Course Description

The course is an introduction to some of the basic laws of physics. Topics include: measurements and systems of units; conversion of units; vector algebra; classical mechanics; properties of fluids; properties of gases; thermal physics; electricity and magnetism; elasticity and wave motion; light and optics; modern physics.

Instructor:
Dr. Nader Copty
Building 800, Room 843
Telephone: 706-771-4123
E-mail: ncopty@augustatech.edu

Credit and Contact Hours

• Class hours per week = 4
• Lab hours per week = 3
• Course credit hours = 5

Prerequisites

MAT 190 or 191 (College Algebra), with a grade of "C" or better.

Textbook

Physics for the Health Sciences, by C. Nave and B. Nave.

Additional Resources

1. The Physics of Everyday Phenomena, by W. T. Griffith.
2. Physics With Health Science Applications, by P. P. Urone.
3. Applied Physics, by D. Ewen, N. Schurter, and P. Gundersen.
4. Introductory Physics, By J. Touger.
5. Contemporary College Physics, by E. R. Jones and R. L. Childers.
6. Conceptual Physics, by P. G. Hewitt.
7. College Physics, by R. Serway and J. Faughn.
8. Physics, by J. Cutnell and K. Johnson.
9. Physics Principles with Applications, by D. Giancoli.
10. College Physics, by J. Wilson and A. Buffa.
11. Physics for the Life Sciences, by A. H. Cromer.
12. The library has many physics books that may be used as supplemental reading.

Grading Policy

Letter grades will be issued at the end of the quarter according to the following weights:

Grading Scale

Letter grades will be issued at the end of the quarter according to the following scale:

Work Ethics

In addition to a course grade, each student will also receive a grade on work ethics. The areas of evaluation are attendance, productivity, teamwork, character, leadership, organization, communication, respect, self-esteem, and appearance. The following point score will be used:

0 = Unacceptable.
1 = Needs improvement.
2 = Meets expectations.
3 = Exceeds expectations - This grade requires the student be exemplary.

Required Material

1. Textbooks (see above).
2. Access to computer with Microsoft Word.
3. Scientific Calculator.
4. Graph Paper.

Laboratory Reports

Each student in a lab group will be responsible for producing a single laboratory report pertaining to the data collected by the group for a specific experiment. The instructor will evaluate each report. Laboratory reports are due one week after the data is collected unless another due time is negotiated with the instructor. Refer to the Physics Laboratory Reports instruction sheet for more details.

Attendance and Tardiness

It is necessary for every student to be present and on time for all classes. Attendance and tardiness are counted and if a student misses in excess of five sessions or 10% of the total contact hours, then student is subject to being suspended or dropped from the course. Three tardies or leaving before the end of class equals one absence. Refer to the Student Handbook for more details.

Make-Up Policy

1. Should a student be absent from class, then the burden of catching up will rest entirely upon the student. That is, it will be the student's responsibility to obtain any missed information and/or handouts.
2. Should a student miss a test or quiz, then that student will receive a grade of zero unless the student has a valid and documented excuse, and prior arrangements for a make-up have been made with the instructor. Make-ups are given at the discretion of the instructor.
3. There are no make-ups for missing laboratories and experiments. Lab reports submitted after the due dates will be subject to a penalty.

Safety Rules

The instructor is responsible for safety in the classroom and laboratory. Since it is impossible to anticipate every possible situation or eliminate every hazard, it is necessary for each student to: (1) be alert, (2) be cautious, (3) be self reliant, and (4) use common sense. When an experiment is performed involving hazards not covered in the guidelines, your instructor will inform you of any additional safety rules. Refer to the Safety Rules in the Physics Laboratory handout for a list of general guidelines.

Special Needs

A wide range of services, including testing and classroom accommodations, are available to assist disabled students. Disabled students have the responsibility to contact the Disability counselor to discuss special needs and services. Learning disabled students are required to provide current diagnostic test results in order to receive special services. Should there be a student in this class with special needs due to a disability, please feel free to discuss them with the instructor.

Contents Overview

This introductory physics course covers the standard topics in classical and modern physics. The contents include:

1. Physical Measurements and Units
2. Vector Algebra
3. Laws of Motion and Newton’s Laws
4. Circular Motion and Gravity
5. Work and Energy
6. Properties of Liquids and Gases
7. Thermal Physics
8. Electricity and Magnetism
9. Elasticity and Wave Motion
10. Sound Waves
11. Light and Optics
12. Atomic and Modern Physics

Class Schedule