PHYS 1401 - GENERAL PHYSICS I - SYLLABUS

 INSTRUCTOR:  April Moore                E-mail: april.c.moore@lonestar.edu

Office: WN 206B                                                 Phone: 281.618.5795

Office hours:  M-W: 10:45am-noon     T-TH: 1:00pm-2:00pm          Fri:  by appt.

TEXT:  College Physics (8th ed.) Young & Geller. San Francisco, CA. Addison Wesley.

CALCULATOR: non-graphing; $15 or less!

 COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course includes the study of vector algebra, Newtonian mechanics, mechanical properties of matter, gases and kinetic theory, thermal properties of matter, thermodynamics, vibratory motion and sound. The study also includes an appropriate laboratory program enhancing the principles learned in lecture.  This course is not for physical science and engineering majors but can serve as the Physics requirement for the pre-professional medical programs.  Prerequisite: MATH 1316 or equivalent; ENGL 0305 or ENGL 0316 AND ENGL 0307 or ENGL 0326, OR higher level course (ENGL 1301), OR placement by testing.     CREDIT:  4 hours

COURSE GOALS: There are four broad goals of the course:

1) Comprehend fundamental physics concepts (including theories, methods, and principles).

2) Develop effective problem-solving strategies (qualitative and quantitative).

3) Relate physics to other disciplines and to societal issues.

4) Appreciate contributions to the discipline of physics arising from curiosity, investigation, and creativity.

 ROLES and RESPONSIBILITIES: Understanding concepts and solving problems are both essential toward success in learning physics.  The two are inseparable and support each other.  In this course, I will present concepts in a variety of ways to help you understand the science of physics and your responsibility is to actively engage in your own learning.  Each class period includes mini-lectures, interactive learning tasks, problem-solving practice, and assessment strategies.  The laboratory component is implemented where appropriate to the related topic. 

 ·  Attendance is REQUIRED.  Regular attendance and participation in class activities are absolutely essential to your success in this course!  It is also important to be on time.  Classes begin with handouts, quizzes, and/or announcements.  You are responsible for all information and instructions discussed in class.  It is, therefore, a good idea to get a few names and phone numbers of others in the class so that you might reach them if you miss a class.  In case of a prolonged absence (2 or more class meetings), please notify me.

·  Monitoring of your learning.  In an effort to help you monitor your understanding and for me to assess progress, both graded and un-graded quizzes are given.  Understanding physics is challenging, yet, attainable!

·  Online homework. I will make sure that you are registered with the online homework service (provided by the University of Texas).  Details will be provided the first day of class.  You are responsible for submitting answers by the due dates- no exceptions.  Advantages of the service include: flexibility, an online discussion board, immediate feedback related to correctness, partial credit, and completely worked algorithms after the due date!

·  How do you feel you are doing?    Please discuss your concerns with me!

COURSE GRADE:   Performance in the course is assessed as follows:

                                    Exams   (concepts, free response)    (3)       40%

                                    Final exam (comprehensive)                         20%

                                    Homework/quizzes                                      20%

                                    Labs                                                           20%

Please make note of the scheduled exam days (which also include lecture/lab).  No make-up exams are given; however, you may replace the lowest lecture exam grade with a pro-rated final exam score (exception: a zero for cheating cannot be replaced). Only non-graphing calculators may be used during exams and the final. 

 GRADING SCALE: 

A: 90-100       B: 80-89         C: 70-79          D: 60-69           F: less than 60

                                   ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

NHMCCD is committed to a high standard of academic integrity in the academic community. In becoming a part of the academic community, students are responsible for honesty and independent effort. Failure to uphold these standards includes, but is not limited to, the following: plagiarizing written work or projects, cheating on exams or assignments, collusion on an exam or project, and misrepresentation of credentials or prerequisites when registering for a course. Cheating includes looking at or copying from another student’s exam, orally communicating or receiving answers during an exam, having another person take an exam or complete a project or assignment, using unauthorized notes, texts, or other materials for an exam, and obtaining or distributing an unauthorized copy of an exam or any part of an exam. Plagiarism means passing off as one's own the ideas or writings of another (that is, without giving proper credit by documenting sources). Plagiarism includes submitting a paper, report or project that someone else has prepared, in whole or in part. Collusion is inappropriately collaborating on assignments designed to be completed independently. These definitions are not exhaustive.  When there is clear evidence of cheating, plagiarism, collusion or misrepresentation, a faculty member will take disciplinary action including but not limited to: requiring the student to retake or resubmit an exam or assignment, assigning a grade of zero or “F” for an exam or assignment, or assigning a grade of “F” for the course. Additional sanctions, including being withdrawn from the course/program or being expelled from school, may be imposed on a student who violates the standards of academic integrity.

                                           Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities who wish to request accommodations in this class, must notify the Disability Services Office as soon as possible so that the appropriate arrangements may be made.   Students requesting accommodations must provide documentation of his/her disability to a Disability Services counselor.  For more information, call or visit the Disability Services Office at A 104, (281) 618-5481."

                                        Division Counselor

 Rhonda Cannon, Counselor for Math and Natural Sciences, is available in Winship 115G to assist you in meeting your academic, career, and personal goals.  Confidential counseling services are available by appointment to help you overcome academic challenges, make a career choice, plan your transfer, and to gain self-understanding.   To schedule an appointment call 281 618 5480 or email rhonda.cannon@lonestar.edu or stop by Winship 115G.  

Schedule: Tentative and adjusted according to actual progress.