General Physics I (Physics 1511) – Syllabus and Course Structure Overview

Course Overview

Physics 1511: General Physics I is an algebra-based introductory physics course focusing on Newtonian mechanics and related foundational topics. The course emphasizes conceptual understanding, quantitative problem-solving, and laboratory investigations.

Instructor and Logistics

• Instructor: Maniya Maleki

• Lecture Times: MWF 9:00–9:50 AM

• Lab Times: Thursday 11:00–12:50 PM

• Location: Begeman Hall (Lectures: 114, Labs: 314)

• Contact: [e-mail]

Required Materials

• Textbook: College Physics: A Strategic Approach (Knight, Jones, & Field, 4th Edition, Pearson, 2018)

• Online Homework: Mastering Physics platform (for assignments and grading)

Course Description and Prerequisites

This course covers the principles of Newtonian mechanics, including motion in one and two dimensions, Newton’s laws, rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and fluids. Emphasis is placed on both conceptual understanding and quantitative analysis using algebra and trigonometry. Laboratory work is integral to the course.

• Prerequisites: Basic algebra and trigonometry (MATH 1130, 1140, 1150, 1420, or equivalent/ALEKS score)

Grading Policy

• Homework: 20%

• Lab Reports: 20%

• Exam 1: 20%

• Exam 2: 20%

• Exam 3: 20%

Letter Grade Cutoffs

Letter Grade	Cutoff (%)
A	93
A-	90
B+	87
B	83
B-	80
C+	77
C	73
C-	70
D+	67
D	63
D-	60
F	<60

Course Learning Outcomes

• Apply algebra and trigonometry to solve physics problems in mechanics and related areas.

• Demonstrate conceptual understanding of core physics principles.

• Analyze experimental data to explain relationships between physical variables.

• Collaborate in laboratory settings to collect and interpret quantitative data.

Major Topics Covered

The course is structured around the following chapters and topics:

• Chapter 1: Representing Motion

  • Motion diagrams, particle model, position, time, displacement

  • Coordinate systems, velocity, speed, significant figures, scientific notation

  • Units, unit conversion, vectors, scalars

• Chapter 2: Motion in One Dimension

  • Position and velocity plots, uniform motion, average/instantaneous velocity

  • Acceleration, constant acceleration, free fall

• Chapter 3: Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions

  • Vectors, uniform circular motion, centripetal acceleration

  • Vector components, motion on a ramp, projectile motion

• Chapter 4: Forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion

  • Newton’s laws, types of forces (weight, friction, tension), free-body diagrams

• Chapter 5: Applying Newton’s Laws

  • Equilibrium, mass and weight, weightlessness, friction, terminal speed

• Chapter 6: Circular Motion, Orbits, and Gravity

  • Uniform circular motion, period, frequency, apparent weight, orbital motion

  • Newton’s law of gravity, Kepler’s laws

• Chapter 7: Rotational Motion

  • Angular position, displacement, velocity, rigid body approximation

  • Rotational motion, angular/tangential acceleration, torque, center of gravity

  • Moment of inertia

• Chapter 8: Equilibrium and Elasticity

  • Torque, static equilibrium, stability, Hooke’s law, elastic limit

• Chapter 9: Momentum

  • Impulse, momentum, impulse-momentum theorem, conservation of momentum

  • Inelastic collisions, conservation of angular momentum

• Chapter 10: Energy and Work

  • Forms of energy, work-energy relation, conservation of energy

  • Kinetic and potential energy, thermal energy, elastic collisions, power

• Chapter 13: Fluids

  • Fluids, mass density, pressure, hydrostatic equilibrium, Pascal’s principle

  • Buoyancy, Archimedes’ principle, equation of continuity, Bernoulli’s equation

  • Viscosity, Poiseuille’s equation

Course Schedule (Sample Weeks)

Week	Lecture Topics	Lab Topics	Exams
1	Chapter 1: Representing Motion	Introduction
2	Chapter 1 & 2: Motion in 1D	Motion graphs
3	Chapter 2: Motion in 1D	Acceleration
4	Chapter 3: Motion in 2D	Projectile motion
5	Chapter 4: Newton’s Laws	Force and Acceleration
6	Chapter 5: Applying Newton’s Laws		Exam 1 (Ch. 1–4)
12	Chapter 9: Momentum		Exam 2 (Ch. 5–8)
17			Exam 3 (Ch. 9, 10, 13)

Additional info: The full schedule includes weekly breakdowns for all lectures, labs, and exams, with topics closely following the textbook chapters listed above.

Policies and Procedures

• Attendance: Required for both lectures and labs. Excessive absences may result in loss of access to notes or grade penalties.

• Make-up Work: Make-up labs are not allowed except for documented reasons. Make-up exams require documentation.

• Homework: Assigned and submitted via Mastering Physics. Late submissions incur a 20% penalty per day.

• Exams: Three closed-book exams; one page of personal notes allowed. Academic integrity is strictly enforced.

• Academic Integrity: Collaboration allowed in labs, but not on homework or exams. Cheating results in severe penalties.

• Accessibility: Accommodations available through Student Accessibility Services.

• Emergency Procedures: Follow posted guidelines and shelter locations in Begeman Hall.

• Free Speech: The university supports open inquiry and debate.

Summary Table: Major Topics and Associated Chapters

Chapter	Main Topics
1	Representing Motion
2	Motion in One Dimension
3	Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions
4	Forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion
5	Applying Newton’s Laws
6	Circular Motion, Orbits, and Gravity
7	Rotational Motion
8	Equilibrium and Elasticity
9	Momentum
10	Energy and Work
13	Fluids

Key Definitions and Concepts (Selected)

• Motion Diagram: A visual representation showing an object’s position at successive times.

• Particle Model: Treats objects as point masses to simplify analysis of motion.

• Displacement: The change in position of an object; a vector quantity.

• Velocity: The rate of change of displacement; can be average or instantaneous.

• Acceleration: The rate of change of velocity with respect to time.

• Newton’s Laws: Fundamental laws describing the relationship between forces and motion.

• Torque: A measure of the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis.

• Momentum: The product of an object’s mass and velocity; conserved in isolated systems.

• Work: The product of force and displacement in the direction of the force.

• Energy: The capacity to do work; includes kinetic, potential, and thermal forms.

• Buoyancy: The upward force exerted by a fluid on a submerged object.

Important Equations (Representative)

• Displacement: $\Delta x = x_f - x_i$

• Average Velocity: $v_{avg} = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}$

• Acceleration: $a = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}$

• Newton’s Second Law: $F_{net} = m a$

• Work: $W = F d \cos \theta$

• Kinetic Energy: $KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2$

• Potential Energy (gravity): $PE = m g h$

• Momentum: $p = m v$

• Impulse-Momentum Theorem: $F \Delta t = \Delta p$

• Conservation of Energy: $E_{initial} = E_{final}$ (in the absence of non-conservative forces)

• Bernoulli’s Equation: $P + \frac{1}{2} \rho v^2 + \rho g h = \text{constant}$

Exam and Lab Schedule (Selected)

Exam	Date	Coverage
Exam 1	Feb 26	Chapters 1–4
Exam 2	Apr 9	Chapters 5–8
Exam 3	May 13/14	Chapters 9, 10, 13

Summary

This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the structure, policies, and content of General Physics I. The course is designed to build a strong foundation in classical mechanics and fluids, preparing students for further study in physics and related fields.