Faculty Syllabus

BASIC COURSE INFORMATION

Credit Hours: 4

Classroom Contact Hours: 48 Laboratory Contact Hours: 48

Course Description

This is a one-semester survey course in physics intended to give students an overview of physical concepts as well as experience applying those concepts to simple problem solving. Topics include kinematics, Newton’s laws, conservation laws, density and elasticity, fluids, sound, electricity, light and color. PHYS 1405

and PHYS 1410 may not both be taken for credit, nor may PHYS 1407 and PHYS 1410 both be taken for credit.

COURSE RATIONALE/OBJECTIVES

This course is designed for students who intend to enter the Sonography program of Austin Community College. It is intended to provide an overview of basic physics, to apply proportional reasoning to physics problems, and to apply graphical interpretation in order to fulfill requirements of the Sonography department as well as prepare for further study in Sonography.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

Grade of "C" or better in MATH 1314 or equivalent

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS

• Physics Classroom: Physics Tutorial
• Scientific Calculator.  Any kind will do (except the one on your phone).
• Webassign homework system: Registration information sent out via Blackboard
• HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS will be done online using WebAssign by Cengage.  
  • Each assignment will have a link in Blackboard under ‘Homework’
• PHYSICS CLASSROOM has the reading list, practice activities and simulations.
  • You should get an invite link by email.  Click the link that says “click here”
  • Fill in the Student Registration form. You MUST login using your ACC email.
  • Follow the registration instructions.  The class code is 0eb2add

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

COURSE-LEVEL STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

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

• Demonstrate the ability to translate common language descriptions into multiple physical representations (e. g. diagrams, mathematical equations, physical models) and vice versa.
• Demonstrate the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate findings in terms of fundamental physical concepts.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Newton's Laws of Motion, and quantitatively solve problems through the application of those laws to simple physical systems.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of physical conservation laws, and quantitatively solve problems through the application of those laws to simple physical systems (charge, energy & momentum).
• Demonstrate understanding of elastic forces and define properties of matter (charge, density, tension, and compression).
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of the properties of fluids (e.g., pressure, and buoyancy) to solve quantitative problems regarding simple physical systems.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of wave motion and oscillations and related properties to solve quantitative problems regarding simple physical systems. (Doppler shift, standing waves, harmonics, reflection, refraction, transmission & reflection coefficients).
• Demonstrate a basic qualitative understanding of properties of light and optics (e.g., electromagnetic spectrum, converging & diverging lenses, diffraction, & thin film interference).
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of the properties of electrical circuits to solve quantitative problems involving Ohm’s Law.

GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES:

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.