University Physics I: Syllabus and Study Guide (Fall 2025)

Course Overview

Introduction

This course is an introductory, calculus-based physics class covering the fundamental principles of classical mechanics, conservation laws, oscillations, waves, and thermal phenomena. It includes both lectures and laboratory sessions, providing students with hands-on experience and theoretical understanding.

• Credit Hours: 4

• Format: Combined Lecture/Lab

• Prerequisites: MATH 125 or MATH 145

• Core Attribute: Natural Science

Required Materials

Textbooks and Lab Manuals

• Fabi / PH 105/106 Lab Manual F25 Edition ISBN: 978-1-5329-7288-0 (Required)

• ACCESS GRANTED CODE / PH 105/106 AGP (YOUNG/UNIVERSITY PHYSICS) ISBN: 978-0-01-379482-8 (Required)

Other Materials: Scientific calculator, homework notebook.

Student Learning Outcomes

General Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will:

• Recognize and identify key concepts in physics for a broad perspective on natural phenomena.

• Understand the scientific method and critically evaluate scientific information.

• Recognize the role of physics in other sciences, engineering, technology, and society.

• Develop skills in teamwork and communication.

Course-Specific Learning Outcomes

• Answer conceptual questions requiring understanding of kinematics and Newton's laws.

• Apply kinematics and Newton's laws to relevant problems.

• Analyze physical systems using algebra and trigonometry.

• Analyze mechanical systems and predict their behavior.

• Solve problems in thermodynamics involving temperature and heat transfer.

• Make basic mechanical measurements, analyze and interpret data, and evaluate potential sources of error.

Course Topics and Schedule

Weekly Topics

The following table outlines the weekly topics, readings, and associated laboratory activities.

Week	Dates	Topics	Readings	Lab
1	08/23-08/25	Units and Vectors, 1D Kinematics	1.1-1.10, 2.1-2.4
2	08/28-09/01	Free Fall, 3D Kinematics, Projectile Motion	3.1-3.3	Error Analysis lab
3	09/05-09/08	Circular Motion, Relativity	3.4-3.5	1D Motion lab
4	09/12-09/15	Newton's Laws	4.1-4.6	Newton's Laws lab
5	09/18-09/22	Circular Motion, Friction	5.1-5.5	Friction lab
6	09/25-09/29	Work and Kinetic Energy	6.1-6.4	Work-Energy lab
7	10/02-10/06	Potential Energy, Conservation of Energy	7.1-7.5	Spring simulation
8	10/09-10/13	Momentum, Collisions	8.1-8.6	Momentum lab
9	10/16-10/20	Rotational Motion	9.1-9.6	Rotational Dynamics lab
10	10/23-10/27	Statics	11.1-11.5	Gravity simulation
11	10/30-11/03	Gravity	13.1-13.5
12	11/06-11/10	Pressure and Buoyancy	12.1-12.3	Archimedes Principle lab
13	11/13-11/17	Simple Harmonic Motion	14.1-14.8	SHM lab
14	11/20-12/01	Waves, Temperature and Heat, Ideal Gases	15.1-15.8, 17.1-17.6, 18.1-18.6	Standing Waves lab, Ideal Gas Law lab
15	12/04-12/08	Thermodynamic Processes, First Law of Thermodynamics	19.1-19.5, 20.1-20.6	Calorimetry lab

Key Physics Concepts

Units and Vectors

Physics uses standard units and vector quantities to describe physical phenomena.

• Unit: A standard quantity used for measurement (e.g., meter, kilogram, second).

• Vector: A quantity with both magnitude and direction (e.g., displacement, velocity).

• Example: Velocity is a vector, while speed is a scalar.

Kinematics

Kinematics is the study of motion without considering its causes.

• Displacement ($\vec{d}$): Change in position.

• Velocity ($\vec{v}$): Rate of change of displacement.

• Acceleration ($\vec{a}$): Rate of change of velocity.

