PHYS 2212K: Principles of Physics II (Electricity & Magnetism) – Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to PHYS 2212K

PHYS 2212K is a college-level introductory physics course focused on Electricity and Magnetism, designed primarily for physical science majors. The course covers fundamental concepts, problem-solving skills, and laboratory experience, preparing students for further study in STEM fields.

• Instructor: Dr. Amin Bayat Barooni

• Textbook: Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics, 5th Edition by Randall D. Knight

• Prerequisites: PHYS 2211 and MATH 2212 (or equivalent), with a grade of C or higher

• Required Materials: Scientific calculator, laptop (for online assignments), and access to Mastering Physics

Main Topics

Electricity and Magnetism

This course covers the core principles of electricity and magnetism, including electric fields, magnetic fields, circuits, and electromagnetic waves. Students will learn to apply mathematical and conceptual reasoning to solve physics problems.

• Electric Fields: Study of forces exerted by electric charges and the concept of field lines.

• Magnetic Fields: Exploration of magnetic forces, sources of magnetism, and field interactions.

• Circuits: Analysis of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) circuits, including Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws.

• Electromagnetic Waves: Understanding the propagation of waves and their applications.

Key Equations:

• Coulomb's Law: $F = k_e \frac{q_1 q_2}{r^2}$

• Ohm's Law: $V = IR$

• Faraday's Law of Induction: $\mathcal{E} = -\frac{d\Phi_B}{dt}$

• Gauss's Law: $\oint \vec{E} \cdot d\vec{A} = \frac{Q_{enc}}{\varepsilon_0}$

Course Structure and Requirements

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, students should be able to:

• Use scientific methods and laboratory techniques to analyze data and solve problems.

• Apply mathematical reasoning to physics concepts.

• Communicate scientific ideas effectively.

• Work collaboratively in laboratory and group settings.

Assessment Components

Grades are determined by a combination of homework, quizzes, laboratory work, classroom activities, tests, and a final exam. The breakdown is as follows:

Activity	Percentage
Homework (individual, one drop)	15%
Pre-Assignments (individual, drop two lowest grades)	10%
Laboratory Work (group)	25%
Classroom Activities and Attendance (drop one lowest grade, group)	15%
Quizzes (individual, one drop)	5%
Tests (written and computer-graded, with some tolerance on Mastering Physics)	20%
Final Exam (password-protected computer test with some tolerance on Mastering Physics)	10%

Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Grade Percentage
A+	97-100%
A	93-96.9%
A-	90-92.9%
B+	87-89.9%
B	83-86.9%
B-	80-82.9%
C+	77-79.9%
C	73-76.9%
C-	70-72.9%
D	60-69.9%
F	0-59.9%

Course Policies and Success Strategies

Attendance and Participation

Regular attendance and active participation are required. Missing classes or labs can negatively impact your grade. Students are expected to arrive on time and engage in all activities.

• Attendance is tracked and contributes to the final grade.

• Classroom activities include group work, discussions, and problem-solving sessions.

Homework and Pre-Assignments

Homework is assigned via Mastering Physics and is due weekly. Pre-assignments are short tasks to be completed before each class to prepare for the material.

• Late homework may not be accepted; lowest grades are dropped.

• Pre-assignments help reinforce concepts and prepare students for class discussions.

Quizzes, Tests, and Final Exam

Quizzes are given regularly and are designed to test understanding of key concepts. Tests and the final exam include both written and computer-graded components, with some tolerance for minor errors.

• Quizzes: 5% of overall grade, lowest score dropped.

• Tests: 20% of overall grade, both written and computer-graded.

• Final Exam: 10% of overall grade, computer-graded.

Laboratory Work

Lab sessions are a critical part of the course, emphasizing hands-on experience and group collaboration. Labs are scheduled weekly and attendance is mandatory.

CRN	Time	Place
83024 (Section: 014)	M 16:00-18:30	NSC 210
83043 (Section: 016)	W 11:00-13:30	NSC 210
92023 (Section: 012)	R 9:00-11:30	NSC 210

Academic Honesty and Community Engagement

Respect and Integrity

Students are expected to adhere to the university's academic honesty policy. Collaboration is encouraged, but all submitted work must be individual unless specified otherwise. Respect for diverse perspectives and active participation in the learning community are essential.

Tips for Success in PHYS 2212K

Effective Study Strategies

• Work to understand the subject, not just memorize facts.

• Attend all scheduled classes and labs.

• Practice solving problems regularly and seek help when needed.

• Form study groups to discuss concepts and share resources.

• Ask questions and participate actively in class and lab sessions.

Example: When studying electric fields, use diagrams to visualize field lines and practice calculating forces between charges using Coulomb's Law.

Additional Resources

• Course website and online resources (Mastering Physics, class notes, and video lectures)

• Free help sessions available weekly

• Contact instructor and TAs for additional support

Additional info: The syllabus also emphasizes the importance of teamwork, communication skills, and critical thinking as part of the course's general education goals.