Course Hours

•       Credit Hours:        4

•       Contact Hours per week:              Classroom           3    |      Laboratory         3

Course Description

Fundamental principles of physics, using calculus, for science, computer science, and engineering majors; the principles and applications of classical mechanics, including harmonic motion, physical systems and thermodynamics; and emphasis on problem solving. Intended for majors in engineering, physics, chemistry, and mathematics.  This is the first half of the calculus-based PHYS 2425/2426 sequence.

Course Rationale/Objectives

The class is the first segment in the two part sequence (PHY2425 and PHY2426), and is intended for majors in engineering, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science and other technical and scientific majors.  This course is intended to develop and overview physics using calculus based models as well as problem solving and critical thinking.

Instructional Methodology

The class consists of a lecture and lab section, which will at times be combined or exchanged.  Both sections include time for class discussions, demonstrations, student projects, and activities guided by the instructor.  All parts of the class, lecture and lab, will be addressed on quizzes and exams. 

Course Format and COVID-19

The course is a face-to-face class, meaning instruction happens in person in a class room and physical attendance of lecture and lab is expected.  The COVID-19 pandemic has ended and there is currently no plan for any part of this class to be delivered online.  Should this situation change an amendment to the syllabus will be handed out.

Course-Level Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Prepare laboratory reports that clearly communicate experimental information in a logical and scientific manner.
• Conduct basic laboratory experiments involving classical mechanics.
• Relate physical observations and measurements involving classical mechanics to theoretical principles.
• Evaluate the accuracy of physical measurements and the potential sources of error in the measurements.
• Design fundamental experiments involving principles of classical mechanics.
• Identify appropriate sources of information for conducting laboratory experiments involving classical mechanics.
• Determine the components of linear motion (displacement, velocity, and acceleration), and especially motion under conditions of constant acceleration.
• Solve problems involving forces and work.
• Apply Newton's laws to physical problems.
• Identify the different types of energy.
• Solve problems using principles of conservation of energy.
• Define the principles of impulse, momentum, and collisions.
• Use principles of impulse and momentum to solve problems.
• Determine the location of the center of mass and center of rotation for rigid bodies in motion.
• Discuss rotational kinematics and dynamics and the relationship between linear and rotational motion.
• Solve problems involving rotational and linear motion.
• Define equilibrium, including the different types of equilibrium.
• Discuss simple harmonic motion and its application to real-world problems
• Solve problems involving the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics.

      General Education Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate competence in:

• Communication Skills

Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through written, oral and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.

• Critical Thinking Skills

Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information for the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.

• Empirical and Quantitative Skills

Apply mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods through the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions.

• Teamwork

Consider different points of view to work collaboratively and effectively in pursuit of a shared purpose or goal.

• OpenStax:  University Physics I (Unit 1&2) and University Physics II (Unit 1)
• A subscription to ExpertTA which can be purchased at TheExpertTA.com with the link given in class, which should directly lead to the course assignments.
• A scientific calculator (not a graphing calculator) incapable of (1) accessing the internet or network with computers, phones, etc., and (2) storing data other than numbers and alphanumerical characters.

Course Prerequisites

• Credit in MATH 2413 Calculus I or equivalent

      AND

• Concurrent enrollment or credit in MATH 2414 Calculus II or its equivalent

      AND

• One year of high school physics or a grade of C or better in PHYS 1401 General College Physics I

Course Policies

Attendance/Class Participation

For both, face-to-face or distance instruction, regular and punctual class attendance is expected of all students and participation in quizzes and in-class assignments will be graded.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, you may be withdrawn from the class.  Attendance and participation in the labs is mandatory.  Up to four labs can be made up for good reasons – additional missed labs will be automatically counted as zero points.  The distance learning sessions will be held in Blackboard Collaborate, which can be accessed from the Blackboard class page or, under special circumstances, with a guest link.

In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed..  

Grading System

The total class grade will consist of the lecture grade (75 %) and the lab grade (25%). 

•         The lecture grade consists of

                                Exam 1 - 3                                                             16 % each

                                Final Exam                                                            27 %

                                Homework                                                            15 %

                                Quizzes                                                                   6 %

                                In-class assignments                                              4 %

                                                                                                                  100 %

•         The lab grade is determined by your lab report (90%) and a lab quiz (10%).

