Course Description

The third of three algebra and trigonometry based courses in the physics sequence. The course is an introduction to the theories of optics, wave motion, and thermal physics. Topics include: light; geometrical optics; wave optics; vibrations; simple harmonic motion; wave motion; sound and acoustics; fluid mechanics; thermal physics; thermodynamics. Computer use is an integral part of the class and laboratory assignments.

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 191, MAT 193 or 194, CIS 191 or EET191, and PHY 191. All with grade of "C" or better.

Textbooks

1. College Physics, by R. Serway and J. Faughn.
2. Student Solutions Manual & Study Guide for College Physics, Volume 2.

Additional Resources

1. Physics, by J. Cutnell and K. Johnson.
2. Physics Principles with Applications, by D. Giancoli.
3. College Physics, by J. Wilson and A. Buffa.
4. University Physics, by H. Young and R. Freedman.
5. Physics for Scientists and Engineers, by R. Serway and R. Beichner.
6. Fundamentals of Physics, by D. Halliday, R. Resnick, and J. Walker.
7. The library has many physics books that may be used as supplemental reading.
8. The library also has a large selection of videotapes on physics, chemistry, mathematics, etc.

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 physics course covers the standard topics in wave motion and sound, light and optics, solids and fluids, and thermodynamics. The contents include:

1. Vibrating Bodies
2. Harmonic Motion
3. Wave Motion
4. Sound and Acoustics
5. Nature and Propagation of Light
6. Reflection and Refraction
7. Mirrors, Lenses, and Optical Instruments
8. Interference and Diffraction
9. Doppler Effect
10. Fluid Mechanics
11. Temperature and Heat
12. Thermal Physics
13. Molecular Properties of Matter
14. Laws of Thermodynamics

Class Schedule