PHY 106 Fundamentals of Physics – Syllabus and Course Structure Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to PHY 106: Fundamentals of Physics

PHY 106 is a foundational college physics course designed for nonscience liberal arts and technical students. The course covers essential physical principles and phenomena, including mechanics, properties of matter, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, light, and quantum physics. It is structured to provide a broad understanding of physics concepts without requiring prior high school physics experience.

• Course Title: Fundamentals of Physics

• Course Number: PHY 106-300

• Semester: Spring 2026

• Credit Hours: 3

• Contact Hours: 4

• Prerequisite: One year of high school algebra

• Textbook: Hewitt, Conceptual Physics, 13th Ed. (2021)

Major Course Concepts

Core Physics Topics

The course is organized around several major physics concepts, each corresponding to chapters in the textbook and weekly content. These topics are fundamental to understanding the physical world and are aligned with standard college physics curricula.

• Motion, Vectors, Force, Torque, Energy, Power

• Circular Motion and Gravitation

• Moment of Inertia

• Density, Pressure, Temperature, Heat Capacity, Gas Laws

• Electric and Magnetic Fields

• Electric Circuits, Waves, Sound, Light

• Quantum Effects, Transducers, Computer Interfacing

Learning Outcomes

Skills and Knowledge Gained

Upon completion of PHY 106, students will be able to:

• Describe the metric system of units.

• Graphically sketch the resultant and components of vectors.

• Distinguish between velocity and acceleration.

• Explain and apply Newton's Laws of Motion.

• Describe concepts of work, potential energy, and kinetic energy.

• Understand the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics.

• Apply the Law of Energy Conservation to mechanical systems.

• Classify and describe rotational motion using center of mass, torque, rotational inertia, and angular momentum.

• Use Newton's Law of Gravitation for orbital motion.

• Apply Archimedes' Law for buoyancy predictions.

• Explain hydraulic systems using Pascal's Principle.

• Describe barometers and atmospheric pressure measurement.

• Apply Bernoulli's Principle in practical contexts.

• Distinguish between temperature and heat.

• Describe heat storage and transmission methods.

• Calculate energy exchanges during phase and temperature changes.

• Apply thermodynamic laws to mechanical systems.

• Explain wave theory, superposition, standing waves, and the Doppler Effect.

• Describe sound intensity, decibel system, and wave properties.

• Describe the electromagnetic spectrum.

• Explain the wave and quantum nature of light.

• Describe light properties: emission, absorption, fluorescence, phosphorescence, laser operation.

• Explain light phenomena: reflection, refraction, dispersion, scattering, diffraction, interference, polarization.

• Describe electric and magnetic fields and their effects.

• Apply Ohm's Law and the power law to D.C. circuits.

Course Structure and Assessment

Weekly Content and Exams

The course is divided into weekly modules, each covering specific chapters and topics. Students engage with lecture videos, PowerPoint presentations, discussions, homework, quizzes, and unit exams. All assessments are proctored online using Honorlock.

• Weekly Homework: Completed online via Canvas.

• Quizzes: Multiple-choice, based on homework, proctored with Honorlock.

• Exams: Four unit exams and a final exam, covering major course concepts.

• Participation: Weekly discussion posts required for participation points.

Grading Breakdown

Assessment Weighting

Assessment	Weight (%)
Exam 1	10
Exam 2	10
Exam 3	10
Exam 4	10
Discussions	5
Quizzes	20
Homework	15
Final Exam	20

Letter Grade Scale:

Percentage	Letter Grade
90-100%	A
80-89%	B
70-79%	C
60-69%	D
50-59%	F

Academic Integrity

Department Policy and Code of Conduct

The Physical Science Department emphasizes the importance of academic integrity. Cheating and plagiarism are strictly prohibited, with clear consequences for violations. Students are expected to submit original work and uphold the college's core values: integrity, responsibility, respect, fairness, and diversity.

• Cheating: Unauthorized assistance, information sharing, use of prohibited devices, or copying materials.

• Plagiarism: Using another's work without acknowledgment, submitting work prepared by others, or recycling work without approval.

• Sanctions: Zero on the assignment, potential 'F' for the course, and reporting to the Dean.

Course Calendar

Weekly Topics and Schedule

The course follows a structured calendar, with each week dedicated to specific chapters and concepts. Key topics include units and measurements, Newton's laws, momentum, rotation, properties of matter, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, light, quantum mechanics, and relativity.

• Weeks 1-4: Introduction, Units, Measurements, Linear Motion, Newton's Laws, Momentum, Rotation

• Weeks 5-8: Solids, Liquids, Gases, Temperature, Heat, Thermodynamics

• Weeks 9-12: Electromagnetism, Magnetism, Induction, Electromagnetic Waves

• Weeks 13-15: Quantum Mechanics, Relativity

• Week 16: Final Exam

Student Support and Resources

General Information and Academic Support

Students have access to a variety of academic resources, including advising, tutoring, and support centers. These resources are designed to help students succeed in their studies and maintain academic integrity.

Additional Information

Degree Completion and College Credentials

Completion of a degree or certificate at Moraine Valley Community College provides benefits such as greater earnings, a stronger resume, better job prospects, security, upward mobility, and personal satisfaction.

Additional info: The syllabus aligns closely with the standard college physics topics listed in the provided chapter titles, covering mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, light, quantum mechanics, and relativity. The course structure, learning outcomes, and assessment methods are typical for an introductory physics course designed for non-majors and technical students.