Course Syllabus
Course: PHYS 2210
Division: Natural Science and Math
Department: Physics
Title: Physics for Scientists and Engineers I
Semester Approved: Spring 2022
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2026
End Semester: Fall 2027
Catalog Description: PHYS 2210 is the first semester of a two-semester sequence in calculus-based physics for scientists and engineers. It is a necessary preparation for continuing studies in upper division STEM courses. It includes an introduction to Newton's laws of motion, momentum and energy conservation, rotations, oscillations, waves, and gravitation. The methods of calculus are applied to develop theories and to solve problems.
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 4; Lecture: 4; Lab: 0
Prerequisites: MATH 1220
Corequisites: PHYS 2215
Justification: This course is a necessary component of the curriculum for geology, chemistry, computer science, physics, math, and engineering majors. It is fully transferable to higher education institutions across the state of Utah (same course number).
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will know the important scientific laws and principles in classical mechanics. This will be assessed through quizzes and tests.
Students will be able to use sound problem-solving strategies to solve paper-and-pencil physics problems and apply them to real life. This will be assessed through homework assignments.
Content:
Care will be taken to emphasize the contributions to physics of historically underrepresented groups.1. Physical quantities, measurement standards, math tools a. Systems of units b. Reference frames c. Vectors and vector algebra 2. Kinematics (motion) in one dimension a. Displacement, velocity, and acceleration b. Freely-falling bodies c. Relative motion 3. Kinematics (motion) in two and three dimensions a. Displacement, velocity, and acceleration b. Projectile motion c. Circular motion, centripetal acceleration 4. Dynamics (causes of motion) a. Forces (including frictional and resistive forces) b. Newton's Laws of Motion c. Weight versus mass 5. Work and energy a. Kinetic energy and potential energy b. Work-energy principle c. Conservation of energy d. Power 6. Momentum and collisions a. Center of mass b. Impulse and momentum c. Conservation of linear momentum d. Elastic and inelastic collisions 7. Rotation and rotational dynamics a. Angular displacement, velocity, acceleration b. Kinetic energy of rotation c. Rotational inertia and torque d. Angular momentum 8. Equilibrium and elasticity a. Conditions for equilibrium b. Center of gravity c. Elastic properties of solids 9. Gravitation a. Newton's law of universal gravitation b. Kepler's laws c. Gravitational field and gravitational potential energy d. Satellite motion 10. Fluid Dynamics a. Pressure b. Buoyant forces and Archimedes' principle c. Bernoulli's Principle11. Periodic and oscillatory motion a. Simple harmonic motion b. Hooke's Law c. Mass on spring and the simple pendulum12. Mechanical waves a. Traveling waves b. Superposition and interference c. Reflection and transmission d. Standing waves13. Sound waves a. Speed of sound b. Intensity c. Resonance, beats d. Doppler effect
Key Performance Indicators:
Participation 0 to 10%
Homework 10 to 35%
Quizzes 10 to 30%
Tests 20 to 45%
Comprehensive final exam 15 to 35%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Physics for Scientists and Engineers, current or recent edition. (There are various equivalent texts with the same name by different authors. Currently using Randall Knight.)
Pedagogy Statement:
The course will be taught in an interactive lecture format with lots of active-learning activities. Inclusive and high-impact strategies will be used, such as group work on in-class quizzes and student presentations to the class. Students will be encouraged to actively participate in in groups in both in-class and out-of-class activities. Students will be expected to come to class prepared by pre-reading the textbook. Students are encouraged to learn both confidence and humility.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture
Maximum Class Size: 24
Optimum Class Size: 20
