Physics 141: Syllabus and Course Structure Overview

Course Introduction

Welcome and Overview

This syllabus outlines the structure and expectations for Physics 141, a college-level introductory physics course. The course focuses on two-dimensional kinematics, Newton's three laws, momentum conservation, energy conservation, and rotational dynamics.

• Instructor: Ian Emmanuel Powell

• Lectures: MTWRF 4:10PM – 5:00PM, Bldg 53 - Rm 201

• Office Hours: W 1:10pm-3:00pm, W 1:10pm-2:00pm, Bldg 180 - 6th Floor

• Email: [e-mail]

Course Objectives

Learning Goals

Students will develop a foundational understanding of classical mechanics, including:

• Two-dimensional kinematics: Study of motion in a plane, including position, velocity, and acceleration vectors.

• Newton's Three Laws: Fundamental principles governing the motion of objects.

• Momentum Conservation: Analysis of collisions and isolated systems.

• Energy Conservation: Understanding kinetic, potential, and mechanical energy transformations.

• Rotational Dynamics: Examination of rotational motion, torque, and angular momentum.

Course Materials

Textbook

• Primary Text: Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach, 5th edition, by Randall D. Knight.

• Additional Resources: Online assignments and quizzes via Mastering Physics.

Grading Policy

Grade Breakdown

Grades are assigned on a straight scale, with each graded item worth a certain percentage of your grade. The table below summarizes the grading components:

Component	% Possible
Problem Sets (Mastering Physics)	25
Worksheets	17.5
Midterm I	15
Midterm II	12.5
Final Exam	30

Letter grades are assigned based on the total percentage earned, with the following scale:

Grade	Minimum %
A	93
A-	90
B+	87
B	83
B-	80
C+	77
C	73
C-	70
D+	67
D	63
D-	60
F	< 60

Course Logistics

Lectures

• Held in-person in 53-201 (Science North).

• Attendance is recommended but not mandatory.

• Lecture notes will be posted to Canvas.

Exams

• Two midterms and a final exam.

• Midterms are scheduled for the 5th and 10th weeks; the final exam is during finals week.

• Exams will be in-person unless otherwise announced.

Assignments

• Mastering Physics: Weekly online assignments with unlimited tries for correct answers.

• Worksheets: Weekly worksheet assignments for credit, submitted electronically via Canvas.

Weekly Schedule (Tentative)

Week	Topic	Textbook Chapters
1	Measurement, Motion in one dimension	1, 2
2	Free falling bodies, Vectors	2, 3
3	Vectors (cont'd), two dimensional kinematics	3, 4
4	Newton's Laws	5
5	Equilibrium and Dynamics, Newton's Third Law	6
6	Dynamics of Circular Motion	4, 5
7	Impulse and Momentum	9
8	Energy	10
9	Rotational Motion	11
10	Equations of Rigid Bodies	12

Campus Policies

COVID-19 Compliance and Safety

• Follow all campus health and safety protocols.

• Stay home if feeling ill and monitor your health.

Academic Integrity

• Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic misconduct are prohibited.

Title IX

• Prohibits gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and related misconduct.

• Resources and reporting information are available for affected students.

Additional Info

• All schedules and policies are subject to change; refer to Canvas for the most current information.

• Contact the instructor for accommodations or questions regarding course logistics.