University Physics II (PHY212) – Syllabus and Course Structure

Course Overview

University Physics II (PHY212) is a calculus-based course covering advanced topics in physics, including electricity and magnetism, optics, waves, and the structure of matter. The course is designed for science and engineering majors and builds on foundational concepts from introductory physics and calculus.

Course Logistics

• Lectures: NS 101 – MTWF 13:00 - 13:50

• Lab: Euler 243 – Thursday (various times)

• Textbook: Douglas C. Giancoli, Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 5th edition

• Prerequisite: PHY211 (Introductory Physics I)

• Corequisite: MAT 230 (Calculus II)

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive study of the following topics:

• Mechanics

• Waves and Sound

• Electricity and Magnetism

• Optics

• Fluids

• Structure of Matter

It includes four hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory work per week, fulfilling the foundational core physical science requirement.

Learning Objectives

• Determine electric and magnetic fields from distributions of charges and currents

• Predict the behavior of charges and currents in electric and magnetic fields

• Analyze basic electrical circuits

• Describe the behavior of electromagnetic waves

Program Level Outcomes

• Analyze and model physical systems in mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum physics using analytical and computational techniques

• Execute all aspects of experimentation, including design, implementation, data reduction, and interpretation

• Communicate scientific ideas effectively in written, oral, and visual formats

• Collaborate effectively in group settings

• Examine the moral, societal, and environmental implications of scientific paradigms and research

Assessment and Grading

• Daily Question: 5%

• Labs: 20%

• Homework: 15%

• Exams (3 midterms + final): 60%

Grading follows a standard scale (A: 93.3%–100%, A-: 90.0%–93.2%, etc.).

Assessment Details

• Daily Questions: Warm-up questions at the start of each class, graded for effort and correctness.

• Homework: Weekly assignments via Mastering Physics, with optional extra-credit supplementary homework.

• Exams: Three midterms and a final, with optional extra-credit exams at the end of the semester.

Lecture and Lab Schedule

Lecture Topics (by Chapter)

• Ch. 21 – Electric Charge and Field

• Ch. 22 – Gauss’s Law

• Ch. 23 – Electric Potential

• Ch. 24 – Capacitance

• Ch. 25 – Current and Resistance

• Ch. 26 – DC Circuits

• Ch. 27 – Magnetism

• Ch. 28 – Sources of Magnetic Field (Biot-Savart Law, Ampère’s Law)

• Ch. 29 – Electromagnetic Induction (Faraday’s Law)

• Ch. 30 – Inductance

• Ch. 31 – Maxwell’s Equations and Electromagnetic Waves

• Ch. 32/33 – Ray Optics

• Ch. 34/35 – Interference and Diffraction

Lab Topics

• Electrostatics

• Batteries and Bulbs

• Current and Voltage

• DC Circuits

• Current Bridge

• AC Circuits

• Optics I & II

• Lab Final

Academic Policies and Support

• Attendance: Expected for all classes and labs; excused absences require formal documentation.

• Academic Integrity: Strict policies against cheating, plagiarism, and misrepresentation, including the use of AI tools without attribution.

• Support Services: Academic Enrichment Center, peer tutoring, Writing Center, and library research assistance are available.

Important Dates

• Midterm Exams: Electric Field, DC Circuits, Magnetic Field (see schedule for tentative dates)

• Final Exam: Covers content after the last midterm

• Extra Credit Exams: Offered in the last three class sessions

Summary Table: Major Exam Topics and Chapters

Exam	Main Topic	Chapters
1	Electric Field	21
2	DC Circuits	26
3	Magnetic Field	27
4 (Final)	Optics and Waves	32–35

Contact and Office Hours

• Instructor: Dr. Benjamin Lawson

• Email: benjamin [e-mail]

• Office: Euler 235

• Office Hours: M 15:00–16:00, T/W 14:00–16:00, F 14:00–15:00