Physics I Syllabus and Course Structure – South Dakota State University (Fall 2025)

Course Overview

General Information

This syllabus outlines the structure, policies, and content for Physics I, a foundational college-level physics course at South Dakota State University. The course covers fundamental concepts in classical mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves, and is designed for students pursuing science and engineering majors.

• Instructor: Dr. Ali Sirus Arvij

• Location: 204 Crothers Engineering Hall

• Meeting Times: M W F 2:00 – 2:50 p.m.

• Credit Hours: 3

Catalog Description

• Course Sequence: First in a two-semester sequence covering core physics concepts.

• Topics: Classical mechanics, thermodynamics, waves.

• Audience: Professional majors, pre-professional programs, and students seeking general education requirements.

Prerequisites

• Completion of college-level mathematics courses (e.g., MATH 114, MATH 115, MATH 120, MATH 121, MATH 123, MATH 125, MATH 281, or consent).

Required Materials

• Textbook: Physics with Applications, 2nd Edition by Pearson.

• Lab Manual: SDSU Physics 111L Laboratory Manual.

• Calculator: Stand-alone scientific calculator (no phones or internet-enabled devices allowed during exams).

Course Structure and Policies

Lecture Format

The course uses an augmented lecture format, incorporating active learning and directed questions. Lectures are recorded and made available online via Desire2Learn (D2L).

Homework

• Homework consists of both conceptual and quantitative problems.

• Assignments utilize the Mastering Physics platform.

• Homework is assigned every 7–10 days and submitted online.

• Multiple attempts allowed; points awarded for correct answers.

• No homework grades will be dropped or curved.

Quizzes

• Regular in-class quizzes focus on problem-solving development.

• Quizzes are not curved and no grades are dropped.

Exams

• Four exams during the semester, including a final unit exam.

• Exams are in-class and announced in advance.

• Exams are curved so the mean grade is at least 75%; no downward curving.

• No electronic devices allowed during exams except for calculators.

• Exams are not cartoon-style or homework-style quizzes.

Grading Policy

Grades are based on a weighted percentage of several categories. The breakdown is as follows:

Category	Weight
Exams	70%
Quizzes	15%
Homework	15%

Letter grades are assigned on a 10-point scale:

Grade	Percentage
A	90–100
B	80–89
C	70–79
D	60–69
F	0–59

Extra Credit

• If more than 70% of students complete the IDEA survey, a free 100% homework grade will be added for all students.

• Extra credit is not allowed on exams.

Course Schedule

The following schedule outlines the topics and approximate dates for the semester:

Dates	Topics
8/25 – 9/5	Ch 2: Describing Motion Ch 3: Vectors & 2-D Motion
9/9 – 9/20	Ch 4: Forces and Newton’s Laws Applying Newton’s Laws
9/23 – 10/4	Ch 5: Circular Motion, Gravity Exam #1 (9/29)
10/7 – 10/18	Ch 6: Energy and Work
10/21 – 11/1	Ch 7: Linear Momentum Exam #2 (10/21)
11/4 – 11/15	Ch 9: Rotational Motion Equilibrium and Elasticity
11/14 – 11/15	Ch 10: Fluids
11/18 – 11/25	Ch 11: Oscillations Exam #3 (11/18)
12/2 – 12/9	Ch 12: Waves Ch 13: Temperature and Kinetic Theory Ch 15: The Laws of Thermodynamics
12/12	Exam #4 (Final): 1:45 – 3:45 p.m. (S01)

Course Policies

Calculator Policy

• Only stand-alone scientific calculators are permitted during exams and labs.

• Phones, computers, and electronic devices must be turned off and stored away.

Zoom Policy

• Lectures are delivered in person and recorded for later access via D2L.

• PowerPoint slides and other materials may be posted online.

Attendance Policy

• Attendance is expected but not taken for lecture.

• In-class assignments may occur without prior notice.

• Late arrival may result in missing assignments or quizzes.

Make-Up Policy

• Excused absences require documentation and advance notice.

• Non-excused absences are at the instructor’s discretion for make-up work.

• Make-up assignments must be completed within the instructor’s stated time frame.

Late Assignment Policy

• Assignments submitted after the due date are penalized as follows:

If the lecture assignment is late by:	Deduction
1 working day	25%
2–3 working days	50%
After 3 days	100%

Academic Integrity

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

• Violations will be reported and may result in disciplinary action.

Student Support Services

• Information on tutoring, counseling, and academic support is available through the university.

• Emergency alerts and campus safety information are provided.

Learning Outcomes

• Establish the relevance of physics to biology, chemistry, and engineering.

• Show how physics concepts are used for problem-solving and explanation.

• List and describe key concepts to be covered in the course.

• Define and use core vocabulary and scientific notation.

Major Topics Covered

• Describing Motion: Kinematics, vectors, and two-dimensional motion.

• Forces and Newton’s Laws: Fundamental laws of motion and their applications.

• Circular Motion and Gravity: Centripetal force, gravitational interactions.

• Energy and Work: Conservation of energy, work-energy theorem.

• Linear and Rotational Momentum: Conservation laws, collisions, rotational dynamics.

• Equilibrium and Elasticity: Conditions for static equilibrium, elastic properties of materials.

• Fluids: Properties of fluids, pressure, buoyancy.

• Oscillations and Waves: Simple harmonic motion, wave properties, sound.

• Temperature and Kinetic Theory: Thermal energy, molecular motion.

• Laws of Thermodynamics: Energy transfer, entropy, and thermodynamic processes.

Key Equations and Concepts

• Kinematic Equations:

  • $v = v_0 + at$

  • $x = x_0 + v_0 t + \frac{1}{2} a t^2$

  • $v^2 = v_0^2 + 2a(x - x_0)$

• Newton’s Second Law:

  • $F = ma$

• Work-Energy Theorem:

  • $W = \Delta K = K_f - K_i$

• Conservation of Momentum:

  • $p = mv$

  • $m_1 v_1 + m_2 v_2 = m_1 v_1' + m_2 v_2'$ (for collisions)

• Gravitational Force:

  • $F_g = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}$

• First Law of Thermodynamics:

  • $\Delta U = Q - W$

Example Applications

• Projectile Motion: Calculating the range and height of a projectile using kinematic equations.

• Conservation of Energy: Analyzing energy transformations in mechanical systems.

• Oscillations: Determining the period and frequency of a mass-spring system.

• Thermodynamics: Applying the laws of thermodynamics to heat engines and refrigerators.

Additional info: The syllabus also includes policies on attendance, late assignments, make-up work, calculator use, and academic integrity, ensuring students understand expectations and available support resources.