I. General Information

1. Course Title:
College Physics I

2. Course Prefix & Number:
PHYS 1401

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 4

Lecture Hours: 3

Lab Hours: 2

4. Course Description:

This course is an algebra-based introductory physics and covers the mechanics and mechanical waves component of classical physics. The course topics include: kinematics in one- and two-dimensions, vectors, force, dynamics, circular motion, gravitation, work and energy, linear momentum, rotational motion, rotational work and energy, angular momentum, static equilibrium, periodic motion, waves, and sound. The course emphasizes conceptual understanding and problem-solving. The laboratory component is designed to reinforce conceptual understanding with hands-on experiences and physical measurements, and to provide opportunities for scientific report writing. The course uses digital data acquisition and simulations to help students visualize and understand abstract concepts.

5. Placement Tests Required:

Accuplacer (specify test):

Pre-Calculus College Level or Calculus College Level

Score:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

7. Other Prerequisites
Grade of “C” or higher in MATH 1470 or equivalent placement test score.

8. Prerequisite (Entry) Skills:
Operating a graphing calculator.

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

St. Cloud State University, PHYS 231 General Physics I, 4 credits
University of MN Duluth, PHYS 1001 Introduction to Physics I, 5 credits

2. Transfer - regional institutions with which this course has a written articulation agreement:

III. Course Purpose

1. Program-Applicable Courses – This course is required for the following program(s):

Applied Engineering Technology, AAS Degree

2. MN Transfer Curriculum (General Education) Courses - This course fulfills the following goal area(s) of the MN Transfer Curriculum:
Goal 3 – Natural Sciences

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Demonstrate written communication skills	Write scientific reports and solutions to physics problems competently.
Utilize appropriate technology	Use graphing technologies and analysis software competently to help explain physical phenomena.
Work as a team member to achieve shared goals	Carry out experiments, projects, or problem solving collaboratively as a group.

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

• Demonstrate understanding of laws of physics and physical principles by drawing conclusions based on the laws and principles applied to the given problems and situations.  MnTC Goal 3 
• Demonstrate understanding of scientific theories in physics by presenting analyses of problems and situations based on the theories.  MnTC Goal 3 
• Formulate and test hypotheses through laboratory experiments by designing apparatus, collecting data, analyzing statistically and graphically, and identifying sources of error and uncertainty.  MnTC Goal 3 
• Communicate the findings, analyses, and interpretations of experimental projects by oral presentations and written reports.  MnTC Goal 3 
• Communicate the findings, analyses, and interpretations of lab experiments by written reports.  MnTC Goal 3 
• Evaluate societal issues from a physics perspective.  MnTC Goal 3 
• Ask questions about the physical evidence presented.  MnTC Goal 3 
• Make informed judgments about physics-related topics and policies.  MnTC Goal 3 
• Design two experimental apparatuses that demonstrate laws of physics or physics principles.  
• Demonstrate the use of computers to acquire and analyze experimental data.  
• Demonstrate the use of computational software to solve numerical problems in physics.  
• Relate laws of physics and physical principles to natural phenomena in everyday life.  

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

1. Measurements and Physical Quantities
• Measuring physical quantities
• Reporting quantities in scientific notation with correct units and significant figures
2. Kinematics
• Description of motion of a particle using kinematic quantities in one-dimensions
• Description of motion of a particle using kinematic vector quantities in two-dimensions
3. Dynamics
• Description of nature of motion using Newton’s First Law – Inertia
• Description of nature of motion using Newton’s Second Law – Force and Motion
• Description of nature of motion using Newton’s Third Law – Action and Reaction
• Free-Body Diagram
• Friction
4. Circular Motion
• Dynamics of a particle under varying acceleration
• Dynamics of a particle under centripetal acceleration
5. Work and Energy
• Kinetic energy
• Potential energy
• Transfer of mechanical energy
• Energy conservation law
6. Linear Momentum
• Linear Momentum
• Impulse-Momentum Theorem
• Momentum conservation principle
• Nature of interaction between particles in a many-body system
7. Rotational motion
• Rotational kinematics
• Rotational dynamics
• Conservation principles for rotational energy and rotational momentum
8. Static Equilibrium
• Many-body system in translational and rotational equilibrium
• Center of mass
9. Vibrations and Waves
• Simple harmonic motion
• Mechanical waves
• Transfer
10. Sound
• Acoustic wave
• Energy and intensity
• Relativity
• Diffraction
• Interference

2. Laboratory/Studio Sessions

1. Measurements and Uncertainty
2. Kinematics
3. Vectors and Maps
4. Projectile Motion
5. Newton's Laws
6. Friction and Air Resistance
7. Centripetal Force
8. Work Done by Varying Forces
9. Conservation of Momentum
10. Rotational Motion and Moment of Inertia
11. Static Equilibrium and Build a Bridge Project
12. Simple Harmonic Motion
13. Waves on a String and in an Air Column
14. Sound, Beats, Interference, Doppler Effect