Phys 123X: College Physics I Syllabus – Course Structure and Topics Overview

Course Overview

Introduction

Phys 123X: College Physics I is a four-credit introductory physics course designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of basic physics principles. The course covers a wide range of topics, beginning with measurement and estimation, and progressing through kinematics, Newton's laws, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluids, waves, sound, temperature, kinetic theory, heat, and the laws of thermodynamics.

Main Topics and Weekly Breakdown

Course Topics

• Measurement & Estimating: Introduction to physical quantities, units, and measurement techniques.

• Kinematics in One and Two Dimensions: Describing motion, velocity, acceleration, and vector analysis.

• Newton's Laws of Motion: Fundamental laws governing force and motion.

• Circular Motion & Gravitation: Analysis of rotational motion and gravitational forces.

• Work & Energy: Concepts of work, kinetic and potential energy, and conservation of energy.

• Linear Momentum: Conservation and transfer of momentum in collisions.

• Rotational Motion: Rotational kinematics and dynamics.

• Static Equilibrium & Elasticity: Conditions for equilibrium and properties of elastic materials.

• Fluids: Properties of fluids, pressure, buoyancy, and fluid dynamics.

• Vibrations and Waves: Oscillatory motion and wave phenomena.

• Sound: Nature and properties of sound waves.

• Temperature & Kinetic Theory: Temperature scales, molecular motion, and kinetic theory of gases.

• Heat: Heat transfer, specific heat, and calorimetry.

• Laws of Thermodynamics: Fundamental laws governing energy and entropy.

Weekly Schedule Overview

Week	Topic	Reading	Key Due Dates
1	Introduction, Measurement, Estimating	Ch1.1-4, 4.4*	09/08/2025
2	One-Dimensional Kinematics	Ch1.5, 5.1, Quiz 1	09/15/2025
3	Two-Dimensional Kinematics	Ch1.5, 5.1, Quiz 2	09/22/2025
4	Newton's Laws	Ch1.1-4, 5.4	09/26/2025
5	Circular Motion & Gravitation	Ch6.1-4, Quiz 1	10/03/2025
6	Work & Energy	Ch7.1-5, Quiz 2	10/10/2025
7	Linear Momentum	Ch8.1-5, Quiz 3	10/17/2025
8	Rotational Motion	Ch9.1-5, Quiz 4	10/24/2025
9	Static Equilibrium & Elasticity	Ch10.1-5, Quiz 5	10/31/2025
10	Fluids	Ch11.1-5, Quiz 6	11/07/2025
11	Vibrations and Waves	Ch12.1-5, Quiz 7	11/14/2025
12	Sound	Ch13.1-5, Quiz 8	11/21/2025
13	Temperature & Kinetic Theory	Ch14.1-5, Quiz 9	12/05/2025
14	Heat	Ch15.1-5, Quiz 10	12/12/2025
15	Laws of Thermodynamics	Ch16.1-5, Quiz 11	12/19/2025
16	Review	-	12/21/2025

Assessment and Grading

Grading Policy

• Attendance: Regular attendance is required; missing more than 50% of lectures results in automatic failure.

• Homework: Assigned weekly, due by 8:00 PM on specified dates. Late homework is not accepted.

• Quizzes: 11 open-book quizzes during the semester, based on recent homework and class topics.

• Exams: Two midterms and a final comprehensive exam.

• Laboratory: Mandatory lab registration and completion.

Exam Schedule

Date	Exam
10/14	Midterm 1
11/18	Midterm 2
12/17	Final Exam

Course Policies

Attendance

• Attendance is strictly enforced. Missing more than half of the lectures without a valid excuse results in automatic failure.

Homework

• Homework must be submitted on time and reflect individual effort. Copying is not tolerated.

Quizzes

• Quizzes are open book and based on recent homework and class topics.

Exams

• Two midterms and a final exam, covering all course material. No make-up exams except for documented emergencies.

Laboratory

• Lab work is integral to the course and must be completed to pass.

Student Code of Conduct

• Academic honesty is required. Plagiarism or cheating will result in disciplinary action.

Disabilities Services

• Accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities.

Textbook

• Physics: Principles with Applications by Douglas C. Giancoli, 7th Edition, ©2014 Pearson ISBN 9780130606204

Summary of Key Physics Concepts

• Measurement: Understanding units, precision, and estimation.

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

• Newton's Laws: Fundamental principles governing force and motion.

• Energy and Work: Calculating work done by forces and understanding energy conservation.

• Momentum: Conservation laws in collisions and interactions.

• Rotational Motion: Angular velocity, acceleration, and torque.

• Fluids: Pressure, buoyancy, and fluid flow.

• Waves and Sound: Properties of oscillations and sound waves.

• Thermodynamics: Heat, temperature, and the laws governing energy transfer.

Example Equations

• Kinematic Equation: $v = v_0 + at$

• Newton's Second Law: $F = ma$

• Work: $W = Fd \cos \theta$

• Conservation of Energy: $E_{total} = K + U$

• Momentum: $p = mv$

• Ideal Gas Law: $PV = nRT$

• First Law of Thermodynamics: $\Delta U = Q - W$

Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the topics and structure for a standard college-level introductory physics course, aligning with the chapters listed in the prompt.