Faculty Syllabus

Course Prerequisites
A grade of C or better in PHYS 1405.
Instructional Methodology
This course combines lecture and lab. Student attendance is mandatory during the entire lecture and lab
period as listed in the college course schedule.

Required Texts/Materials
Conceptual Physics, 12th Edition- Hewitt (This is a First Day Access section), see link
https://www.austincc.edu/academic-and-career-programs/first-day-classes.

Regular reading assignments from the hewitt text will be assigned for all topics covered in the course. 

Course Description
Conceptual survey of topics in physics, including the fundamentals of optics, electricity, magnetism and
modern physics. Intended for liberal arts and other non-science majors, but science majors with weak
physics background may wish to use this as an introduction to physics principles.
Course Rationale
This is a basic physics course that can be taken to satisfy the requirements of some degrees (non-science
and non-engineering majors), see your specific degree plan for course credit requirements. Familiarity
with a broad approach to physics with a minimal level mathematical rigor. A conceptual approach
allows the consideration of a larger subset of topics than can typically be covered. Qualitative concepts
and models are introduced. Calculations involving proportionality are emphasized.

Student Learning Outcomes
Course-Level Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
 Demonstrate understanding of the nature of science and scientific methods and how science
differs from other ways of understanding the world.
 Demonstrate knowledge of electrostatics (e.g., electric charges, forces, fields, and energy)
and conceptually apply that knowledge to simple physical systems.
 Demonstrate knowledge of electrical circuits and apply that knowledge to simple electrical
circuits.
 Demonstrate knowledge of electromagnetism (e.g., electric currents, magnetic fields, and
magnetic forces) and conceptually apply that knowledge to simple physical systems.
 Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of light and the electromagnetic spectrum.
 Demonstrate knowledge of optics (geometric and physical) and conceptually apply that
knowledge to optical systems.
 Demonstrate knowledge of principles of modern physics, such as relativity, quantum
mechanics, basic atomic and nuclear structure, and cosmology.
 Demonstrate the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data.
 Demonstrate the ability to communicate findings in terms of fundamental physical concepts.
General Education Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate competence in:
 Critical Thinking
Gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information.
 Interpersonal Skills
Interacting collaboratively to achieve common goals.
 Quantitative and Empirical Reasoning
Applying mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods.
 Written, Oral and Visual Communication
Communicating effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.