Text: Fundamentals of Physics, Halliday, Resnick and Walker, 6th Edition.

Credit: 3 Hours

Course Description: PHY160 is a calculus-based physics course dealing with the topics of mechanics and heat. Emphasis will be placed on basic concepts and principles and their application to science and technology. One of the objectives of 20th century Physics has been to synthesize the basic principles of Nature determined in earlier centuries and, thereby extend our comprehension of the way the natural world works. The major objective of the first semester of an introductory course in physics is to develop your ability to use the language and concepts that physics and other sciences use to describe motion - why and how. This language includes the important physical ideas of force and energy and will be used to describe simple mechanical systems. Motion at the molecular level will be utilized in an understanding of heat.

You will be asked to explain observations of the world about us using the language of physics and to predict outcomes of experiments using these ideas. You will frequently find that you must struggle to overcome your prior notions about the ideas being introduced. It is highly recommended that you also register for the laboratory course, PHY 160L, to apply the principles learned in lecture to real data.

This course also addresses the development of a student's abilities in areas which some find quite demanding and difficult:

(i) to effectively communicate and use scientific ideas,
(ii) to employ quantitative and mathematical methods to describe and solve scientific and other practical problems and
(iii) to think critically and analytically.

Prerequisites: A solid foundation in algebra, trigonometry and coordinate geometry is presumed. Successful completion of one semester of calculus is preferred, but a co-enrollment in calculus is acceptable. A previous course in physics (either high school or college) is recommended, though not required. A working knowledge of spreadsheet software (e.g. Microsoft Excel) and Internet browser (e.g. Netscape Navigator) is recommended.

Course Requirements: The student should have the ability to explain the basic physical concepts studied in this course both verbally and through writing. The student should also be able to solve problems using qualitative and quantitative arguments. A combination of written tests, interactive classroom exercises, short quizzes and a comprehensive final examination will be used to evaluate student learning. Demonstrated mastery of the subject matter will earn the student an "A" grade. Other levels of demonstrated competency will be rewarded with appropriately adjusted grades.

Homework/Classwork:

Reading will be assigned prior to each lecture. Given the rapid pace of this course, it is imperative that you read ahead to have some idea of the topics to be covered in that lecture. In addition, short Reading Quizzes will be administered in the first 5-7 minutes of the lecture (at least one such quiz per week). These will be based on the assigned reading and are designed only to check that you have indeed carefully read the assigned material. An innovative interactive student response system is being pioneered in the Physics department and you will get a chance to use it for the Reading Quizzes in PHY 160.

Traditional homework problems will be assigned from each chapter covered in class. You should work these problems out in collaboration with other classmates. Homework will not be collected by the instructor, but can be discussed during the Recitation Section. Quizzes will use an open-homework policy and tests will reflect the types of problems assigned in the homework. Thus it is in your best interests to diligently work through the assigned problems.

This course may utilize a computerized homework grading system for some assignments. Further details will be provided in class.

Disabilities

Every reasonable accommodation will be made for students with disabilities (either physical or mental). This is covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Students with disabilities should notify the Instructor immediately.

Attendance in class is mandatory. NSU policy grants a student no more than 3 unexcused absences. There will be no make up quizzes.