Course Syllabus
Course Overview
Merritt College, Physics 10, CN 23396, Spring 2023
Faculty Contact Information
Welcome to Physics 10, Introduction to Physics! I have a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Arizona State University, with a background in computational astrophysics, stellar evolution, chemical composition of stars, and the evolution of exoplanet habitable zones. For this course you will be able to access the textbook for free online.
My preferred contact method is by email or messages through Canvas. If there is a case when you need to email me an assignment, etc. please make sure that I respond to you in order to confirm I've received it. Sometimes things get buried in my inbox, so it's generally helpful if you follow up with another message if you haven’t received a response from me within 48 hours. Please don't hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns about the coursework or content! Although we will not be meeting at a set time for the class, I would be happy to set up any additional personal appointments as needed, by request.
Required Texts
Great News! Your course material is free! All necessary course materials are provided free of charge digitally. We are using OpenStax College Physics. Your other course materials, including homework assignments and lecture slides, are available on the course Canvas site.
College Physics from OpenStax, ISBN 1-947172-01-8
You have several options to obtain this book:
You can use whichever format(s) you want. Web view is recommended -- the responsive design works seamlessly on any device.
Required Technology
You will need a computer with internet access to successfully participate in this Canvas course. You will need to be able to open PowerPoint presentations, word documents, and/or PDF documents.
Course Description
Conceptual physics survey for the non-science major; minimal math skills needed but see the prerequisites for the detail. Fulfills general education for science. Lecture only. Elementary study of major topics: Motion, forces, gravity, matter, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillation, sound, heat, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, light, quantum physics, atoms, nuclei, and relativity. Not open for credit to students who have completed or are currently enrolled in PHYS 2A-2B, 3A-3B, or 4A-4B-4C.
Recommended Preparation: Math 201 (elementary algebra) or 202 or 210D.
Major Topics & Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Explain and discuss concepts related to motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillation, sound, electromagnetism, light, quantum physics, atoms, nuclei, and relativity, and apply them to everyday phenomena and interdisciplinary examples.
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Apply simple formulas, including linear kinematics, Newton's Second Law, energy and momentum conservation, rotation, oscillation, and vibration rates, Coulomb's Law, mass- energy conversion, and other formulas related to motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillation, sound, electromagnetism, light, quantum physics, atoms, nuclei, and relativity at an introductory level.
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Explain and discuss physical principles underlying classroom demonstrations.
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Using written language, explain and discuss physics concepts listed in the course content, and apply them to everyday phenomena and interdisciplinary examples.
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Apply simple formulas to calculate measurable quantities that describe the physical environment related to the concepts of physics.
Who Should Take This Course?
- Non-science major students who need to satisfy a physical science without lab requirement.
- Students who are interested in science, including history of science as it relates to physical sciences and our current knowledge about the field of Physics.
- Core topics include: kinematics, dynamics, work and energy, momentum, fluids, and simple harmonic motion.
IGETC and CSU GE requirements require one laboratory course between physical and life sciences. If you plan to take a life science course with lab, this lecture-only course can meet your transfer requirements. As always (and especially outside of UCs and CSUs), please check with your transfer institution, to ensure that this course meets the requirements of their program.
Additional Course Information
PLEASE BE AWARE: This course is online and asynchronous; we do NOT have a designated meeting time or place for this class, but I am available to schedule individual student appointment meetings as needed (a request must be made at least 1 day in advance).
Asynchronous classes allow students to complete their work on their own time, though you will still have deadlines for assignments that you are required to meet. (Students are given a time frame during which they need to complete their assignments and meet the requirements of the class.) I will post updates on Canvas announcements, and I will provide relevant textbook chapter content as well as lecture videos and resources in the Pages section.
Please be aware that I have posted supplemental videos as well under "Examples Worked" for almost all relevant textbook chapters. These are not required viewing, and mathematical calculations will NOT be on the Exams, but they are there for you to peruse if you feel that you could use a more in-depth study into each topic.
Modules will be assigned to help you keep track of the due dates for your assignments.
Homework assignments will be in the format of Quizzes that you can complete through Canvas.
Because this course is asynchronous, I understand that students will be completing assignments on their own time and on whatever schedule works for each individual student; however, the expectations for responses from me (e.g. answers to questions, clarification on assignments, etc.) should be that I will try to respond as soon as possible to student messages, BUT questions that come late night/weekend/outside of normal "work hours" are not guaranteed an immediate response from me. Additionally, any questions or concerns related to extensions for course content, homework, etc. should be clearly communicated to me ahead of time (i.e. before a deadline) so that we can come to a reasonable solution that addresses the needs of the student.