•         A student must earn 70% (“C”) or better in the laboratory portion of the course as well as 70% (“C”) or better in the lecture portionof the course in order to earn a grade of “C” or better in the course. If he or she does not earn 70% or better in both the lecture and the laboratory sections of the course, then their grade for the course will be a “D” (unless due to their overall course average they have earned an “F” for the course). Thus, it is possible for you to earn an “A” in the lecture/lab portion of the course, but then because you earned either a “D” or an “F” in the other portion you will get a “D” for the course even if your overall course average is > 70%.

•        The grading scale is A: 100–90 %; B: 80–89 %; C: 70–79 %; D: 60–69%; F: Below 60 %

Homework Policies

Homework is assigned via ExpertTA at TheExpertTA.com.  To purchase access to this class, go to the link given to you.  Other types of homework submission are not possible except in special circumstances.  It is the student’s responsibility to check for assignments at ExpertTA.  Homework is due typically about five days after assignment as indicated on the ExpertTA site.  Late homework is accepted at a point deduction rate of 4 % per hour.  One homework can be dropped.  

Lab Policies

Labs are a very important element to the understanding of the concepts of the class. Attendance is mandatory independent of class format except for good and well-documented reasons. If a lab is missed, the experiment needs to be performed independently from the regular group and a separate report must be submitted. Up to four make-up labs are allowed for good reason and must be coordinated with the lab tech for HLC.  After gathering the data and performing the necessary calculations during lab time, a lab report is required.  Groups of one to four students (depending on the lab) can submit one report and will receive the same grade for it.  Lab report guidelines will be handed out separately.  The report is due one week after the data acquisition of the lab was performed or one day before the final exam (whatever comes first). After that period late reports are accepted for one week but with a deduction of 15% per day, but no late submission are allowed after the final exam.

Exam and Test Policies

Three midterm exams, each over a range of chapters as indicated in the schedule, will test the understanding of the class content that was covered in the lecture and labs.  No make-up exams will be permitted, except for medical emergencies.  The final exam will be comprehensive, i.e. it will cover all content of class including the chapters not covered in midterm exams.  There will also be no make-up final exam, except for medical emergencies.

During the course of the class unannounced quizzes will be given typically covering aspects of the homework, or similar questions.  These quizzes are graded, and are intended to be a status-report of the learning progress for the student.  Quizzes count as zero points when missed, and no extra time is allowed for late arrival to class.

Missed Exam and Late Work Policies

Exams: There are no make-up exams. Students who miss an exam will receive a zero for the exam. However, in cases of medical emergencies, with medical documentation, indicating that the student is incapable of performing an exam, an alternative exam can be requested.  The medical emergency has to be communicated to the instructor at the earliest time reasonably possible.

Homework: Homework is due on the due date as indicated on the ExpertTA site, and late homework is accepted at a point deduction rate of 4 % per hour late.

Quizzes: There are no make-up quizzes.  Missed Quizzes will have zero points.

Labs: Up to four make-up labs are possible.  Any make-up lab must be scheduled the Friday following the original lab date or count as zero points.  An individual report is due the Monday one week after the data acquisition of the lab was performed or one day before the final exam (whatever comes first). After that period late reports are accepted for one week but with a deduction of 15% per day, but no late submission are allowed after the final exam.

Class Communication is Through Your ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account.  For the purpose of this class, it is expected that you read your e-mail at least twice a day.  Your instructor will use e-mail for instance for notifications, reminders, to initiate a conversation with you if there is a problem, and to answer questions you may have.

Copyrighted Materials

All class materials provided on ACC web pages, electronic reserves, on disk, and in printed form are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright holder. Reproduction means photocopying, imaging, scanning, copying downloaded files or distributing any material outside of class such as posting any of these on a server (web site).  This includes posting exam questions on problem answering sites such as Chegg.

Blackboard

Blackboard is the platform for the distribution of class information.  Any information posted on Blackboard is copyrighted and may not be distributed in any form without the instructor’s written permission.   Blackboard also has grades, which are updated during the semester as often as possible.  Many other class supporting files are on Blackboard, such as lecture notes, problem solutions, problem solving videos and other helpful documents.  You are expected to check Blackboard several times a week.

Recording Policy

The lecture will be supported by the textbook and also accompanied by lecture notes showing the major slides and problem statements for examples presented in class.  The class is also intended to be a space to ask questions and openly discuss misconceptions as an important part of the learning process.  In order to assure a smooth learning process and protect privacy, recording in audio or video form are prohibited.  Under special circumstances as determined in conjunction with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) (see below), some limited form of recording may be possible.

