Course Syllabus
Course information
Course title: General Physics 2 with calculus
Course number: PHY 2049. This is an integrated course for which you will receive a single grade for both lecture and lab.
Section number: A01
Course discipline: Physics
Term: Summer A 2021
Meeting times: Monday & Wednesday 11:00 am - 12:45 pm
Meeting location: I-006
Prerequisite: C or better in PHY 2048
Instructor information
Name: Karim Diff
Email: Please use Canvas email
College email: karim.diff@sfcollege.edu
Office location: NW campus: K-241
Phone: (352) 395-5591
Address: 3000 NW 83rd Street Gainesville, FL 32606
Office hours
- Monday & Wednesday 1:45 pm to 2:15 pm
- Online by appointment. Email me to schedule a meeting on Zoom.
Textbook information
Required text: University Physics Volume 2 (Open Stax)
Critical dates Summer A 2021
- 05.10: Classes start
- 05.14: Last day to drop classes with no record and receive a refund
- 05.24: Test 1 in class
- 05.31: Memorial Day. College closed
- 06.05: Last day to withdraw and receive a “W”
- 06.07: Test 2 in class
- 06.18: Last day of classes
- 06.21: Final in class. 11:00 am to 1:45 pm
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Grade scale and grade composition |
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Total number of points |
Course grade |
Course component |
Percentage |
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90-100 |
A |
Tests |
60% |
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85-89 |
B+ |
Labs |
15% |
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80-84 |
B |
Quizzes/Group Work |
15% |
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75-79 |
C+ |
Tutorials |
10% |
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65-69 |
D+ |
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60-64 |
D |
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Less than 60 |
F |
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Tests and final
There will be 3 Tests. Two tests during the semester + the final.
- You are allowed to use one sheet of notes for each test.
- You can use a calculator (any type) on tests.
The tests are not cumulative and only cover the material discussed in class since the previous test. On the tests, you will be asked to solve conceptual/qualitative and/or quantitative problems in multiple-choice and free response formats.
The weight of each test will be as follows:
- Best score: 30 %
- Second best score 20%
- Third best score 10%
Tutorials
The course topic will be broken down into a series of modules. For each module you will complete "tutorials" that will guide you through the material. These will replace regular in-class lectures. Each tutorial will blend videos and conceptual questions to make sure that you have grasped the essential concepts. You will get 5 attempts for each tutorial. The highest score will count as your score for that tutorial. At the end of the semester the lowest 2 tutorial scores will be dropped.
Quizzes
The quizzes are meant to assess your understanding of the material in each module through a combination of conceptual and quantitative questions. There will be one quiz for each module. The quizzes will be a good preparation for the upcoming test. For each quiz you will have 3 attempts, and the highest score will be your score for that quiz. At the end of the semester the two lowest quiz scores will be dropped.
Lab Reports
Nine laboratory activities will be performed during the semester. Given the online nature of this semester, you will not handle any equipment. The activities will rely on recorded data or simulations but the process of analyzing the data will be similar to what is normally done in a laboratory environment. You will still calculate percent differences and averages, plot graphs and answer questions. The two lowest lab report grades will be dropped.
Course Description & Objectives
PHY 2049 is the second semester of a one-year survey of calculus-based physics for physical sciences and engineering majors. The prerequisite for this course is the successful completion of two semesters of calculus.
Course Objectives
The main objectives of this course are to develop student skills in:
- Basic knowledge of physics: Physics is a fundamental science that provides the laws, concepts and principles underlying the other natural sciences as well as engineering, medicine and related fields. Knowledge of basic physics is thus important for anyone planning to major in those areas. Knowledge of physics is also an important part of a well-rounded college education in the 21st century.
- Critical thinking: “Doing physics”, whether it is advanced research or an introductory course, requires the use of an array of skills collectively known as critical thinking. This can be using simple logic to eliminate incorrect answers from a multiple-choice question, using common sense to determine whether a numerical answer is plausible or being able to translate the text of a word problem into a graphical representation before solving it.
