Course Orientation: PHYS*1300 Fundamentals of Physics

Introduction to PHYS*1300

This course is designed for students who have not completed senior high school physics and provides a foundational understanding of physics concepts. The orientation introduces the course structure, expectations, and resources available to students.

• Target Audience: Only students without senior high school physics may take this course for credit.

• Purpose of Physics: Physics develops analytical, logical, and problem-solving skills essential for scientific and everyday reasoning.

Course Philosophy: Pattern Recognition Over Memorization

Students are encouraged to focus on conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization of formulas and solutions. Recognizing patterns and underlying principles is emphasized as a key learning strategy.

• Conceptual Understanding: Prioritize understanding the 'why' and 'how' behind physical phenomena.

• Skills Developed:

  • Numeracy – Ability to work with numbers and quantitative reasoning.

  • Analysis – Breaking down problems and interpreting data.

  • Logical Thinking – Applying logical steps to solve problems.

  • Qualitative and Quantitative Problem Solving – Approaching problems from both descriptive and numerical perspectives.

• Example: The 'Secret Code' exercise demonstrates the importance of pattern recognition over memorization.

Course Structure and Content

Course Sections

The course is divided into four main sections, each covering essential topics in introductory physics.

• Section 1: Mechanics

  • 1D and 2D Kinematics

  • Newton's Laws

  • Work, Energy, and Power

  • Momentum and Collisions

• Section 2: Electricity

  • Electric Charge and Fields

  • Electric Potential Energy, Voltage, and Current

  • Resistance and Circuits

• Section 3: Waves

  • Vibrations and Waves

  • Interference, Standing Waves, Acoustic Resonance

  • Physics of Hearing

• Section 4: Nuclear Physics

  • Radioactivity, Types of Decay

  • Half-lives; Attenuation; Medical Applications

Course Materials and Resources

• Textbook: Physics – An Algebra-based Approach (2nd edition or later)

• Study Guide: Provided for each section; essential for quizzes and exam preparation.

• Lab Kit: Required for at-home labs; available at the University Bookstore and used across multiple physics courses.

• PhyPhox App: Free mobile app for data collection using phone sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.).

• Online Homework (TopHat): Optional online system for practice and homework assignments.

Course Logistics and Support

• CourseLink: Central platform for all course materials, announcements, and submissions. Students must check regularly.

• University Email: Official communication channel for important updates.

• TA Support: Weekly in-person help sessions and lab assistance available.

• Online Student Request Form: For non-content related issues (e.g., quiz or lab concerns).

Assessment and Study Strategies

• Quizzes: Regular quizzes based on study guides; first quiz due in Week 3.

• Labs: Five at-home labs, each worth 3% of the final grade (15% total).

• Final Exam: Students must check for scheduling conflicts and report them promptly.

• Study Tips:

  • Start study guides early and stay ahead of schedule.

  • Work through all available problems and practice materials.

  • Collaborate with classmates but submit individual work.

  • Seek help from TAs and use the help room as needed.

Summary Table: Course Sections and Key Topics

Additional info:

• The course emphasizes active learning, pattern recognition, and real-world connections through labs and app-based measurements.

• Students are expected to engage with all course resources and maintain regular communication via CourseLink and university email.