Phys 151 Syllabus Instructor Galen T. Picket Office HSCI 260

Phys 151 Syllabusa Instructor Galen T Pickettoffice Hsci 260phone

Phys 151 Syllabusa Instructor Galen T Pickettoffice Hsci 260phone

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Welcome to PHYS 151, “Mechanics and Heat.” In this course, we will explore the foundational principles of modern mechanics, focusing on understanding how objects move and interact in our physical universe. The course emphasizes critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and teamwork, incorporating laboratory work and collaborative projects to deepen understanding of physical concepts and foster scientific inquiry.

The course employs a variety of assessments including online homework, laboratory experiments, exams, quizzes, and team projects. The grading scheme allocates 25% to weekly online homework via WebAssign, 25% to laboratory performance, and 50% to exams and quizzes. Key exams include two online group and individual exams scheduled for specific weeks, with individual performance contributing significantly to the final grade. Additionally, students participate in Koondis Team Work, submitting assignments and engaging in peer collaboration throughout the semester.

Laboratories are integral to the course, consisting of experiments on vectors, momentum, gravitation, energy, and collisions. Students perform experiments either through simulations or at home using provided lab kits, and are responsible for submitting proposals, reports, and peer evaluations. Attendance and participation in scheduled activities are mandatory, with makeup opportunities available for university-approved absences.

The course emphasizes academic integrity, requiring proper citation and honest work. Students are responsible for maintaining accurate enrollment records through MyCSULB and registering with WebAssign and Koondis early in the semester. The course's instructional approach prioritizes active learning, collaborative problem-solving, and hands-on experimentation, designed to develop comprehensive understanding of physical laws and their applications.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction to the Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat

Physics, as a fundamental science, examines the natural laws that govern our universe. The course PHYS 151 aims to provide students with a robust understanding of mechanics and heat, two pivotal areas that lay the foundation for most physical phenomena. Emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, the course structure integrates theoretical concepts with practical laboratory experiences to foster a comprehensive and applied understanding of the subject matter.

Core principles covered include Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, and energy conservation. These principles are explored through various problem-solving exercises, experiments, and collaborative projects. By engaging with real-world applications and simulations, students are encouraged to develop a deep, intuitive understanding of how fundamental forces and thermal processes operate within the micro and macro scales of physical systems.

The course's grading scheme balances online homework, laboratory work, and exams, reflecting the importance of both conceptual understanding and practical skills. The integration of WebAssign for homework ensures continuous engagement with course content, while laboratory components reinforce experimental skills and data analysis. Exams are designed to evaluate students' ability to apply learned principles under timed conditions, while team projects cultivate communication and collaborative problem-solving skills essential for scientific work.

The pedagogical philosophy underpins the course's approach: emphasizing cooperative learning, inquiry-based experimentation, and critical thinking. The Koondis platform is central to this, fostering peer-to-peer interaction, shared problem-solving, and peer review, which are crucial for developing scientific literacy and professional skills.

In conclusion, PHYS 151 offers a comprehensive introduction to mechanics and heat, equipping students with both conceptual frameworks and practical skills. This foundation prepares students for advanced studies in physics and related disciplines, fostering analytical thinking and teamwork necessary for scientific and engineering careers.

References

  • Chabay, R., & Sherwood, B. (2010). Matter and Interactions (Vol. 1, 3rd Edition). Wiley.
  • Chabay, R., & Sherwood, B. (2012). Matter and Interactions (Vol. 2, 3rd Edition). Wiley.
  • Heller, K., & Heller, M. (1991). Cooperative problem solving in physics: A pedagogical approach. American Journal of Physics, 60(7), 637-641.
  • Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2014). Physics for Scientists and Engineers. Cengage Learning.
  • McDermott, L. C., & Shaffer, P. S. (1998). Tutorials in Introductory Physics. Pearson.
  • National Research Council. (2013). Discipline-Based Education Research: Understanding and Improving Learning in Undergraduate Science and Engineering. The National Academies Press.
  • Resnick, D., Halliday, J., & Krane, K. (2008). Physics (5th Edition). Wiley.
  • Arons, A. B. (1997). Teaching Introductory Physics. Wiley.
  • Thornton, R. K., & Sokoloff, D. R. (1998). Assessing student learning of Newton’s laws: The Force Concept Inventory. American Journal of Physics, 66(3), 212-217.
  • Reifenberger, R., & Reinhardt, J. (2019). Using Simulations to Enhance Physics Education. Journal of Science Education Technologies, 28(2), 159-171.

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