Physics I Syllabus and Course Structure: Mechanics, Energy, and Oscillations

Course Overview

Introduction to Physics I

This course provides a foundational understanding of classical mechanics, focusing on Newton's laws of motion, energy, momentum, gravity, waves, and oscillations. It is designed for students pursuing engineering and science degrees, and emphasizes both conceptual and quantitative problem-solving skills.

• Instructor: Dr. Philip Massey

• Textbook: D. Knight, Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 5th ed.

• Online System: MasteringPhysics

• Required Materials: Calculator (non-graphing, non-programmable)

Grading and Assessment

Grading Scale

Grades are determined by a combination of in-class activities/quizzes (15%), homework (30%), and exams (55%). The grading scale is as follows:

Score (%)	Grade
94-100	A
90-93	A-
87-89	B+
83-86	B
80-82	B-
77-79	C+
73-76	C
70-72	C-
67-69	D+
63-66	D
60-62	D-
0-59	F

Exams

• Exam 1: Chapters 1-4 (12.5%)

• Exam 2: Chapters 5-9 (12.5%)

• Exam 3: Chapters 10-12 (15%)

• Exam 4 (Final): Chapters 1-16 (15%)

Exams include both conceptual and quantitative questions. The final exam is cumulative.

Homework

• Assigned weekly via MasteringPhysics online system.

• Written solutions to selected problems are submitted on Canvas (10% of homework grade).

Course Topics and Schedule

Main Topics Covered

• 1D and 2D Motion: Study of objects moving in one and two dimensions, including projectile motion.

• Newton's Laws of Motion: Fundamental laws governing the motion of objects.

• Circular Motion: Analysis of objects moving in a circular path.

• Forces and Work: Understanding different types of forces and the concept of work.

• Energy Conservation: Principles of kinetic and potential energy, and their conservation.

• Momentum and Collisions: Study of linear momentum and its conservation in collisions.

• Rotational Motion: Motion of objects about an axis, including torque and angular momentum.

• Gravitation: Newton's law of universal gravitation and its applications.

• Fluids and Pressure: Properties of fluids and the concept of pressure.

• Oscillations and Waves: Simple harmonic motion and wave phenomena.

Sample Equations and Concepts

• Newton's Second Law: $F = ma$

• Kinematic Equations (1D motion): $x = x_0 + v_0 t + \frac{1}{2} a t^2$

• Work: $W = F d \cos \theta$

• Kinetic Energy: $K = \frac{1}{2} m v^2$

• Potential Energy (gravity): $U = mgh$

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

• Momentum: $p = mv$

• Impulse: $J = F \Delta t$

• Conservation of Momentum: $m_1 v_1 + m_2 v_2 = m_1 v_1' + m_2 v_2'$

• Torque: $\tau = r F \sin \theta$

• Angular Momentum: $L = I \omega$

• Universal Gravitation: $F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}$

• Pressure: $P = \frac{F}{A}$

• Simple Harmonic Motion: $x(t) = A \cos(\omega t + \phi)$

Course Policies and Expectations

Attendance and Participation

• Active participation in class activities and quizzes is required.

• Bring a calculator to class for problem-solving sessions.

Academic Integrity

• Collaboration is encouraged, but all submitted work must be your own.

• Instances of academic dishonesty will be documented and may result in a failing grade.

Accommodations

• Students with documented disabilities should contact the university's disability support services for accommodations.

University Policies

• Policies regarding attendance, academic honesty, and accommodations are outlined in the syllabus and university guidelines.

Learning Outcomes

Goals for Students

• Develop a solid understanding of classical mechanics and its applications.

• Apply Newton's laws to solve real-world problems involving motion, forces, and energy.

• Demonstrate proficiency in quantitative reasoning and problem-solving.

• Communicate scientific ideas effectively in written and oral form.

Course Schedule (Sample Weeks)

Week	Topics	Chapters
1	1D Motion, Uniform Motion	1.5-1.7, 2.2-2.2
2	Nonuniform Motion, 2D Motion	2.3-2.7, 3.2-3.7
3	Projectile Motion, Circular Motion	3.8-3.9, 4.2-4.6
4	Forces & Work	5.3-5.7, 7.5-7.6
5	Energy Conservation	10.5-10.8
6	Momentum & Collisions	8.2-8.6
7	Rotational Motion, Torque	12.1-12.11, 13.2-13.7
8	Gravitation, Fluids & Pressure	14.1-14.5, 15.1-15.3
9	Oscillations, Waves	16.1-16.3

Additional Info

• Physics in Christian Faith: The course includes a module on the relationship between physics and faith, as part of the university's curriculum.

• Support Resources: Students are encouraged to use online resources, office hours, and peer study groups for additional help.