Course Overview

Introduction

This document outlines the syllabus for Physics 1021, a second semester algebra-based introductory physics course. The course covers electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic, molecular, and nuclear physics, with some biological applications. It is designed for students who have completed Physics 1061 or its equivalent and fulfills General Education Science requirements.

• Course Title: Physics Principles With Applications

• Textbook: Physics: Principles With Applications by Giancoli (7th Edition)

• Prerequisites: Physics 1061 or equivalent

• Audience: Students in pre-professional health programs and those seeking a non-calculus-based physics course

Instructor and Contact Information

• Recitation Instructors: Dr. Jim Napolitano, Dr. Dmitri Romanov

• Lecturer: Dr. Michael Opperman

• Lab Coordinator: Dr. John Noel

• Contact: Email addresses provided in syllabus

Course Structure

Meeting Times

• Lectures and recitations are scheduled throughout the week; students must attend all meetings associated with their section.

• Lab sessions are required for completion of the course.

Textbook and Materials

• Textbook: Physics: Principles With Applications by Giancoli (7th Edition)

• Available in hardcover, softcover, loose leaf, or eBook formats.

• Homework access via Mastering Physics, linked to Canvas.

Grading Policy

Components and Weighting

Assessment Details

• Pre-Lecture Canvas Quizzes: Short quizzes to ensure students review material before class. Multiple attempts allowed; lowest score dropped.

• Recitation Attendance & Participation: Participation in recitation workshops is graded. Students must attend and engage in activities.

• Homework: Assigned via Mastering Physics. Problems must be completed by the due date.

• Exams: Two midterm exams and one cumulative final exam. Exams cover lecture, recitation, and homework material.

Course Topics and Schedule

Tentative Schedule of Topics

The following table outlines the main topics covered in the course, with references to chapters in Giancoli's textbook.

Course Policies

Disabilities

• Students with documented disabilities should contact Disability Resources and Services for accommodations.

• Accommodations are provided in accordance with university policy.

Academic Integrity

• Plagiarism and academic cheating are strictly prohibited.

• Refer to the university's policy on academic honesty for details.

Technology Requirements

• Students must have access to the technology required for completion of labs and online assignments.

Key Physics Concepts Covered

Electricity and Magnetism

These topics form the core of the course, focusing on the behavior of electric charges, fields, and currents, as well as magnetic forces and fields.

• Electric Force: The force between two charges is given by Coulomb's Law:

• Electric Field: The region around a charged object where other charges experience a force:

• Electric Potential: The work done per unit charge in bringing a charge from infinity to a point:

• Magnetic Force: The force on a moving charge in a magnetic field:

Circuits

• Series Circuits: Components connected end-to-end; current is the same through all components.

• Parallel Circuits: Components connected across the same two points; voltage is the same across each branch.

• Ohm's Law:

Optics

• Refraction: Bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, described by Snell's Law:

• Thin Lens Equation:

Atomic, Nuclear, and Radiation Physics

• Radioactivity: The spontaneous emission of particles or energy from unstable atomic nuclei.

• Types of Radiation: Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.

• Health Effects: Biological impact of exposure to radiation.

Exams and Important Dates

• Exam 1: Covers modules 2–4

• Exam 2: Covers modules 5, 6, 7

• Final Exam: Cumulative, scheduled for Thursday, 12/21, 3:30–5:30pm

Additional Info

• Students must register for a lab section and complete all lab assignments to pass the course.

• Makeup exams are available for students with documented reasons.