LATE WORK POLICY: I am typically very flexible with turning in your assignments, and also with due date accommodations, as long as you let me know ahead of time. If you let me know that you will need an extension on an assignment, I will almost always grant that to you with no grade penalty. I understand that there is a lot going on in the world, and I know that your coursework will not (and should not) always be your first priority! However, if things are repeatedly late, or communication about late or missing assignments is not established, I reserve the right to take off points on late or missing assignments until they are completed or turned into me. I will usually put in an automatic "zero" for any assignments that are not turned in by the due date and have not been granted an extension; if you let me know at that point that you are still planning on turning in the assignment, I will change your grade when I receive your work, though there may be a point deduction penalty for lateness.
This is a 4-credit-hour lecture course, based on a traditional 16-week semester.
The hourly expectation of coursework will be such that each credit hour would correspond to a minimum of 2-3 hours of student engagement per week. Therefore, you should expect to be doing approximately 4x(2-3) = at least 8-12 hours of work in this class each week! This time may be spent on discussions, readings the textbook and reviewing lecture/supplemental materials, studying notes and doing research, and completing assignments.
Course Grading
| Letter Grade |
Percentage |
| A | 90% or higher |
| B | 80-89.9% |
| C | 70-79.9% |
| D | 60-69.9% |
| F | 59.9% or lower |
D represents insufficient mastery to satisfy core degree requirements or prerequisites
Course Evaluation
Course evaluation will be based on the following criteria:
- Multiple-Choice Homework Assignments (Based on Chapter Readings) (16)
- Discussion Topic Participation (8)
- Midterm and Final Exams (2)
Reading-Based Homework (16 x 25 pts) __________________ 400 points (50% of total grade)
Discussion Participation (8 x 30 pts) ______________________ 240 points (30% of total grade)
Midterm and Final Exams (2 x 80 pts) _____________________ 160 points (20% of total grade)
Grades will be calculated out of maximum possible points (800) and converted to %.
Your grade in this course is based on your mastery of the material, not on your standing relative to your peers (meaning I do not curve the course grades). I evaluate your performance based on your demonstrated knowledge of material from the course assignments. Remember that an “A” represents excellent work far exceeding basic requirements. A “B” is good work, which meets the basic requirements. A “C” could use some improvement and is below basic requirements. A “D” grade represents insufficient mastery. An “F” is failing and does not meet the minimum requirements.
Expectations and Policies
Homework: Assignments (Quizzes) will be based on reading textbook chapters, and potentially additional reading assignments that are posted on Canvas. You are responsible for reading and watching all of the recommended material in each module. As discussed in the Late Work Policy section above, I will usually accept late assignments if you let me know your circumstances. There will be one homework designated for each weekly module, which will consist of answering multiple-choice conceptual questions based on relevant chapter(s) through Canvas Quizzes. The homework quizzes are timed (1.5 hours) and there will be 16 assignments in total.
Exams: There will be 2 exams this semester. You may NOT work with anyone else to complete these exams, but you may use the textbook and your notes (not Google). Since this class is online, this will be on the honor system, but I do have the ability to virtually moderate the exam, to see how long you are taking to answer each question and overall submission time for each question, so just keep that in mind! You will have 2.5 hours to take your exam from the time you choose to begin, and each exam which will consist of 40 multiple choice questions (2 points for each question). Exams will typically consist of reformatted questions that you will have already seen in on the Homework assignments. In the event that you accidentally open the exam and it times out before you are able to finish, I may let you retake it (depending on the circumstances) but points may be deducted. Please be careful and keep track of due dates and times!
Discussion Topics: There will be 8 discussion topics presented over the course of the intersession. These discussions will consist of a starting prompt (e.g. a hypothetical situation) and will include instructions on how you should proceed. For each of these exercises, you will be randomly sorted into groups. I am looking for thoughtful responses in the discussion thread, and while I do want to see the collaborative process going on with your classmates, you will only be graded on YOUR individual responses as a whole. I will grade you on the overall contribution you made to the discussion, including the content of your ideas, spelling/grammar, and inclusion of your referenced sources. You will have approximately 2 weeks to work on each discussion topic.