ACC Learning Labs

This class is very demanding and it is expected that you seek help in the likely event that you have questions or have difficulties with the concepts.  Some questions are best addressed directly with the instructor through office hours and e-mail.  For more extensive help, Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course. Many campuses offer a variety of topics for tutoring seven days a week.  You are not bound to the campus at which you attend the class.  The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at:  http://www.austincc.edu/students/tutoring/tutoring-schedules

Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date (April 22, 2024  – please verify with the ACC schedule at https://www.austincc.edu/students/registration/important-dates). The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.  Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall 2002 may be charged a higher tuition rate for that course.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals. Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog.

Incompletes

An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course. A grade of incomplete should be reserved only for extreme cases meeting the following criteria.

1.    The student has had a documented life event beyond their control that will prevent them from completing the semester on time.

2.    The Student is in good standing (Grade of ‘C’ or better at the time of the life event from 1)

3.    The Student has completed most of the material in the course.

Before assigning a grade of incomplete, the instructor and the student must agree to a plan of action that includes a specific list of tasks to be completed by the student with a timeline of completion. This plan needs to be approved by the department chair (or designee). An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. 

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant.  The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not.  The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

1.       Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine a plan of action that identifies all of the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form with the plan of action and send it to the department chair (or designee) to be approved.

2.       Once approved, the faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement. A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   

3.       The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  

4.       Students will retain access to the course Blackboard or other LMS named here through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard or other LMS named here and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  

5.       When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 

Student Discipline

Students enrolled in this course are expected to comply with the provisions of this syllabus and the Student Standards of Conduct. With the exception of scholastic dishonesty, violations of the Student Standards of Conduct will be reported to the Campus Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.  Any student suspected of scholastic dishonesty will meet in private with the professor to discuss the alleged offense(s) and review the evidence that supports the charge.  After conferring with the student, the professor will dismiss the allegation or assess an academic penalty.  A student will be informed in writing if an academic penalty is assessed.  He or she should consult the Student Handbook for his/her rights and responsibilities.

General College Policies (EXCERPT)

Detailed College Policies can be found at:

https://www.austincc.edu/offices/academic-outcomes-assessment/master-syllabi/college-policies

and    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xcBO04O--vD-vYjwX_bJPJJCFiYL3XlZ/view

Following are some important topics:

Illness 

Any ACC student or employee with symptoms or exposure to the COVID-19 virus should inform his or her professor(s) or supervisor and complete the College’s self reporting form:

https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?AustinCC&layout_id=124.

Student Accessibility Services 

Each Students with documented disabilities who need classroom, academic, or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus. Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student. Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology.

Statement on Academic Integrity 

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester. All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency.

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college-related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff. Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:   http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers.

Testing Center Policy

Under certain circumstances, examinations may have to be taken in a testing center. The ACC Testing Centers follow standard procedures so students know what to expect when they arrive to take their tests. Students should familiarize themselves with thestudent guidelines.

Students must present anACC student ID cardor government issued ID and know their ACC ID number before they can test.

It is necessary to check in at the Testing Center kiosk before taking a test. To check in, one must know the following information:

•       Student ID number                                                               •                Course prefix and number(e.g., ENGL 1301)

•       Course Synonym (e.g., 10123)                                      •                Course Section Number (e.g., 005)

•       Test Number                                                                              •                Instructor's Name

Personal belongings such as backpacks, books, and electronic devices (including, but not limited to, cell phones and smart watches) are not allowed in the Testing Center. Possession of prohibited items or accessing unapproved resources in the testing room will result in the immediate termination of the exam andpossible disciplinary action.  For additional information on using the Testing Center, please go to: http://www.austincc.edu/students/testing-services/instructional-testing

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field tripswhere the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation.

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at: http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at  http://www.austincc.edu/students.

Student Accessibility Services

Students with documented disabilities who need classroom, academic, or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus.  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided.  Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available athttps://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include face-to-face and online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. Tutoring schedules can be found at:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/tutoring/tutoring-schedules

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

• Food pantries are located in all campus Student Life offices:https://sites.austincc.edu/sl/programs/foodpantry/.   
• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center:http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.
• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes:http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office:http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.  
• Drop-in child care is available at Highland Campus: http://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care/child-watch-drop-in-center

Clinical Counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns:http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling.

If an emergency occurs during operational hours, please come to the Student Services Office and let the front intake staff know that you are experiencing a crisis. They will alert appropriate personnel. You may also contact the ACC District Police at 222 (on campus) or 223-7999 (off campus or cell phone).

After Hours:If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

• Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
• The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)

·      National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

The above is an excerpt of the syllabus.  The complete syllabus will be handed out in class.