General Physics II (PHSC 233) - Syllabus Overview

Course Description

This course covers the fundamental principles of Electricity & Magnetism, including the study of electrostatics, conductors and currents, magnetic fields, and Maxwell’s equations. It is designed for students majoring in Physical Science and Engineering Physics. Prerequisite: PHSC 132.

• Lecture Hours: Three per week

• Laboratory Hours: Weekly

• Focus: Physical Science and Engineering Physics majors

Professor/Class Information

• Instructor: Xidong Chen, Ph.D.

• Term: Spring 2024

• Location: Lim 402

• Office Hours: M/F 9:00 – 10:00 AM

• Email: xidong.chen@biola.edu

• Course Code: PHSC 233

• Class Days/Times: MWF 10:30 – 11:20AM

• Office Location: Lim Center 313

Course Alignment with Program Learning Outcomes

Purpose and Scope

This calculus-based course is a core requirement for engineering physics and physics majors. Successful completion demonstrates proficiency in program learning outcomes related to electricity and magnetism.

Course Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes

Objectives

• Learn fundamental principles, generalizations, or theories in electricity and magnetism.

• Apply course material to solve conceptual and mathematical word problems.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate understanding of key concepts through quizzes and exams.

• Develop problem-solving skills in physics.

Required Texts & Study Resources

• Textbook: Young and Freedman, University Physics (14th edition, 2015), Vol. 2.

• Calculator: Scientific calculator (basic, non-graphing, non-programmable model preferred).

• Note: Smartphones or tablets may not be used as calculators in class or for quizzes/exams.

Learning Tasks (Assignments) & Assessment

Assignment Types and Weighting

Grading Scale

Assignment Details

• Homework: Assigned after each class, due at the beginning of the next class. Graded by a grader.

• Take-home Exams: Unit exams to assess understanding of material. Must be completed independently.

• Quizzes: Brief, regular quizzes based on class sessions and textbook readings. Scored by Canvas.

• Unit Exams: Mid-term in-class exams covering recent material. Must be completed independently.

• Final Exam: Comprehensive exam covering all course chapters. Designed to test overall understanding and ability to synthesize concepts.

Class Policies and Academic Integrity

Attendance

• Regular attendance is expected. Absence is only accepted for valid reasons (e.g., illness, emergencies).

• Students must notify the professor in advance if they will miss class.

Assignment Submission

• Assignments must be original and submitted at the beginning of class.

• Late assignments are not accepted except for valid reasons.

Academic Honesty

• Plagiarism and academic dishonesty are strictly prohibited.

• All work must be completed independently unless otherwise specified.

Disability Services

• Support is available for students with disabilities through the Learning Center.

• Contact the Learning Center for accommodations and support services.

Professional Courtesy and Classroom Etiquette

• Students are expected to uphold courtesy and professionalism in all interactions.

• Respect for divergent viewpoints is required.

• Use of laptops, phones, and other devices is restricted to academic purposes only.

University Mission Statement

The mission of Biola University is biblically-centered education, scholarship, and service; equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Additional University and Department Policies

• Policies regarding grading, appeals, and grievances are outlined in the University Catalog and Department Handbook.

• Confidentiality and sexual misconduct policies are in place to ensure a safe learning environment.

Key Physics Topics Covered (from Course Description)

Electricity & Magnetism

• Electrostatics: Study of stationary electric charges and the forces between them.

• Conductors and Currents: Analysis of materials that allow electric charge to flow and the behavior of electric currents.

• Magnetic Fields: Exploration of the properties and effects of magnetic fields produced by moving charges.

• Maxwell’s Equations: Fundamental equations describing how electric and magnetic fields are generated and altered by each other and by charges and currents.

Example Equation:

• Coulomb's Law:

• Ohm's Law:

• Maxwell's Equations (Integral Form):

  • Gauss's Law:

  • Faraday's Law:

  • Ampère's Law (with Maxwell's addition):

  • Gauss's Law for Magnetism:

Applications: These principles are foundational for understanding electrical circuits, electromagnetic waves, and modern technologies such as motors, generators, and communication systems.