PHYS 103/103L Fundamentals of Physics I
This algebra/trigonometry physics course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the elementary principles of classical mechanics with some heat and energy in thermal processes, discuss applications to everyday phenomena (esp. life sciences), enhance conceptual understanding of physical laws, and increase problem-solving abilities as applied to physical systems. Topics investigated include: dimensional analysis, 1- and 2-D motion, vectors, Newton’s Laws, conservation of energy/work and momentum, rotational motion, summation of forces and torques, fluids, temperature and heat, and energy transfer in thermal processes. This course is designed mainly for life science majors and pre-professional students. In the laboratory portion of the course, students learn to use common physics equipment (including microcomputer-based sensors), analyze data, develop empirical models of phenomena, and communicate their results through written and oral lab reports. Credit will only be granted for one of the following: PHYS 103 or PHYS 110.
Hours Weekly
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
Course Objectives
- Identify physics misconceptions and support scientific models through class discussions and
by comparing and contrasting your ideas with results from demonstrations, experiments, and
computer simulations. - Develop problem-solving techniques as well as methods using various representations
including diagrams, graphs, equations, vector techniques, etc. to become a creative and
practical problem solver.
- Apply physics principles, scientific reasoning, and appropriate math techniques as needed to
answer questions and solve quantitative problems related, but not limited, to: dimensional
analysis, 1- and 2-D motion, Newton’s Laws with forces, conservation of work/energy and
momentum, rotational motion, fluids, temperature, and heat. - Explain the fundamental concepts in physics using appropriate vocabulary, units, symbols,
and notation. - Solve a problem by identifying the essential parts, formulating a strategy to solve it, applying
appropriate techniques (including trigonometry) to solve it, verifying the solution’s correctness
(e.g. sign, order of magnitude), and interpreting results. - Identify and operate common lab equipment and data-gathering tools such as motion and
force sensors; spring scales; graphical analysis programs; and computer simulations to
gather information about a system or phenomena. - Develop and analyze models and/or empirical equations to predict and describe physics
phenomena using experiments (some self-design) working with different lab partners and
experimental results, and communicate these findings through written formal lab reports.
Course Objectives
- Identify physics misconceptions and support scientific models through class discussions and
by comparing and contrasting your ideas with results from demonstrations, experiments, and
computer simulations. - Develop problem-solving techniques as well as methods using various representations
including diagrams, graphs, equations, vector techniques, etc. to become a creative and
practical problem solver.
- Apply physics principles, scientific reasoning, and appropriate math techniques as needed to
answer questions and solve quantitative problems related, but not limited, to: dimensional
analysis, 1- and 2-D motion, Newton’s Laws with forces, conservation of work/energy and
momentum, rotational motion, fluids, temperature, and heat. - Explain the fundamental concepts in physics using appropriate vocabulary, units, symbols,
and notation. - Solve a problem by identifying the essential parts, formulating a strategy to solve it, applying
appropriate techniques (including trigonometry) to solve it, verifying the solution’s correctness
(e.g. sign, order of magnitude), and interpreting results. - Identify and operate common lab equipment and data-gathering tools such as motion and
force sensors; spring scales; graphical analysis programs; and computer simulations to
gather information about a system or phenomena. - Develop and analyze models and/or empirical equations to predict and describe physics
phenomena using experiments (some self-design) working with different lab partners and
experimental results, and communicate these findings through written formal lab reports.