Everyone in the group does not necessarily have to answer the same questions or the same parts of the prompt. You can each tackle different parts of the discussion based on what you find the most interesting, or by offering different opinions on the same topic. I am looking for a comprehensive discussion between all members of the group, to where it seems like each person has actually gotten something out of the process. Finally, it is important to mention that I understand group work can be frustrating if other members of your group are not participating, or if they are waiting until the last minute to contribute.
Therefore, PLEASE NOTE that I will NOT penalize you if you are unable to "respond to at least two other posts" if no one else is making any comments. You should, however, continue to POST A MINIMUM of 3 TOTAL COMMENTS by yourself so that you will meet the requirement for the number of posts. This could look like breaking up one really long comment into three separate posts.
The rubric I will follow for grading your discussions is reproduced below (30 possible points each discussion):
1. (9 points) You must contribute at least one of your own individual ideas as an original comment on the topic AND respond to at least two other posts made by other group members. This means you are required to post at least THREE comments to receive full points here. Remember, a "discussion" is only as good as the dialogue and responses generated between the participants!
That does not mean that you should only say three things and be done; you will likely lose points from the "Quality level of response" category if it is clear that you're not really participating in the chat. Your contributions to the discussion should include answers to the questions, responses to the given discussion prompt, appropriate responses to your classmates, and cited sources to support any claims you are making for your argument.
2. (5 points) You must include a reference/Citation to support your discussion points. This can be as simple as copy and pasting a link to the website that provides a citation for the specifics of a topic that you want to discuss. Do NOT just post a link alone as your entire response; it is important to incorporate your own ideas with the data or article that you have chosen to cite. Points will be assigned based on how well your citations are integrated.
3. (4 points) Entries are respectful of others involved in discussion. This should be self-explanatory, but please do not be rude to others or use any inappropriate language in these course discussions.
4. (12 points) Quality level of response: Please write your comments in thoughtful, complete sentences using proper grammar and spelling (try not to use slang or abbreviated words). As mentioned above, you may also lose points in this category for responses that are underdeveloped or very obviously short/rushed.
All assignments (Discussion Topics, Homework Reading Quizzes, and Exams) will be organized into modules by topic, to help you keep track of your due dates.
IN THIS CLASS:
You have the RIGHT to be treated with respect and professionalism
- You have the RESPONSIBILITY to interact in a respectful and constructive manner.
You have the RIGHT to clarity about course objectives, assignments, and grades
- You have the RESPONSIBILITY to read the syllabus, comply with course guidelines, ask questions if anything is unclear. Please keep up with email & announcements.
You have the RIGHT to consistent grading of work, applied to all students
- You have the RESPONSIBILITY to complete assignments, use available resources to improve the quality of your work as necessary, and respond civilly to any evaluation or feedback of your work.
You have the RIGHT to flexibility during times of crisis, which you have clearly communicated to me
- You have the RESPONSIBILITY to participate, complete assignments, and contact me if you are going to be missing work or need accommodations. Please keep me informed about emergency circumstances.
You have the RIGHT to my availability for meetings and timely responses to emails/Canvas messages
- You have the RESPONSIBILITY to keep scheduled appointments or cancel as soon as you know you can’t make it. Please include your preferred contact information in your messages.
We will be using the discussion board on Canvas to facilitate group conversations.
Netiquette and Other Online Behavior
Netiquette facilitates appropriate communication online.
- Show respect, and be courteous. Refrain from inappropriate language.
- Learn about, understand, and support your classmates.
- Do not make sexist, racist, homophobic, or other insensitive comments.
- Value the diversity among your classmates.
- Encourage others to develop and share their ideas.
- Challenge others constructively with the intent of expanding discussion.
- Be open to being challenged on your ideas.
- Do not demean or embarrass others.
- Consider your comments before you post them.
