Course Syllabus

Course: PHYS 2215

Division: Natural Science and Math
Department: Physics
Title: Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Laboratory

Semester Approved: Spring 2022
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2026
End Semester: Fall 2027

Catalog Description: PHYS 2215 is the laboratory experience to accompany PHYS 2210. Students will learn techniques of measurement and data analysis and how to communicate scientific results effectively in writing. Principles from the lecture section will be illustrated. (Lab fee required.)

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 0; Lab: 3

Corequisites: PHYS 2210


Justification: This course is a necessary component of the curriculum for geology, chemistry, computer science, physics, math, and engineering majors, in conjunction with the lecture portion of the series.


Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to make useful measurements of various natural phenomena.  This will be assessed through lab reports.

Students will be able to analyze data and draw appropriate conclusions.  This will be assessed through lab reports.


Content:
Care will be taken to emphasize the contributions to physics of historically underrepresented groups.Laboratory experiments about measurement, acceleration, forces, rotational inertia, torques, harmonic motion, work, and waves are included in this course, as are some computer simulations using spreadsheets and programming languages.

Key Performance Indicators:
Lab reports 50 to 75%

Quizzes 10 to 25%

Participation 0 to 10%

Comprehensive final exam 10 to 30%


Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Laboratory manual prepared by Snow College Instructors


Pedagogy Statement:
The course will be taught in a hands-on laboratory setting. Students will be actively engaged in taking and analyzing data about various physical phenomena. Inclusive and high-impact strategies will be used, such as group work in lab and communicating through writing. Students will be expected to come to class prepared by pre-reading the lab instructions.

Instructional Mediums:
Lab

Maximum Class Size: 24
Optimum Class Size: 18