Physics: Fundamentals of Physics I

Calculus-based introduction to kinematics, dynamics, oscillations, thermal physics. For students in the natural sciences. With lab. Credit not awarded for both PHYS 1600 and PHYS 1500. Pre/co-requisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in MATH 1234.

Prereqs: Credit or concurrent enrollment in MATH 1234; Colocated with PHYS 1500 B; Total combined enrollment: 70; The following School of Engineering majors are excluded from enrolling: CE, EE, EENV, EMGT and ME; Open to Degree and PACE students; Tuesday evening exam sessions to be held in BLLNGS LH on Accompanying optional problem session PHYS 1510 September 17, October 8, November 12, 2024;

A calculus-based course that explores kinematics, Newton's Laws for linear and rotation dynamics, potential energy and conservation laws, oscillations and propagation of mechanical waves. The course is tailored for physics, chemistry and engineering students in a flipped, active learning, studio-physics class format. It is a 4 credit course that includes mandatory laboratory experimental activities. Student may opt to enroll in a recitation section, Phys 1510, for one additional credit.

Because the course is centered on small-group activities, you are expected to prepare for each day's activities in advance, and to attend and actively participate on a daily basis. Participation in the various assignments will require that students purchase a Pearson account that includes the etext and MasteringPhysics access through our Brightspace course. The etext (included in the purchase) is: Modified Mastering Physics with Pearson eText for Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics 5/e ISBN-9780137319497. Learning objectives: 1. Manipulate vector physical quantities and analyze graphs. 2. Perform a quantitative analysis of linear and rotational motion. 3. Draw a free-body diagram of particles and rigid bodies and employ Newton’s laws to calculate acceleration or work done by various bodies or systems of particles. 4. Employ energy and momentum concepts and conservation laws to find physical quantities that describe kinematics and dynamics of various bodies or systems of particles. 5. Calculate moment of inertia and center of mass for rigid bodies. 6. Apply the fundamental kinematics, dynamics and energy concepts (see objectives 1-4) to study harmonic oscillations and mechanical waves. 7. Conduct and troubleshoot experiments that investigate the physical phenomena and principles explored in 1-6.

Reading assignments are evaluated in a pre-lecture quiz on average twice a week. Evaluation is done in weekly in-class individual or group assignments and activities such as tutorials and problem solving. Homework is assigned and submitted online via the MasteringPhysics website. There are three written midterms and one final written comprehensive exam.