PHY 2054: Physics Without Calculus II – Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics (Syllabus & Course Guide)

Course Overview

Introduction

PHY 2054: Physics Without Calculus II is the second course in the introductory physics sequence for students not majoring in physics or engineering. The course covers fundamental concepts in electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, and optics, with an introduction to the structure of matter. The approach emphasizes conceptual understanding and problem-solving using algebra and trigonometry, without requiring calculus.

Course Structure and Logistics

Instructor and Meeting Information

• Instructor: Dr. Mahmoud Kamel

• Email: [e-mail]

• Office Hours: TuTh 10:00 AM - 12:15 PM (CP 228)

• Class Meetings: MW 12:00 PM - 1:40 PM, CP 145

Prerequisites

• Completion of PHY2053 or PHY2048 (Introductory Physics I)

Textbook and Materials

• Textbook: College Physics (11th Edition) by Young & Adams (Pearson, 2020)

• ISBN-13: 9780136780977

• Materials are included via the Panther Book Pack program.

Course Description and Goals

Course Content

• Explores the concepts and methods of classical physics related to electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, and optics.

• Focuses on the terminology, principles, and methodologies used to describe interactions involving electric and magnetic fields, light, and related technologies.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze physics problems and identify fundamental principles.

• Formulate mathematical equations relating physical quantities.

• Solve equations to determine values of physical quantities.

• Communicate principles and results in electromagnetism and optics.

Major Topics Covered

• Electric Charge and Electric Field (Chapter 17)

• Electric Potential and Capacitance (Chapter 18)

• Current, Resistance, and Circuits (Chapter 19)

• Magnetic Fields and Magnetic Forces (Chapter 20)

• Electromagnetic Induction (Chapter 21)

• Electromagnetic Waves (Chapter 23)

• Geometric Optics (Chapter 24)

• Interference and Diffraction (Chapter 26)

Assessment and Grading

Grading Breakdown

Component	Weight (%)
Attendance	3
Homework (Mastering Physics)	12
In-class Group Work	18
Midterm Exams (3 total, 14% each)	42
Final Exam	25

Letter Grade Scale

Letter	Minimum %
A	89
A-	86
B+	82
B	74
B-	70
C+	65
C	Not specified
D	Not specified
F	Below D

Assessment Policies

• Attendance: Strongly encouraged; impacts grade.

• Homework: Submitted via Mastering Physics; late submissions penalized 10% per day.

• Group Work: Collaborative, in-class, with strict participation requirements.

• Exams: Three midterms and one cumulative final; formula sheet provided; only basic calculators allowed.

Schedule of Topics

Date	Topic	Chapter
M 1/05	Introduction and Electric charge and electric field	17
W 1/07	Electric charge and electric field	17
M 1/12	Electric charge and electric field	17
W 1/14	Electric potential and capacitance	18
W 1/21	Electric potential and capacitance	18
M 1/26	Electric potential and capacitance	18
W 1/28	Current, Resistance, and direct circuits	19
M 2/02	Current, Resistance, and direct circuits	19
W 2/04	First Midterm (Ch. 17, 18)
M 2/09	Current, Resistance, and direct circuits	19
W 2/11	Magnetic field and magnetic forces	20
M 2/16	Magnetic field and magnetic forces	20
W 2/18	Electromagnetic induction	21
M 3/02	Electromagnetic induction	21
W 3/04	Electromagnetic induction	21
M 3/09	Electromagnetic waves	23
W 3/11	Second Midterm (Ch. 17-21)
M 3/16	Electromagnetic waves	23
W 3/18	Electromagnetic waves	23
M 3/23	Electromagnetic waves	23
W 3/25	Electromagnetic waves	23
M 3/30	Geometric Optics	24
W 4/01	Third Midterm (Ch. 19-21, 23)
M 4/06	Geometric Optics	24
W 4/08	Geometric Optics	24
M 4/13	Interference and diffraction	26
W 4/15	Interference and diffraction/Review	26
F 4/24	Final Exam (Cumulative)

Expectations and Policies

• Read assigned textbook sections before and after class for better understanding.

• Take and organize class notes; review and clarify after each lecture.

• Complete homework independently and focus on conceptual understanding.

• Participate actively in group work; attendance is essential for full credit.

• Make-up exams are only allowed under documented, extreme circumstances.

• During exams, only basic calculators are allowed; no personal formula sheets or electronic devices.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Understand and apply the basic principles of electric and magnetic fields.

• Develop problem-solving skills for electricity and magnetism concepts.

• Explain the properties and behavior of light, including reflection, refraction, polarization, interference, and diffraction.

Additional Information

• This course fulfills the University Natural Sciences, Group 2 requirement.

• Students are expected to adhere to the FIU Student Conduct and Honor Code.

• For accessibility or discrimination concerns, contact the Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Accessibility (CRCA).

Additional info: The syllabus aligns with the following chapters from the standard college physics curriculum: Ch 17 (Electric Charge and Electric Field), Ch 18 (Electric Potential and Capacitance), Ch 19 (Current, Resistance, and Circuits), Ch 20 (Magnetic Fields and Magnetic Forces), Ch 21 (Electromagnetic Induction), Ch 23 (Electromagnetic Waves), Ch 24 (Geometric Optics), and Ch 26 (Interference and Diffraction). These chapters are directly relevant to the topics listed in the course schedule and learning outcomes.