Syllabus and Course Structure: Physics 1201 (Autumn 2023)

Course Overview

This syllabus outlines the structure, policies, and schedule for Physics 1201, a foundational college-level physics course. The course covers core topics in introductory physics, including measurement, kinematics, Newton's laws, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluids, waves, sound, thermodynamics, and electricity and magnetism. The syllabus provides essential information for students to understand course expectations, grading, laboratory requirements, and academic policies.

Course Information

• Course Title: Physics 1201

• Semester: Autumn 2023

• Instructors: Listed with office hours and contact information

• Lecture and Lab Times: Detailed schedule provided

• Course Website: Provided for assignments, resources, and announcements

Course Topics and Schedule

The course is organized into weekly modules, each focusing on specific physics topics. Laboratory sessions are integrated to reinforce theoretical concepts through hands-on experiments.

Week	Main Topics	Labs/Assignments
1	Introduction, Measurement, Estimating	Lab Safety and Introduction
2	Kinematics in One Dimension	Lab: Kinematics
3	Kinematics in Two Dimensions & Vectors	Lab: Projectile Motion
4	Newton's Laws, Forces	Lab: Newton's Laws
5	Work, Energy, Power	Lab: Work & Energy
6	Momentum, Collisions	Lab: Collisions
7	Rotational Motion	Lab: Rotational Inertia
8	Static Equilibrium, Elasticity	Lab: Static Equilibrium
9	Fluids	Lab: Fluids
10	Vibrations and Waves	Lab: Standing Waves
11	Sound	Lab: Sound
12	Temperature, Kinetic Theory	Lab: Temperature & Heat
13	Heat, Thermodynamics	Lab: Thermodynamics
14	Electric Charge, Electric Field	Lab: Electric Fields
15	Electric Potential, Circuits	Lab: Circuits
16	Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction	Lab: Magnetism

Additional info: The schedule includes exam dates, assignment due dates, and review sessions as outlined in the syllabus.

Grading Structure

Component	Weight
Midterm 1	15%
Midterm 2	15%
Final Exam	25%
Labs	20%
Online Homework	15%
In-class Assignments	10%

Letter grades are assigned according to a standard scale (A: 93-100%, A-: 90-92.9%, B+: 87-89.9%, etc.).

Laboratory Policies

• Attendance at all laboratory sessions is mandatory.

• Lab reports must be submitted as specified; late submissions may incur penalties.

• Lab safety and proper conduct are required at all times.

Course Policies and Expectations

• Academic Integrity: All students must adhere to the university's academic honesty policies. Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited.

• Attendance: Regular attendance in lectures and labs is expected.

• Late Work: Policies for late assignments and make-up work are detailed in the syllabus.

• Disability Services: Accommodations are available for students with documented needs.

• AI and Academic Integrity: Use of AI tools must comply with academic honesty guidelines.

Student Resources

• Office hours and contact information for instructors and teaching assistants are provided.

• Links to tutoring, counseling, and academic support services are included.

• Information on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies is outlined.

Summary of Major Physics Topics Covered

• Measurement and Estimating: Understanding units, significant figures, and measurement uncertainty.

• Kinematics: Describing motion in one and two dimensions, including velocity, acceleration, and projectile motion.

• Newton's Laws and Forces: Fundamental laws of motion, free-body diagrams, and applications.

• Work, Energy, and Power: Concepts of work, kinetic and potential energy, conservation of energy, and power calculations.

• Momentum: Conservation of linear momentum, collisions, and impulse.

• Rotational Motion: Angular velocity, torque, moment of inertia, and rotational dynamics.

• Static Equilibrium and Elasticity: Conditions for equilibrium, center of mass, and elasticity of materials.

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

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

• Thermodynamics: Temperature, heat, laws of thermodynamics, and kinetic theory.

• Electricity and Magnetism: Electric charge, electric field, potential, circuits, magnetism, and electromagnetic induction.

Additional info: The syllabus provides a comprehensive roadmap for the semester, including all major topics from the standard introductory physics curriculum.