Catalog Data:  A general physics course covering the topics of mechanics, heat, and sound; designed primarily for biology majors. Prerequisite: High school algebra and trigonometry or Math 117. Corequisite: Physics 201L. A student can receive credit for only one of Physics 150 and Physics 201. One semester; three credits.

Textbooks:  College Physics, Serway & Faughn, Brooks /Cole - Thomson Publishing, 2003 (6th ed.) [Textbook's Student Site]

Calculator Policy:  You may use a calculator on tests and assignments.

Prerequisites by topics:  You should have fundamental skills in college algebra, trigonometry, functions and problem solving.

Goals:
1. To learn how to use the concepts of vectors, force, energy, momentum, heat, and waves to see how we model the workings of Nature, particularly the motion of objects and the transfer of energy, so that you can: (a) understand how our physical world works. (b) use your understanding in future courses where you will increase your knowledge base.
2. To see how physical phenomena can be organized into a few qualitative and quantitative models.
3. To obtain a certain level of mastery in using these models to solve problems and predict outcomes of physical interactions.
4. To learn about the relative sizes of the physical quantities that are used in the models. To learn what is a reasonable size for each of these quantities.
5. To increase your analytical reasoning skills and build your scientific vocabulary so that you can be an active member in today's technical world.
6. To increase your mathematical skill.

Topics:
Introduction & One-Dimensional Kinematics
Dimensional Analysis/Units Vectors
Velocity & Acceleration, Constant Acceleration Motion, Free Fall Motion
Two-Dimensional Kinematics & Mechanics, Projectile Motion, Uniform Circular Motion
Force
Newton's Laws of Motion
Gravity
Circular Motion Mechanics
Drag Forces, Nonconstant Forces
Torque & Rotations
Energy & Momentum
Work & Power
Kinetic Energy & Work-Energy Theorem
Potential Energy & Law of Conservation of Energy
Linear Momentum & Impulse
Law of Conservation of Momentum
Collisions
Rotational Energy & Angular Momentum
Fluids & Heat
Pressure, Buoyancy, Fluid Flow
Thermal Expansion
Ideal Gas
Heat Energy
Vibrations & Waves
Simple Harmonic Motion
Wave Motion, Standing Waves
Sound, Doppler Effect

Final Exam: The final exam is comprehensive and prepared by the instructor.

Performance Evaluation:  Student performance is rated by a final letter grade which is determined by a combination of written homework, computer assisted homework, tests, and the final exam.

Resources: The course instructor is available outside of the classroom a minimum of 10 hours per week for individual help.

Computer assisted homework problems are assigned which can be downloaded and completed on any computer. The computer provides immediate feedback to the student as to whether an answer is correct or incorrect, and offers advice on how to attack a problem.

Instructor course web pages:  Dr. Johnny Holmes   Dr. John Varriano

The Math Center offers free tutoring in algebra and calculus.

Attendance:  You must attend class regularly.

Coordinators:  Dr. Johnny Holmes, Professor of Physics Dr. John Varriano, Professor of Physics

Computer Usage:  There are several computer assisted homework problems that pertain to the material covered in Introductory Physics I. In addition, collected homework problems may involve the use of a computer for numerical analysis.

Estimated ABET Category Content This course is not for engineering majors. They should enroll in Physics 150.