Outline


PHYS 1114: Basic physics

Instructor: B. Pfeiffer bpfeiffer@langara/bc.ca

A general course for students who have had no previous physics background (4.0 credits)

We will be observing and modeling the world that surrounds us using one of the most powerful tools invented by humanity: mathematics. We will be answering questions like: How can we describe the motion of an object? How do forces affect the motion of an object? How does energy flow around us without being created nor destroyed? Why do we float in a swimming pool? What sounds can a musical instrument produce? How do flashlights work? What happens inside a telescope?


Objectives

  • To introduce the subject of physics with a focus on everyday life topics (speed, acceleration, forces, energy, electricity, lenses, floating objects).
  • To learn the basics of physics to be well prepared for PHYS 1118 (basic concepts, physics diagrams, first principles, calculations, symbolic notations and lab techniques). A final grade of “C” (or higher) is needed to advance to PHYS 1118, however a grade of B+ (or higher) is desirable.

    In this course, students will gain experience with team work and time management. My objective is that they increase their confidence in physics, gain autonomy in problem solving, and take ownership of their learning.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course the successful student should be able to:
  • Answer conceptual questions about all the physical concepts studied in the course (e.g. force, speed, acceleration, pressure, energy, electric current, equivalent resistance, etc.)
  • Explain in words fundamental principles of physics like Newton's laws of motion or Archimedes' principle.
  • Solve basic physics problems using a formula sheet and a calculator. 
  • Draw precise and clean physics diagrams.
  • Use lab tools like a Vernier caliper, a micrometer, a balance, a meter stick, a photogate and discuss the limitations and uncertainties of their use.
  • Critically discuss results pertaining to experimental measurements.
  • Appreciate the advantages and limitations of physics models.
  • Carry simple calculations using symbols only.
How we are going to work

  • You will engage in marked activities: hands-on experiments, solving problems in groups of three students, computer simulations, experiments in the laboratory. Group activity will encourage a spirit of collaboration rather than competition.
  • You are expected to study an average twelve hours per week outside of class. This includes reading the textbook, completing all assigned practice problems, finishing labs and activities, reviewing for tests and exams, reading material before labs, updating your formula sheet, etc.
  • Math: We will try to keep the level of math to a minimum, however this course will involve many symbolic notations. You need to know the basics of trigonometry, how to calculate a slope and basic algebra.
  • Knowing how to use formulas and “plug in numbers” is only 20% of what I expect from you. Physics is a craft that involves understanding concepts, being able to carry out an experiment and reflect on it, trying things, making mistakes (and learning from them), knowing definitions  with precision, giving meaning to all the symbols we use, relating equations to real life, developing an inquisitive mind, and being trained in the scientific methods.
  • Attendance: Attendance is essential. If you think you understand the material, challenge yourself by helping other students: a variety of points of view will strengthen your training. If you struggle, welcome other people's help as a chance. Your instructor reserves the right to check attendance.

Assessment

1) Labs (20%)

Lab instructor: Richard Wong (richardwong@langara.bc.ca). Richard will explain his assessment policy in class.

Nine labs. Please read the documents and watch the videos listed in your term schedule prior to attending a lab.
  •  Attendance is compulsory. There is no makeup labs. If you miss more than 1 lab, your final grade will be N (incomplete).
  • Students must complete all assigned labs and reports and have them graded before the final examination.
  • If a student has a valid reason for missing a lab, the student must notify the LAB instructor in advance.
  • A missed lab will receive a zero mark, unless the absence has been justified.
  • Being more than 30 minutes late counts as missing a lab.
If a student has already taken this course in the previous 36 months and received a passing grade for the course, the student may be eligible to carry over their previous lab grade. Any student wishing to do this must complete the appropriate form.

2) Group assignments (10%)

Each week, you will be assigned questions and tasks to work on in groups of 3 students. No make up. Being more than 15 minutes late counts as missing the assignment. Due dates will be announced in class. No late submission. There will be 11 assignments. I will keep the best 10 marks. Assignments are partly marked in class, so that you can receive instant feedback, and are given a chance to discuss what you did not understand with your instructor, and to redo the questions until you find the correct answer. You will lose a lot of marks for not completing the work. You will lose more mark than on a test for giving insufficient explanations. Your goal is to reach perfection.

3) Two midterm exams ( 20% each)

You will write two 2-hr midterms. They will also include problems similar to the problems in the lecture notes. A strong weight will be placed on conceptual questions, diagrams and knowledge of the lecture notes (concepts, definitions, etc).

4) Final exam (30%)

You will write a comprehensive 2-hr final exam that will include problems and conceptual questions. I will provide you with an outline for the final exam a few weeks before the end of the course. The Registrar sets the final examination date. Only under special circumstances can the exam be written at a different time. Application must be made through the Registrar’s office.

Grading

20% Labs 
10% Group work
20 % midterm 1
20%  midterm 2
30% Final exam

 Letter grade:

A+
93-100
B+
76-79
C+
64-67
D
50-54
A
85-92
B
72-75
C
60-63
F
0-49
A-
80-84
B-
68-71
C-
55-59



Material

  • PHYS1114 lecture notes 2015: provided (pdf format). 
    • Lab hand outs: provided. 
    Formula sheet: provided.
  • Scientific calculator (with SIN, COS and TAN)
  • Geometry kit: a ruler, a square ruler and a protractor.
Some advice...
This is a high pace course that requires high student engagement, as expected in a college level course. Topics are covered more in depth than in high school. More attention is given to using proper notations and drawing high quality diagrams. I recommend that you:
  • Do as many practice problems as possible. Never look at the solution before attempting to solve a problem (you could be engaging your memory rather than your thinking.)
  • Come ready to every class. Solve all assigned problems. 
  Pre-requisites
One of:
  • Principles of Mathematics 11 (minimum grade: C),
  • Precalculus 11 (minimum grade: C),
  • MATH 1150 (minimum grade: C),
  • MDT (minimum grade = 70)
Contact hours

Monday (labs), Wednesday (lecture), Friday (lecture): 8:30 - 10:20 (Section 1), 10:30 - 12:20 (Section 2)
From Sept 9th, 2015 to Dec 2nd, 2015
Room: A352


Office hours

B. Pfeiffer: Office A382b - Mon, Wed and Fri: 13:00 - 14:15
Richard Wong: by appointment.

 Schedule

click here

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