• Key Equations:

$v = v_0 + at$

$d = v_0 t + \frac{1}{2} a t^2$

$v^2 = v_0^2 + 2a d$

Newton's Laws of Motion

Newton's laws describe the relationship between forces and motion.

• First Law (Inertia): An object remains at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by a net force.

• Second Law: The net force on an object is equal to its mass times its acceleration.

$\vec{F}_{net} = m \vec{a}$

• Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

• Example: Pushing a wall exerts an equal force back on you.

Work, Energy, and Conservation Laws

Work and energy are central concepts in physics, describing how forces cause changes in motion and state.

• Work ($W$): $W = \vec{F} \cdot \vec{d}$

• Kinetic Energy ($KE$): $KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2$

• Potential Energy ($PE$): $PE = mgh$ (gravitational)

• Conservation of Energy: Total energy in a closed system remains constant.

Momentum and Collisions

Momentum is a measure of motion, and its conservation is key in analyzing collisions.

• Momentum ($\vec{p}$): $\vec{p} = m \vec{v}$

• Conservation of Momentum: In a closed system, total momentum before and after a collision is the same.

• Example: Two ice skaters pushing off each other move in opposite directions.

Rotational Motion

Rotational motion involves objects spinning around an axis.

• Angular displacement ($\theta$), velocity ($\omega$), acceleration ($\alpha$)

• Moment of Inertia ($I$): $I = \sum m r^2$

• Rotational Kinetic Energy: $KE_{rot} = \frac{1}{2} I \omega^2$

Statics and Gravity

Statics studies forces in equilibrium; gravity is the force of attraction between masses.

• Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation: $F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}$

• Equilibrium: Sum of forces and torques equals zero.

Pressure and Buoyancy

Pressure is force per unit area; buoyancy is the upward force on objects in fluids.

• Pressure ($P$): $P = \frac{F}{A}$

• Archimedes' Principle: Buoyant force equals the weight of displaced fluid.

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

SHM describes oscillatory motion, such as springs and pendulums.

• Equation: $x(t) = A \cos(\omega t + \phi)$

• Period ($T$): $T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}$ (spring)

Waves

Waves transfer energy through oscillations.

• Wave speed ($v$): $v = f \lambda$

• Standing waves: Formed by interference of two waves traveling in opposite directions.

Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics studies heat, temperature, and energy transfer.

• First Law of Thermodynamics: $\Delta U = Q - W$

• Ideal Gas Law: $PV = nRT$

• Calorimetry: Measurement of heat transfer.

Assessment and Grading

Exams and Assignments

• Weekly reading quizzes and homework assignments.

• Lab activities and group exercises.

• Two midterm exams and one comprehensive final exam.

Component	Weight	Notes
Group exercises	5%	Lowest is dropped, rest are averaged
Reading quizzes	5%	Lowest is dropped, rest are averaged
Homework	20%	Lowest is dropped, rest are averaged
Labs	20%	Lowest is dropped, rest are averaged
Midterm exams	15% each	Final exam 20%

Letter Grade Scale

Letter Grade	Minimum Course Grade
A+	96.65
A	93.35
A-	90.00
B+	86.65
B	83.35
B-	80.00
C+	76.65
C	73.35
C-	70.00
D+	66.65
D	63.35
D-	60.00

Course Policies

Attendance and Missed Work

• Attendance is expected; missed work may be excused with documentation.

• No makeup for out-of-class assignments or exams except for valid reasons.

Academic Integrity and Conduct

• Adherence to the Academic Misconduct Policy is required.

• Respect and civility are expected in all interactions.

Disability, Weather, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations

• Contact the Office of Disability Services for accommodations.

• Follow Severe Weather Protocols as outlined by the university.

• Pregnant students are protected under Title IX and may request accommodations.

• Religious observances are respected; notify the instructor in advance.

Student Resources

• Access to counseling, health, career planning, and accessibility services is available.