General Physics I – Course Syllabus and Schedule Overview

General Physics I – Syllabus and Course Structure

Course Overview

This course provides an introduction to physics, focusing on the fundamental concepts, methodologies, and problem-solving skills essential for understanding the physical world. The curriculum covers classical mechanics, including kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluids, waves, and thermodynamics. The course is designed for students pursuing science and engineering majors.

Instructor and Contact Information

• Instructor: Listed with contact details (email, office hours, phone)

• Office Hours: Scheduled times and by appointment

Required Materials

• Textbook: D. Knight, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (5th ed.)

• Online Access: MasteringPhysics platform for assignments and resources

Grading Breakdown

Grades are based on a combination of in-class activities/quizzes, homework, exams, and a final exam. The following table summarizes the grading scheme:

Component	Weight
In-class activities/quizzes	15%
Homework	15%
Exam 1	15%
Exam 2	15%
Exam 3	15%
Final Exam	25%

Exams

• Four exams are scheduled, each covering specific chapters as outlined in the course schedule.

• Exams include conceptual and quantitative questions.

• Missed exams require documentation for make-up eligibility.

Homework Assignments

• Assigned weekly via MasteringPhysics, focusing on conceptual understanding and problem-solving.

• Collaboration is encouraged, but each student must submit individual work.

• Late submissions may not be accepted unless prior arrangements are made.

Suggestions for Homework and Problem Solving

• Attempt problems independently before seeking help.

• Focus on understanding the process, not just the final answer.

• Practice drawing diagrams and identifying knowns/unknowns.

• Review solutions and learn from mistakes.

Academic Honesty

• Collaboration is allowed for discussion, but all submitted work must be original.

• Copying solutions or using unauthorized resources is considered academic dishonesty.

• Proper citation is required for any external sources used.

Course Topics and Weekly Schedule

The course follows a structured schedule, covering the following main topics (with corresponding chapters):

Week	Main Topics	Chapters
1	Units & Measurements, 1D Kinematics	1.1–1.7, 2.1–2.6
2	1D Kinematics, 2D Kinematics	2.7–2.8, 3.1–3.5
3	Forces & Motion	4.1–4.7
4	Circular Motion & Gravitation	5.1–5.4
5	Energy & Work	6.1–6.7
6	Momentum & Collisions	7.1–7.5
7	Rotational Dynamics	8.1–8.7
8	Fluid Dynamics	9.1–9.7
9	Simple Harmonic Motion	10.1–10.6
10	Waves & Sound	11.1–12.7
11	Thermal Expansion & Kinetic Theory	13.1–13.7
12	Calorimetry & Thermodynamics	14.1–15.7
13	Review & Final Exam	Ch. 1–16

Key Physics Topics Covered

• Units and Measurements: Understanding SI units, significant figures, and measurement uncertainty.

• Kinematics: Describing motion in one and two dimensions using position, velocity, and acceleration.

• Forces and Newton's Laws: Analyzing the effects of forces on motion, including friction and tension.

• Circular Motion and Gravitation: Exploring centripetal force and Newton's law of universal gravitation.

• Energy, Work, and Power: Applying the work-energy theorem and conservation of energy.

• Momentum and Collisions: Conservation of momentum in elastic and inelastic collisions.

• Rotational Dynamics: Torque, angular momentum, and rotational kinematics.

• Fluid Dynamics: Properties of fluids, buoyancy, and Bernoulli's equation.

• Simple Harmonic Motion: Oscillatory motion and its mathematical description.

• Waves and Sound: Wave properties, sound waves, and the Doppler effect.

• Thermal Physics: Thermal expansion, kinetic theory, calorimetry, and the laws of thermodynamics.

Course Policies and Additional Information

• Attendance and participation are expected for success in the course.

• Accommodations are available for students with documented needs.

• Resources for tutoring and academic support are provided.

Additional info: This summary is based on the provided syllabus and schedule, which outline the structure, policies, and main topics of a college-level General Physics I course. The schedule aligns with standard introductory physics curricula.