Physics 121 - University Physics I
University Physics I is an introductory-level course in Classical Mechanics typically organized into three main units of study; Kinematics (the study of motion), Statics & Dynamics (the study of interactions), and Principles of Conservation (a study of energy and momentum concepts). This course requires prior completion of Calculus I and will reinforce knowledge and skills associated with algebra and trigonometry.
In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, this course switched to a Hybrid Model for teaching and learning.
I am currently working on a course redesign to enhance the learning experience for my students in this new format.
In short, a hybrid course will only meet face-to-face one time a week. By comparison, the standard face-to-face model would involve two meetings instead.
Students will be expected to complete some introductory course work online prior to the in-person meeting each week. This will likely include instructional videos, short readings, and check-in/reflection assignments.
In our limited time together, we will need to engage in more targeted discussions, lab experiences, and extension activities in order to develop a genuine & deep understanding of the content as well as proficiency in critical thinking and problem-solving techniques.
After the in-person class session, students will be expected to complete additional practice exercises and a variety of graded assignments (lab reports, Expert TA problem sets, etc).
What does Hybrid mean?
The majority of PHY courses @ CGC are composed of a lecture section (4-credits) integrated with a lab section (0-credits). They would typically meet twice a week for 2.5 hours each meeting. The most general definition of a hybrid course would be blend between face-to-face (in-person) and asynchronous online. What we aim for is a 50%/50% split - one scheduled class meeting each week supplemented by content and exercises to be completed by the student online.
Each week, I will be posting a variety of instructional videos that I have either curated or recorded myself. Each student is expected to watch and learn from those videos on their own time prior to the required meeting that week so that they are adequately prepared to get the most of the limited face-to-face time. Additionally, I will be providing Practice Pages for students to attempt in order to measure their knowledge and skills associated with problem-solving in Physics. It should be noted that, by itself, the one required 2.5-hour learning session is not sufficient for a student to learn Physics - there will absolutely need to be a greater investment by each student in order to develop a genuine understanding of the content.
Additional work that will be completed each week on the students' own time includes Lab Writeups, Extended Problem Solutions, and completion of problem sets in Expert TA (including submitting full solution write-ups for selected problems). Additional instructional videos will be provided to facilitate understanding of lab skills required so students are able to design, carry out, and document a variety of hands-on lab investigations at home
How will I be graded?
--- Pending ---
Will I need a textbook?
I don't usually teach directly from a text, but when I do I prefer....
My students are not required to purchase a textbook in order to be successful in the course. If a student would like a hardcopy of a textbook to use as a reference/resource, a recent edition of Physics for Scientists & Engineers by Randall Knight is a good option and is available in a variety of formats at our college bookstore (Vol. 1 only, entire text, rental, etc). Additionally, I will refer to content and assign problem sets gathered from University Physics Vol. 1 from OpenStax. The OpenStax text is available for free as a PDF or viewable online at https://openstax.org/details/books/university-physics-volume-1.
Will I need to buy anything for this course?
The one item that each student will definitely need to purchase is access to an online homework system called The Expert TA. The cost will be approximately $35 for the semester. If you're interested in giving it a quick look before the semester begins, you can find information at https://theexpertta.com/ Access to The Expert TA will be through Canvas so that the Third-Party Software links more effectively with our course.