Physics: Elementary Physics I

Algebra-based survey of mechanics, oscillations, waves and thermal physics. Appropriate for students in health and life sciences. Counts as lecture and lab. Optional accompanying problem solving recitation section: PHYS 1410. Prerequisites: High school algebra and trigonometry.

Prereqs: High School Algebra and Trigonometry; Open to degree and PACE students; Wednesday evening exam session in ML Science 235

Physics, at its heart, is a set of tools to help you analyze and understand the universe around you, from subatomic particles to galactic structures. Physics 1400 is a small step on that path, as a first semester introductory algebra based college physics course. Students will be presented with the topics of linear and rotational motion, kinematic, momentum, and energy; as well as conservation laws and oscillations. The course goals are for students to develop both a qualitative (conceptual) and quantitative (algebra based problem-solving) understanding of each of these topics. This will be done via hands-on experiments and in-class problem solving utilizing a flipped classroom methodology. Further facility may be developed in the additional class, Physics 1410, a one credit recitation focusing on problem solving.

This course will meet for three 50-minute classes per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and one 75-minute meeting on Tuesdays. This course is run as a student and group-centered active learning format where students will be expected to prepare for each class period by reading assigned sections from the textbook and other pre-class activities. During class, students will work individually and in groups doing a variety of activities including practice problems, tutorials, and other hands-on exercises with guidance and assistance from the instructor and teaching assistants. Students will be expected to attend all classes and participate in Learning Catalytics online exercises during class. There will be regular homework quizzes and pre-lecture activities, to be completed online via MasteringPhysics. Students should expect to spend a minimum of eight hours per week outside of class to keep up with the reading, homework problems, and other online assignments. The required textbook package is: "College Physics" by Knight, Jones & Field, 4th Edition, with MasteringPhysics registration code and etext. You will also need to have some kind of web enabled device (laptop preferred) to participate in the course. Also, it is highly recommended that you have a scientific calculator for use during exams.

There will be multiple examinations based on class material, Learning Catalytics exercises, homework, and textbook material. We'll utilize a mastery-based assessment plan, where students have an option to re-take weekly quizzes. These quizzes will be multiple choice, and taken on the student's own schedule via a lockdown browser. There is also a cumulative final, that will be administered in-person. Your grade will be based on your performance on the quizzes, a final exam, MasteringPhysics assignments and Learning Catalytics assignments.