUDENT EVALUATION
The final grade for the course will be computed on the following basis:
Hour Exam Average…………………40%
Homework……………………………20%
Laboratory Exercises…………………20%
Lab Practical Exam…………………… 5%
Cumulative Final Exam………………15%
There will be three or four scheduled hour exams each semester. The lowest exam score may be
replaced by the final exam score, if the final exam score is better. All hour exam scores will
count equally toward the hour exam average. Homework will be assigned weekly, with selected
problems and assignments turned in for credit. There will be a variety of laboratory exercises.
Each exercise will be graded and count toward the total laboratory score. A laboratory practical
exam will be given near the end of the semester; students will be allowed to use graded laboratory
exercises as a reference during the practical exam. The final exam is cumulative in nature. The
students will be allowed to use a formula sheet during all hour exams and the cumulative final
exam.
Grading Scale:
A = 90.0 – 100
B = 79.0 – 89.9
C = 68.0 – 78.9
D = 57.0 – 67.9
F = 56.9 and below
EXTRA CREDIT
Generally, there is no opportunity for extra credit in this course.
TUTORING, EXTRA HELP SESSIONS
The instructor will assist the students in obtaining tutoring services. This may be initiated by
either the instructor or by the student. Students who desire to be tutored should go to the
Coordinator of the Student Success Center in the Humanities Building, Rooms H-58 to make
arrangements. Special review sessions and recitation periods may be arranged when either the
instructor or the students feel that they would be helpful.
COMPLETION OF ASSIGNMENTS
Assignments must be turned in on time as announced either in class or on the syllabus.
Generally, no late work will be accepted unless there are extenuating circumstances. An “X”
grade will be given only, when in the opinion of the instructor, the student fails to satisfactorily
complete all assignments due to circumstances beyond the control of the student.
Physics 101, 102
Fall 2011
FORM OF ASSIGNMENTS
All work turned in to be graded must be neat and legible or it will not be graded. Problem
assignments may be done in pencil. Laboratory reports should be done using computer
technology. Any written assignments must include citations for all sources. All exams may be
done in pencil.
MAKEUP OF MISSED EXAMS
The student is required to take all exams. The student is required to make arrangements for
making up a missed exam upon returning from an excused absence.
CHEATING AND/OR PLAGIARISM
Cheating, in any form, will not be tolerated in this course. Copying someone else’s laboratory
report or homework is included as a form of cheating. Students observed or otherwise
determined to be cheating will be dealt with severely and immediately, according to the Policy
Regarding Student Cheating, as stated in the 2009-10 Student Handbook.
LABORATORY SAFETY AND BREAKAGE
Expectant mothers should confer with their physicians prior to engaging in the laboratory phase
of this course. Safety glasses may be required during some of the exercises. Students are
required to immediately report all accidents to the instructor, regardless of how minor they may
seem. Students are required to pay for all damages done to laboratory equipment and materials.
4
Physics 101, 102
Fall 2011
PHYSICS 101
TENTATIVE LECTURE SCHEDULE
Week
Topic
1
Introduction, Kinematics in One Dimension
1, 2
2
Kinematics, Vectors
3
3
Kinematics, Newton’s Laws of Motion
3, 4
4
Newton’s Laws of Motion
4
5
Circular Motion, Gravitation
5
6
Work and Energy
6
7
Linear Momentum
7
8
Rotational Motion
8
9
Static Equilibrium
9
10
Fluids
10
11
Vibrations and Waves
11
12
Sound
12
13
Temperature and Kinetic Theory
13
14
Heat
14
15
Laws of Thermodynamics
15
* Chapter readings from Physics, 6th ed., Giancoli
Reading Assignments*
5
Physics 101, 102
Fall 2011
PHYSICS 101
TENTATIVE LABORATORY AND EXAM SCHEDULE
DATE
TOPIC
Aug 23
Introduction, Measurements
Aug 30
Kinematics in One Dimension
Sep 6
Projectile Motion
Sep 13
Exam I
Sep 20
Vectors, Force Table
Sep 27
Inclined Plane with Friction
Oct 4
Conservation of Momentum
Oct 11
Exam II
Oct 18
Fall Break
Oct 25
Static Equilibrium
Nov 1
Fluids
Nov 8
Exam III
Nov 15
Simple Harmonic Motion, Standing Waves
Nov 22
TBA
Nov 29
Lab Practical, Exam IV
Dec 6
Comprehensive Final Exam
6