- Problem solving: Physics is an experimental and quantitative science where it is often important to apply very sophisticated mathematical procedures to obtain an answer. In fact many mathematical fields were born out of the need to solve specific physics problems. However solving problems in physics cannot be reduced to the simple mechanical procedure of picking the right equation and plugging numbers in it (the infamous “plug & chug” approach) Before embarking in a mathematical calculation one has to carry-out a careful conceptual analysis (using a solid physics knowledge base and good critical thinking skills) to draw a good plan for the solution. This aspect of problem solving is often overlooked and causes significant difficulties for introductory physics students.
- Communication & Collaboration Skills: Scientists and engineers rarely work in isolation and are sometimes part of very large teams. Being able to collaborate with peers is a much-valued skill on today’s job market. Communication skills are also very important and can be the determining factor in selecting candidates with equal qualifications. This includes oral and written communication. A technical document such as a lab report or a progress report requires no less care than an essay written for an English class.
Course format
To help you reach those goals, this class will use the following techniques:
- Multimedia interactive lectures
- Computer based activities
- Paper & pencil conceptual exercises
- Quantitative and qualitative problems
- Laboratory exercises
Evaluation
To evaluate your level of success in reaching these goals your performance on tests, quizzes, homework, group work and laboratory exercises will be measured.
- Tests will evaluate your problem-solving abilities with time constraints.
- Quizzes will test your understanding and knowledge of basic physics facts and concepts.
- Laboratory exercises will provide an indication of your skills in manipulating equipment, gathering data, recording data, analyzing data, and communicating the results of your analysis.
Course outline
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Topics
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Labs
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Course Policies
Communications
In order to provide better service, SF students now have access to Office 365, including a student email account. Students are required to use this email account when communicating with the college. Login instructions can be found in eSantaFe notifications.
Attendance & Make-up
Attendance is mandatory for the labs. There will be no make up for missed labs. At the end of the semester, two labs will be dropped.
Withdrawal
Should you decide to withdraw from the course with a “W”, remember that the deadline for that is set to June 05, 2021. Past this deadline, I will only withdraw students who have stopped attending early in the semester. Poor performance in the class cannot be used as a reason for a late withdrawal. By June 5 , you will have received enough grades to make an informed decision about remaining in the course.
Incomplete
An incomplete (“I” grade) will be issued only if exceptional circumstances prevent you from completing the course. This will only be considered for events occurring during the last 4 weeks of classes. Keep in mind that this will only allow you to complete your work at a later date. It will not erase any of the grades earned at that point. You will need to sign a written agreement detailing the work that needs to be completed, and the associated deadlines.
College Policies
Academic Integrity
The very nature of higher education requires that students adhere to accepted standards of academic integrity. Therefore, SF College has adopted a Code of Student Conduct that outlines general guidelines. Students are encouraged to discuss issues related to academic integrity with instructors. It is YOUR responsibility to read and abide by the SF Code of Student Conduct that outlines general guidelines pertaining to academic integrity. This can be found at the following site:
http://www.sfcollege.edu/Assets/sf/rules/pdfs/Rule_7/7_23.pdf
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Accessibility Statement
Santa Fe College values diversity and inclusion and is committed to fostering mutual respect and full participation for all students. The Disabilities Resource Center (DRC) provides reasonable accommodations for students who encounter disability-related barriers in the learning environment. If you have a disability that may affect your work in this class and think you need accommodations, please contact the DRC to schedule an appointment and start a conversation about reasonable accommodations.
The DRC is located in Building S, Room 229 at the Northwest Campus and appointments are available at all College locations. Visit www.sfcollege.edu/drc
Discrimination/Harassment Policy
SF prohibits any form of discrimination or sexual harassment among students, faculty and staff. For further information, refer to College Rule 2.8 at
http://www.sfcollege.edu/Assets/sf/rules/pdfs/Rule_2/2_8.pdf
Student Rights & Responsibilities
For a complete list of students’ rights and responsibilities go to
https://catalog.sfcollege.edu/content.php?catoid=4&navoid=65