THE TEXTBOOK

Physics: Concepts and Connections, 5th edition
Art Hobson
Prentice Hall, 2010 (ISBN 978-0-321-66113-5)

This course introduces the student to concepts essential to understanding the underpinnings of modern technology. Topics include mechanics, energy, light, electricity, and magnetism, as well as an introduction to the concepts of atomic, relativity, and quantum theory.

See "Course policies" below for details on grading.

After completing this course, students will be able to:

• Explain where scientific knowledge comes from.
• Outline the atomic theory of matter.
• Describe Newtons's laws of motion and gravity.
• Describe the nature of energy and the laws of thermodynamics.
• Describe the nature of light, electricity, and magnetism.
• Outline relativity and quantum theory.
• Explain why the nature of the atomic nucleus makes it possible to release large amounts of energy.

Assessment will be by means of quizzes and exams as specified below.

Students should always read their assignments and come to class prepared to discuss and/or work on the material. Each student may be absent twice without penalty. Each additional two absences without a medical excuse (no others are acceptable) will cost the student three points on the course grade.

There will be 6 quizzes; the lowest will be dropped; the remaining 5 will count for 25% of the course grade. There will be 3 exams, each one counting 15% of the course grade. The final exam will count for 30% of the course grade. See the Course Schedule for details.


Students who plagiarize work will receive zeros for the work in question, with no makeup opportunities.

COURSE SCHEDULE

CAUTION: COURSE SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT WARNING!

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DATE	TOPIC	ASSIGNMENT
Tues Aug 28	The Way of Science and The Scientific Revolution	Read Chapter 1
Thurs Aug 30	Atoms, Molecules, and Chemistry	Read Chapter 2
Tues Sept 4	Review and Quiz #1
Thurs Sept 6	Asking the Right Questions	Read Chapter 3
Tues Sept 11	Force and Movement	Read Chapter 4, pp. 71-78
Thurs Sept 13	Gravity and Action/Reaction	Read Chapter 4, pp. 78-89
Tues Sept 18	Review and Quiz #2
Thurs Sept 20	Newton's Universe	Read Chapter 5
Tues Sept 25	Exam #1
Thurs Sept 27	Energy and Work	Read Chapter 6, pp. 118-124
Tues Oct 2	The First Law of Thermodynamics	Read Chapter 6, pp. 124-131
Thurs Oct 4	The Second Law of Thermodynamics	Read Chapter 7
Tues Oct 9	COLUMBUS DAY OBSERVED
Thurs Oct 11	Review and Quiz #3
Tues Oct 16	Electric Force and Electromagnetism	Read Chapter 8
Thurs Oct 18	Waves and Light	Read Chapter 9, pp. 187-201
Tues Oct 23	Electromagnetic Radiation and Global Warming	Read Chapter 9, pp. 201-220
Thurs Oct 25	Review and Quiz #4
Tues Oct 30	Special Theory of Relativity	Read Chapter 10
Thurs Nov 1	Exam #2
Tues Nov 6	General Theory of Relativity	Read Chapter 11, pp. 248-270
Thurs Nov 8	Quantum Theory	Read Chapter 12
Tues Nov 13	Review and Quiz #5
Thurs Nov 15	Quantum Universe	Read Chapter 13
Tues Nov 20	Radioactivity	Read Chapter 14
Thurs Nov 22	THANKSGIVING
Tues Nov 27	Review and Quiz #6
Thurs Nov 29	Nuclear Fission and Fusion	Read Chapter 15
Tues Dec 4	Exam #3
Thurs Dec 6	The Energy Challenge	Read Chapter 16
Mon Dec 10	FINAL EXAMS BEGIN
EXAM DAY	FINAL EXAM

Syllabus last modified April 4, 2012.