COURSE OUTLINE
Course Name: Conceptual Physics
Credit Hours: 4
Course Number: PHYS100
Prerequisite: Place into MATH105
Instructor: Kathy R. Sturgeon
Office: MMC280. Office Hours posted outside of door.  If the times are not convenient for you, feel free to call and arrange an appointment. Remember, concepts build on each other. Leaving some gaps in understanding now may not seem too important, but it will seriously impair performance later. I encourage all students to come and visit with me; in the minutes of a one-on-one interaction I can probably help more than in several hours of lecture!
Phone:443-8829
Voice Mail: 829
E-Mail: ksturgeon@dacc.edu or kjenkins@dacc.edu
Web Site: http://www.dacc.edu/~kjenkins/welcome2.html
Other Helpful Links:
Course Policy
Lab Report Format  and Other Report Formats
Powerpoint Presentation
KR Sturgeon Webpage Connection
Textbook Companion Connection
WebCT

 

Textbook and Required Materials

 
Resource Material:
Videos.
Conceptual Physics.  Paul Hewitt's videos are located at physicsplace.com. You’ll find your user id and password within your textbook.  If you have a used book a userid and password can be purchased at physicsplace.com.  If you perfer these videos can be found at the DACC library.

Mechanical Universe. These videos are in the library.They are not required but may provide extra help in understanding the material. Please understand that these videos are being used by other students in your class as well as students from other classes. It is essential that you view them quickly and return them immediately.

Audo Tapes.  I have prepared audio tapes that give an overview of the major topics.  They can be purchased in the bookstore.

Course Description: This course examines selected concepts and methods from the following topics related to physical phenomena encountered in the natural world and in human society:  mechanics, heat, electromagnetism, waves, optics, and modern physics. For course objectives: PHYS100 Syllabus.

Physics courses are taught at different levels from conceptual to calculus-oriented courses. Each meets the purpose of the student, but the only real difference between the levels is the "math rigor." The basic concepts are the same. PHYS100 is a conceptual based course with a small amount of mathematics, but it covers the same physics concepts as any other physics course. You should be prepared to DO and THINK! In order for this course to be successful, your enthusiastic cooperation and good humor are solicited.

PHYS100 is a lab based course. You will be working in teams to accomplish the objective for each lesson. Generally speaking you will perform 1-2 labs each day we meet. Lecture does NOT occur in this course. PHYS100 does have an online component. Online videos, tutorials, and discussion of review questions are used instead. You will be required to read and outline your chapters as well as watch the online videos. All quizzes and exams will be taken online. WebCT will be the vehicle we use to facilitate the online portion. I would recommend printing the calendar immediately.

As you visit the web site you will find that there are 7-8 lessons which are to be completed in the semester. Each encompasses reading assignments, recommended practice, and laboratory activities. Each lesson will begin with a set of objectives which you will be expected to master upon completing the lesson. Evaluations such as surveys, quizzes and exams are in multi-choice format.

 
Philosophy of the Course. YOU are in charge of your own learning. Unless you take an active role in learning, we will not be successful. I do want my students to succeed in this course! I want my students to be interested in what goes on in class, to conquer new concepts, to continue developing the skills exercised in other science and math classes, and to better understand application of science and mathematics to their own interest (and there are many!). But, this will not happen without your enthusiastic participation.
 
Attendance, Withdrawal Policy, and Course Policies: See the Course Policy link at http://www.dacc.edu/~kjenkins/welcome2.html. The course policy is also distributed on the first day of class (orange sheet).  You are expected to review the material as you will be quizzed over the content of the course policy. Attendance and participation in group work are fundemental to meeting the objectives of this course.


Grading Criterion:
Students will be evaluated with exams, reports, group activity, homework assignments, and quizzes.
 
Evaluation (60%) Writing (20%) Citzenship (20%)
Exams (7 for 40% total)
Final Exam (20%) 
 
 
 
 

 

 Lab Reports
Writing Projects
Discussion Reports
 
 
 

 

 Quizzes
Homework
Daily Activities
Board Work
Demonstrations
Presentations
TBA

Grading Scale: 90-100 A, 80-89.9 B, 70-79.9 C, 60-69.9 D, Below 60 F (no rounding--grades are assigned by my computer and are based on your scores)

Student Conduct Code:  Membership in the DACC community brings both rights and responsibility.  As a student at DACC, you are expected to exhibit conduct compatible with the educational mission of the College. It is the student’s responsibility to become familiar with and adhere to the Student Conduct Code and the Academic Integrity Policy, as contained in the DACC Student Handbook. The Student Handbook is available in the Information Office in Vermilion Hall.

 
Disabilities: Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Student Success Center at 217.443.8862 (TTY 217.443.8701) or stop by Cannon Hall Room 113. Please speak with me privately to discuss your specific accommodation needs in this course.