Course Overview

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of physics, focusing on mechanics, fluids, vibrations and waves, and heat and thermodynamics. The course is designed for students with a background in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, and emphasizes both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.

• Topics Covered: Mechanics, fluids, vibrations and waves, heat, and thermodynamics.

• Textbook: Physics: Principles with Applications, 7th Edition, Giancoli.

• Homework Platform: Mastering Physics (accessed via Brightspace).

• Prerequisites: Algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

Course Structure and Requirements

Lectures and Participation

• Lectures are conducted via Zoom; attendance and participation are required.

• Important course information is communicated during class sessions.

• More than 15% unexcused absences are considered excessive (per CUNY policy).

Homework

• Assigned via Mastering Physics and listed in the weekly schedule.

• All homework must be completed; no makeups or redos are allowed.

Laboratory

• Lab work is essential and constitutes 15% of the total grade.

• Completion of at least 8 out of 10 labs is required for a lab grade.

• Repeating students must retake the lab, regardless of prior completion.

Grading Breakdown

• The lowest midterm score or a missed midterm (except for cheating) will be dropped.

• No make-up exams are allowed under any circumstances.

• Final grades may be curved at the instructor's discretion, but not for individual tests or students.

Credit/No Credit Option

• Students may opt for Pass/No Credit grading, but should consult with advisors as some programs require letter grades.

Academic Policies

Academic Integrity

• Acts of academic dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism, cheating) are strictly prohibited and will be pursued according to Hunter College policy.

Accessibility

• Students with documented disabilities should contact the Office of AccessABILITY for accommodations.

• Absences due to pregnancy or related medical conditions will be excused as necessary.

Sexual Harassment Policy

• Sexual harassment is strictly prohibited; reports should be made to the Sexual Harassment Panel or Dean of Students.

Course Schedule and Topics

Weekly Schedule Overview

• Lectures and homework assignments are organized by week and chapter.

• Exams are scheduled as follows:

  • Exam 1: Chapters 2–5

  • Exam 2: Chapters 6–9

  • Exam 3: Chapters 10–11, 13–14

  • Final Exam: Chapters 2–11, 13–15

Chapters and Main Topics

Sample Topics and Concepts

• Kinematics: Describing motion in one and two dimensions, including velocity, acceleration, and projectile motion.

• Dynamics: Newton's Laws of Motion, force analysis, and applications.

• Circular Motion and Gravitation: Centripetal force, gravitational force, and planetary motion.

• Work and Energy: Work, kinetic and potential energy, conservation of energy.

• Momentum: Linear momentum, impulse, conservation of momentum, collisions.

• Rotational Motion: Rotational kinematics, torque, angular momentum, and equilibrium.

• Fluids: Properties of fluids, buoyancy, fluid dynamics.

• Oscillations and Waves: Simple harmonic motion, wave properties, sound.

• Thermal Physics: Temperature, heat, kinetic theory, and the laws of thermodynamics.

Exam and Test Security Policies

• Bring Hunter ID, writing tools, and calculators to exams; sharing is not permitted.

• Arrive on time; late arrivals may be denied entry.

• Seating may be reassigned by the instructor.

• No communication with other students during exams; violations result in ejection and a zero.

• All electronic devices must be turned off and stored away; possession during the exam results in ejection and a zero.

• No restroom breaks during exams unless medically documented in advance.

Additional Information

• Tutoring is available at the Physical Science Learning Center in the Library.

• All students are responsible for keeping up with class announcements and assignments.