I am Dr. Manupriya Sharma (she/her), and I’ll be your instructor for this course. The Physics 195, 196, 197 sequence is designed to give a foundation in calculus-based physics for engineering and science majors. Physics 195 covers: the description of motion, Newton's Laws, energy, momentum, rotation, gravity, oscillatory motion, and thermodynamics. Upon successful completion of Physics 195, you will be able to make and interpret graphs of motion and use force diagrams in conjunction with Newton’s Laws to reason qualitatively and quantitatively about force and motion phenomena. on mechanics, fluids, and thermodynamics.
I know that physics can feel intimidating or even frustrating at times — but my goal is to help you find your physics mindset. That means seeing yourself as a science thinker, someone who can ask great questions, build models, and test ideas. I’ll do everything I can to support you, and I hope you’ll stay curious and engaged along the way.
Make sure to explore the full syllabus to get a clear picture of how the course is structured. Tabs at the left of this page will take you to important sections like Required Materials, How Grading Works, and Important Policies and Support. All course content will be available on Canvas — you’ll find the login link at the bottom of this page.
A little about me: My academic background is in physics, with a focus on materials science, and I also hold an MBA. Beyond teaching, in the summers, I enjoy working with nonprofits to help build sustainable business models.
Outside the classroom, I find joy in theatre, music, and reading—this summer I read The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer, a book that invites reflection on awareness and inner freedom.
When I’m not teaching, I’m usually with my family, My two sons inspire me every day with their curiosity and remind me just how joyful learning can be.
I’m truly excited to be on this journey with you, and I look forward to a meaningful and memorable semester together!
Take care,
Dr. Sharma
If I do my job right, you’ll start to enjoy physics as we move through the course. Notice I said “we”? That’s because I’ll be learning right alongside you — not the physics itself, but how best to support your learning. And you won’t be alone either — your classmates are on this journey with you. Together, we’ll build a deeper understanding of mechanics, the study of motion.
I can’t wait for us to get started!
Email me directly, either through the Canvas Inbox tool (preferred, as it's easier to keep organized), or at msharma@sdccd.edu -I will respond as quickly as possible, and always within 24 - 48 hours.
Office Hours/Help Sessions: Office: S6-115F
Tuesday 09:30 am - 10:30 am in S6-115F
Wednesday 01:45 pm - 03:45 pm in S6-115F
Thursday 09:30 am -10:30 am in S6-115F
This is an in-person 16-week course. The major emphasis of the course is on problem-solving including hands-on activities, labs, and theoretical problems.
Student Learning Outcome: Students will be able to make and interpret graphs of motion, and use force diagrams in conjunction with Newton’s Laws to reason qualitatively and quantitatively about force and motion phenomena.
Prerequisite: MATH 150
Advisory: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in MATH 151
Please be aware that this course covers a large amount of material and requires your full effort! You are expected to attend all lectures and labs. Please try to arrive on time, as late arrivals, can be a distraction (and you will miss the fun part of the class :)
This is an in-person 16-week course.
Lecture attendance is required.
We will follow the lecture schedule provided in this syllabus and learn together, as a community.
Most assignments including homework, and some lecture activities, will be submitted online, either through Canvas or Pivot. Exams will take place in person during the lecture and laboratory period, on the days listed on the course calendar.
The course is organized into 16 modules, one for each week of the semester. All links to assignments for each week can be found in the relevant course module in Canvas.
Announcements are a crucial part of this course, as they serve as the primary means of communication outside the classroom for important updates. Each week, I will post a summary of our lectures, along with reminders about upcoming quizzes, exams, and any changes to the schedule. Announcements will also include information about events, extra credit opportunities, and other relevant course-related details. It is your responsibility to regularly check these announcements to stay informed and ensure you don’t miss any important information.
***The exam and quiz questions will largely draw from the class lectures, labs, class discussions and homework***
First of all, be patient with yourself; this material can be challenging and overwhelming, especially when you have to balance it with other classwork, and it's totally normal to struggle a little. That doesn't mean you can't do it - you definitely can - but you might need to adjust your study habits. I've found that what worked for me in a chemistry class didn't work in physics, and I had to change my approach.
Be willing to ask questions - that's how you learn! I do not expect you to know or understand everything when you come to lecture, and I will never think less of you for asking a question.
Do the assigned homework, and don't just find the answers online. The homework is designed to help you master the material, and the exams and quizzes are based on these problems. I am always available to help during office hours.
Try to stay on top of assignment deadlines; it's hard to catch up if you fall too far behind, especially if you're balancing this class with other classes and /or work. I accept late work with a small penalty, but if possible, try to turn everything in on time.
This is a 5 unit course; you should expect to spend at least 8 - 9 hours of time outside of official meeting times on this course.
***I will try my best to make the course as enjoyable as possible***
Physics is a tough subject, and learning it can be intimidating. We're in this together, and we're going to make it work - and hopefully we'll have fun in the process (because believe it or not, physics can be fun). The following lays out what you can expect from me as your instructor, and what I will expect from you, as my students, during this class, so that we are all on the same page and can work together to make this a good experience for everyone.
I will treat you with dignity and respect, and I will be flexible to support your individual needs.
I will provide you with a clear, organized course that is designed to help you learn the material and meet the course outcomes in a meaningful way.
I will be actively present in your learning, but I will also encourage you to take an active role in your learning as well.
I will provide a variety of assignments to ensure your learning needs are met, and I will provide you with clear grading guidelines so you know how you are being evaluated.
I will do my best to create a supportive, safe, and fun learning environment where you can feel comfortable asking questions and discussing ideas with me and your classmates.
I will reach out to you if I sense that you need support.
You will treat your classmates with respect and dignity.
You will be patient with yourself! It is okay to make mistakes or to be confused - you're human, and life is stressful. Be kind to yourself, and treat yourself with respect and dignity.
You will do your best to be an active participant in this course, and you will do your best to meet the posted deadlines and due dates.
If you can't meet the posted deadlines and due dates, you will contact me so we can set up an alternative plan (and so I will know to come back and grade your work once it is submitted).
You will maintain and open line of communication so I understand how to best support you.
You will do your best to be patient with technology. Hopefully there won't be too many issues, but even if there are, we'll figure it out!
Click on the button below for class schedule
Click on the button below to Login to Canvas