Department of Physical Sciences

Course syllabus- standard components and Format Revised February, 2008

 

PHYS 1405 - Conceptual Physics I                      

SECTION # AND SYNONYM:                           

CREDITS:  (4-3-3)

INSTRUCTOR:

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Conceptual survey of topics in physics, including the fundamentals of motion, forces, energy and momentum.  Intended for liberal arts and other non-science majors, but science majors with weak physics background may wish to use this as and introduction to physics principles.

 

PREREQUISITES:   none

 

TEXT:                         Hewitt, Conceptual Physics, 10^th edition

OTHER:                     Calculator

 

METHODOLGY:     Lecture/Lab.  (Note to instructor:  you may also include demonstrations, active learning methodologies, class discussion,  problem solving sessions etc.)

 

LECTURE:   (example) MW: 10:00-11:50 am at NRG2 2213                                       

Lab:             (example) MW: 12:00-1:50 pm at NRG2 2228                                                            

OFFICE LOCATION:                                                 

PHONE NUMBER:                

E-MAIL ADDRESS:               

                       

OFFICE HOURS:        

APPOINTMENT HOURS: 

COURSE RATIONALE:  Physics course intended for liberal arts majors who want an understanding of how physics can explain everyday life physical phenomena and how physics relates to their everyday lives.. 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:  (Here we need to separate out common course objectives and objectives established by instructor.)

Below are examples of some possible objectives:

I. Lecture

1.  To develop the concepts and language of physics.

2.  To make students aware of how physics related to their everyday lives and their word.

4.  To develop critical thinking.

 

II.  Laboratory

1.  To strengthen the concepts and ideas introduced in class and show the link between theory

     and  experiment.

2.   To introduce students to experimental techniques.

3.  To develop critical thinking.

 

GRADING SYSTEM:

[Tests:                                 at least 30%

Final Exam:                        at least 20%

Laboratories:                      exactly 25%

Remaining 25% can include any combination of attendance, participation, homework, quizzes, projects, papers etc. at the discretion of the instructor]

 

COURSE POLICIES:                

 

a.   Attendance Policy:  up to each instructor

 

b.  Withdrawals:   withdrawals are discouraged.  May want to include the last day of student and instructor initiated withdrawals.

 

c.  Incomplete Rule:  see incomplete rule in college catalog

(This section in the catalog is 3 paragraphs long).

 

d.   Scholastic Dishonesty:  Scholastic Dishonesty:  Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work.  Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research or self-expression.  Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework.

 

e.  Academic Freedom: Students are free to disagree with instructors on matters of opinion or personal philosophy, and will incur no penalty from doing so.  However, instructors will judge student work based upon its relation to the current state of mainstream scientific fact and theory students are allowed to voice opinions, concerns, complaints and suggestions to the instructor.  However, it is up to the instructor to decide how to use the student’s comments to meet the class’s best interests.

 

f.  Student Discipline:  Matters of student disciple will be adjudicated by the instructor on a case-by-case basis, in conjunction with the Task Force Leader or Dean.  Students may consult with the Office of Student Services or the Associate Dean at their campus on these matters.

 

g.   Office with Student with Disabilities:  Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.  Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester

 

h. Safety Statement: “Health and safety are paramount values in science classrooms, laboratories and field activities. You are expected to learn, understand and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow the ACC science safety policy. You are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities. Specific safety training will take place before most activities. If you are late and miss this training, you will not be able to participate in the activity. You can read the complete ACC science safety policy at: http://www2.austincc.edu/sci_safe/ .”

COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR

To be provided by each instructor.  Can be attached as an appendix to the syllabus.

 

TESTING CENTER POLICY:  Physics tests may not be given in the testing center except for make up tests. 

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