PHY 122: Engineering Physics I – Syllabus and Course Structure Study Guide

Course Overview

PHY 122 – Engineering Physics I is the first semester of a two-semester, calculus-based physics sequence designed for engineering and science majors. The course covers foundational topics in classical mechanics, fluids, and thermodynamics, emphasizing both conceptual understanding and quantitative problem-solving skills.

Course Structure and Logistics

• Credit Hours: 5

• Lecture Schedule: MTWF 12pm-12:50pm; T 1pm-3:50pm (Lab/Combo)

• Location: SW-MC 204

• Instructor: Dino Edmonds ([e-mail])

• Textbook: Young & Freedman, University Physics with Modern Physics (Pearson eText, Mastering Physics access required)

Course Description and Prerequisites

This course introduces students to the principles of physics using calculus. Topics include units, vectors, kinematics, Newton's laws, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluids, gravitation, and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: MTH 210 (Calculus I) with a minimum grade of "C" and reading proficiency.

Major Topics Covered

• Units, Physical Quantities, and Vectors

• Motion in One and Two Dimensions

• Newton's Laws of Motion and Applications

• Work, Kinetic Energy, and Potential Energy

• Momentum, Impulse, and Collisions

• Rotation of Rigid Bodies and Rotational Dynamics

• Equilibrium and Elasticity

• Fluid Mechanics

• Gravitation

• Periodic Motion

• Temperature, Heat, and Thermal Properties

• The First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics

Learning Outcomes

• Describe and analyze the motion of objects using vectors and kinematics.

• Apply force and torque concepts to predict changes in motion.

• Use work and energy principles to analyze mechanical systems.

• Apply linear and angular momentum conservation to collisions and systems.

• Describe fluid properties using force, kinetic energy, and potential energy.

• Analyze thermodynamic systems using temperature, work, and heat concepts.

• Collect and interpret experimental data using physics instruments.

• Evaluate experimental results in terms of fundamental physical laws.

Assessment and Grading Policy

Component	Weight
Exams	50%
Homework	10%
Labs	20% (Passing grade required)
Final Exam	20%

Grade Distribution:

Percentage	Letter Grade
90% – 100%	A
80% – 89%	B
70% – 79%	C
60% – 69%	D
0% – 59%	F

Course Schedule (Tentative)

Week	Topics	Labs/Exams
1/20	Units and Vectors	Graphical Analysis Lab
1/26	Motion Along a Straight Line	Measurement and Uncertainty Lab
2/2	Motion in Two or Three Dimensions	TBD
2/9	Newton’s Laws of Motion	TBD
2/17	Applying Newton’s Laws	Exam 1 (Ch 1–4)
2/23	Work and Kinetic Energy; Potential Energy and Conservation	TBD
3/2	Linear Momentum and Collisions	TBD
3/9	Rotation of Rigid Bodies; Dynamics of Rotational Motion	Exam 2
3/23	Equilibrium and Elasticity	TBD
3/30	Fluid Mechanics	TBD
4/6	Gravitation; Periodic Motion	Exam 3
4/13	Temperature and Heat	TBD
4/20	Thermal Properties of Matter	TBD
4/27	The First Law of Thermodynamics	TBD
5/4	The Second Law of Thermodynamics	Exam 4
5/11	Final Exam

Key Policies and Expectations

• Attendance: Mandatory; more than nine absences result in grade penalties.

• Homework: Assigned per chapter via Mastering Physics; late work penalized.

• Labs: No make-up labs; must pass lab component to pass course.

• Exams: No make-up exams; partial credit for detailed work, none for multiple choice/short answer.

• Academic Integrity: Cheating and plagiarism result in severe penalties, including possible course failure.

• Technology: Use of official STLCC email required; personal computers recommended for homework.

• Classroom Conduct: No phones, food, or unrelated materials; respect for instructor and peers required.

Support and Resources

• Disability Services: Academic accommodations available through campus Access Offices.

• Title IX: Policies and resources for sex discrimination and harassment.

• Withdrawal: Students must formally withdraw if needed; consult instructor first.

Additional info:

• This syllabus provides a roadmap for the semester, including topics that align with standard introductory physics curricula. For detailed content, refer to the textbook chapters as scheduled.

• Students are encouraged to review each topic before class and complete all assignments on time to ensure success in this rigorous, calculus-based physics course.