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SYLLABUS

COURSE # AND TITLE :PHY 111 - Introduction to Physics
# OF CREDITS: 4

CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
This course is not a lab science course and does not fulfill the requirement for lab sciences in the Associate of Arts degree. A primarily conceptual approach to classical physics; mechanics, heat, sound, optics, electricity, and magnetism. Intended for non- science majors who have not had high school physics. Prerequisite: Math 096 or higher within last three years, or Math Accuplacer placement, RDNG 095 or higher, or reading Accuplacer placement. Semester Offered-Fall, Spring, or on demand.

Common Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of San Juan College programs and degrees, the student will....

Learn                     Students will actively and independently acquire, apply and adapt skills and knowledge to develop expertise and a broader understanding of the world as lifelong learners.

Think                     Students will think analytically and creatively to explore ideas, make connections, draw conclusions, and solve problems.

Communicate         Students will exchange ideas and information with clarity and originality in multiple contexts.

Integrate                Students will demonstrate proficiency in the use of technologies in the broadest sense related to their field of study.

Act                         Students will act purposefully, reflectively, and respectfully in diverse and complex environments.

GENERAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of the course students will have a basic understanding to the following topics:

  1. Mechanics
  2. Sound and Waves
  3. Properties of matter and Fluids.
  4. Electricity and Magnetism
  5. Heat
  6. Light

SPECIFIC LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:

1.      Calculate the displacement, velocity, and time of flight for an object in simple projectile motion.
2.      Graph Displacement-Time, Velocity-Time, and Acceleration-Time of a ball rolling down an incline plane.
3.      Apply Newton's laws to common static and dynamical systems, such as finding the tension in a cable used to suspend a object or calculating the force necessary to bring a moving object to rest.
4.      Define conservation of energy, momentum, charge, and mass.
5.      Distinguish between mechanical and chemical energy.
6.      Calculate the amount of work a person does in performing simple exercises.
7.      Locate the center of mass of an object.
8.      Explain the apparent weightlessness of astronauts in orbit.
9.      Perform unit conversions such as converting meters to feet.
10.  Define the basic molecular difference between solids, gases, and liquids.
11.  Calculate the density of different types of objects such as wood or gold.
12.  Measure the volume of an irregular shaped object using Archimedes' principle.
13.  Explain how an object floats.
14.  Graph Weight vs. Stretch for a spring and calculate the spring constant.
15.  Differentiate between heat and temperature.
16.  Use thermal dynamics to explain the behavior of weather.
17.  Distinguish between a good and poor thermal insulator for a home.
18.  Construct a simple thermometer.
19.  Explain the how a standing wave differs from a traveling wave.
20.  Calculate the wavelength, frequency, and speed of a traveling wave.
21.  Discuss the difference between constructive and destructive interference.
22.  Give examples of naturally occurring resonant systems.
23.  Explain the principles behind sound propagation.
24.  Use air column resonance to calculate the frequency of a tuning fork.
25.  Solve Coulomb's law for simple charge configurations.
26.  Discuss the difference between electrical insulators and electrical conductors.
27.  Use Ohm's law to find the resistance of a light bulb.
28.  Construct a simple parallel and series circuit, and measure the voltage and current in different branches of each circuit.
29.  Explain the relationship between electricity and magnetism.
30.  Discuss the behavior of magnetic forces.
31.  Define the two components of an electromagnetic wave.
32.  Define reflection and refraction.
33.  Give examples of technologies that implement the principles of refraction and reflection.
34.  Discuss the basic structure of the atom.

Syllabus developed by:  James Barnes                  Date: 01/06/06
Syllabus Reviewed by:   Frank Williams                Date: 01/06/06