PHYS 103 Fundamentals of Physics I
This algebra/trigonometry physics course is
designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the elementary
principles of classical mechanics with some heat and energy in thermal processes,
discuss applications to everyday phenomena (esp. life sciences), enhance
conceptual understanding of physical laws, and increase problem-solving
abilities as applied to physical systems. Topics investigated include: dimensional analysis, 1- and 2-D motion,
vectors, Newton’s Laws, conservation of energy/work and momentum, rotational
motion, summation of forces and torques, fluids, temperature and heat, and
energy transfer in thermal processes. This course is designed mainly for life
science majors and pre-professional students. In the laboratory portion of the
course, students learn to use common physics equipment (including
microcomputer-based sensors), analyze data, develop empirical models of
phenomena, and communicate their results through written and oral lab reports.
Hours Weekly
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab weekly
Course Objectives
- 1. Identify physics misconceptions and support scientific models through class discussions and
by comparing and contrasting your ideas with results from demonstrations, experiments, and
computer simulations. - 2. Develop problem-solving techniques as well as methods using various representations
including diagrams, graphs, equations, vector techniques, etc. to become a creative and
practical problem solver.
- 3. Apply physics principles, scientific reasoning, and appropriate math techniques as needed to
answer questions and solve quantitative problems related, but not limited, to: dimensional
analysis, 1- and 2-D motion, Newton’s Laws with forces, conservation of work/energy and
momentum, rotational motion, fluids, temperature, and heat. - 4. Explain the fundamental concepts in physics using appropriate vocabulary, units, symbols,
and notation. - 5. Solve a problem by identifying the essential parts, formulating a strategy to solve it, applying
appropriate techniques (including trigonometry) to solve it, verifying the solution’s correctness
(e.g. sign, order of magnitude), and interpreting results. - 6. Identify and operate common lab equipment and data-gathering tools such as motion and
force sensors; spring scales; graphical analysis programs; and computer simulations to
gather information about a system or phenomena. - 7. Develop and analyze models and/or empirical equations to predict and describe physics
phenomena using experiments (some self-design) working with different lab partners and
experimental results, and communicate these findings through written formal lab reports.
Course Objectives
- 1. Identify physics misconceptions and support scientific models through class discussions and
by comparing and contrasting your ideas with results from demonstrations, experiments, and
computer simulations.This objective is a course Goal Only
- 2. Develop problem-solving techniques as well as methods using various representations
including diagrams, graphs, equations, vector techniques, etc. to become a creative and
practical problem solver.
This objective is a course Goal Only
- 3. Apply physics principles, scientific reasoning, and appropriate math techniques as needed to
answer questions and solve quantitative problems related, but not limited, to: dimensional
analysis, 1- and 2-D motion, Newton’s Laws with forces, conservation of work/energy and
momentum, rotational motion, fluids, temperature, and heat.
Learning Activity Artifact
- Other (please fill out box below)
- Final exam questions
Procedure for Assessing Student Learning
- Scientific Reasoning Rubric
- 4. Explain the fundamental concepts in physics using appropriate vocabulary, units, symbols,
and notation.
Learning Activity Artifact
- Other (please fill out box below)
- Final exam questions
Procedure for Assessing Student Learning
- Scientific Reasoning Rubric
- 5. Solve a problem by identifying the essential parts, formulating a strategy to solve it, applying
appropriate techniques (including trigonometry) to solve it, verifying the solution’s correctness
(e.g. sign, order of magnitude), and interpreting results.
Learning Activity Artifact
- Other (please fill out box below)
- Final exam questions.
Procedure for Assessing Student Learning
- Scientific Reasoning Rubric
- 6. Identify and operate common lab equipment and data-gathering tools such as motion and
force sensors; spring scales; graphical analysis programs; and computer simulations to
gather information about a system or phenomena. This objective is a course Goal Only
- 7. Develop and analyze models and/or empirical equations to predict and describe physics
phenomena using experiments (some self-design) working with different lab partners and
experimental results, and communicate these findings through written formal lab reports.This objective is a course Goal Only