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 contains the following topics: 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): |
College Math |
Score: |
63 |
6. Prerequisite Courses:
PHYS 1401 - College Physics I
A total of 0 Course(s) from...
Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
MATH 1470 | College Algebra | 3 cr. |
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:
PHYS 1401 - College Physics I
There are no corequisites for this course.
II. Transfer and Articulation
1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:
Name of Institution
|
Course Number and Title
|
Credits
|
St. Cloud State University
|
PHYS 231 General Physics I
|
4
|
University of Minnesota Duluth
|
PHYS 1001 Introduction to Physics I
|
5
|
III. Course Purpose
1. Program-Applicable Courses – This course is required for the following program(s):
Expected Outcome
|
MnTC Goal Area
|
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.
|
3
|
Demonstrate understanding of scientific theories in physics by presenting analyses of problems and situations based on the theories.
|
3
|
Formulate and test hypotheses through laboratory experiments by designing apparatus, collecting data, analyzing statistically and graphically, and identifying sources of error and uncertainty.
|
3
|
Communicate the findings, analyses, and interpretations of projects and lab experiments by oral presentations and written reports.
|
3
|
Evaluate societal issues from a physics perspective, ask questions about the physical evidence presented, and make informed judgments about physics-related topics and policies.
|
3
|
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 oral communication skills |
Explain present a solution to a problem dealing with the topic being covered. |
Demonstrate written communication skills |
Write scientific reports and solutions to physics problems competently. |
Apply abstract ideas to concrete situations |
Carry out individual experimental project and formulate the given problem situation based on the physical laws and principles to solve for a physical quantity in question. |
Utilize appropriate technology |
Use graphing technologies and analysis software competently to help explain physical phenomena. |
Work as a team member to achieve shared goals |
Work as lab team to successfully complete a lab assignment. |
2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of
the course:
Expected Outcome
|
MnTC Goal Area
|
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.
|
3
|
Demonstrate understanding of scientific theories in physics by presenting analyses of problems and situations based on the theories.
|
3
|
Formulate and test hypotheses through laboratory experiments by designing apparatus, collecting data, analyzing statistically and graphically, and identifying sources of error and uncertainty.
|
3
|
Communicate the findings, analyses, and interpretations of projects and lab experiments by oral presentations and written reports.
|
3
|
Evaluate societal issues from a physics perspective, ask questions about the physical evidence presented, and make informed judgments about physics-related topics and policies.
|
3
|
V. Topical Outline
Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.
1. Lecture Sessions
Measuring physical quantities and reporting those in scientific notation with correct units and significant figures
Kinematics – description of motion of a particle using kinematic vector quantities in one- and two-dimensions
Dynamics – description of nature of motion using Newton’s Laws – force and motion
Circular motion – dynamics of a particle under varying acceleration
Work and Energy – energy conservation principle and the transfer of mechanical energy
Linear Momentum – momentum conservation principle and nature of interaction between particles in a many-body system
Rotational Motion – rotational kinematics, dynamics, and conservation principles for energy and momentum
Static Equilibrium – many-body system in translational and rotational equilibrium
Vibrations and Waves – simple harmonic motion, mechanical waves, and energy transfer
Sound – acoustic wave, energy and intensity, relativity, wave diffraction and interference
2. Laboratory/Studio Sessions
Cart on a Ramp
Projectile Motion
Kinetic Friction
Centripetal Force
Air Resistance
Vector Addition
Momentum Conservation
Build a Bridge Project