Modules & Course Schedule
COURSE TRAJECTORY: Topics to be covered this semester include the following:
- Physical Mechanics
- Week 1: Ch. 1 (Introduction), Ch. 2.1 (Displacement), Ch. 2.2-2.4 (Velocity & Acceleration)
- Ch. 1 read pp. 5-30, Ch. 2 read pp. 35-55 (45 pages total)
- Week 2: Ch. 3.1 and 3.4 (Kinematics & Projectile Motion), Ch. 4.1-4.4 (Mass, Force & Newton’s Laws), Ch. 6.1-6.3 (Circular Motion), Ch. 6.5 (Gravity)
- Ch. 3.1 and 3.4 read pp. 97-100 and 116-123, Ch. 4 read pp. 143-156, Ch. 6 read pp. 221-233 and 238-245 (42 pages total)
- Week 3: Ch. 7.1-7.7 (Energy, Work, Power), Ch. 8.1-8.4 (Linear Momentum)
- Ch. 7 read pp. 261-293, Ch. 8 read pp. 313-325 (44 pages total)
- Week 4: Ch. 9.1-9.2 (Torque & Equilibrium), 9.5 (Simple Machines) and 10.1-10.5 (Angular Momentum & Rotation)
- Ch. 9 read pp. 347-354 and 363-366, Ch. 10 read pp. 383-413 (40 pages total)
- Atoms in Motion
- Week 5: Ch. 13.1-13.6 (Temperature, Kinetic Theory, Gas Laws)
- Ch. 13 read pp. 519-538 (39 pages total)
- Week 6: Ch. 14.1-14.7 (Heat, Transfer, and Phases: Solids, Liquids, Gases, and Plasmas)
- Ch. 14 read pp. 567-599 (32 pages total)
- Week 7: Ch. 15.1-15.6 (Thermodynamics)
- Ch. 15 read pp. 611-647 (36 pages total)
- Week 8: Ch. 16.1-16.5 (Oscillatory Motion), Ch. 16.9-16.11 (Waves & Interference), Ch. 17.1-17.4 (Sound)
- Ch. 16 read pp. 665-682 and pp. 692-704, Ch. 17 read pp. 713-729 (45 pages total)
- Electromagnetism, Light, Optics
- Week 9: Ch. 18.1-18.4 (Electric Charges & Fields), 19.1-19.3 (Electric Potential), Ch. 20.1-20.4 (Electric Current)
- Ch. 18 read pp. 761-775, Ch. 19 read pp. 803-815, Ch. 20 read pp. 843-860 (43 pg. total)
- Week 10: Ch. 22.1-22.6 (Magnetism) and Ch. 24 (Electromagnetic Waves)
- Ch. 22 read pp. 935-953 and Ch. 24 read pp. 1041-1065 (42 pages total)
- Week 11: Ch. 25 (Geometric Optics & Light Rays)
- Ch. 25 read pp. 1075-1120 (45 pages total)
- Week 12: Ch. 27.1-27.8 (Wave Optics)
- Ch. 27 read pp. 1161-1196 (35 pages total)
- Modern Physics
- Week 13: Ch. 28 (Special Relativity)
- Ch. 28 read pp. 1211-1241 (30 pages total)
- Week 14: Ch. 29 (Quantum Physics)
- Ch. 29 read pp. 1249-1281 (32 pages total)
- Week 15: Ch. 30.1-30.3 (Atomic Physics), Ch. 31.1-31.5 (Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity)
- Ch. 30 read pp. 1289-1306 and Ch. 31 read pp. 1349-1375 (43 pages total)
- Week 16: Ch. 33.1-33.4 (Particle Physics) and Ch. 34.1-34.5 (Frontiers in Physics)
- Ch. 33 read pp. 1437-1451, Ch. 34 read pp. 1473-1493 (34 pages total)
The course is divided into modules, which are listed in the course calendar outline, below.
While we won't be covering the entire textbook (the textbook is purposefully "overbuilt" and contains too much content to cover in a single course), for the interested students, everything is available. The chapter reading suggestions are included to support your ability to take the homework quizzes, but the depth and detail that you decide to pursue for each chapter is ultimately up to you. Completing each module is a prerequisite for being able to access the next module in sequential order.
The modules will be made available at the beginning of each week (Monday), with relevant assignments due at the end of the week (Sundays). Due dates are implemented to maintain a pacing that will ensure you move through all the material in a timely manner by the end of the course. Lecture slides, homework assignments, and course discussions will guide what students are expected to learn. Please note that the homework quizzes as well as the two exams in this course (Midterm and Final) will be timed. Please reach out to me if you have academic accommodations that should be applied.
Please also see this website if you need to reference Merritt's Spring 2023 Academic Calendar.
| Date | Assignments/Due Dates |
|
Week 1 January 23-29 |
Getting Started & Module 1: Homework 1 due on Sun. Jan. 29th |
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Week 2 Jan 30-Feb 5 |
Module 2: Homework 2 due Sun. Feb. 5th |
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Week 3 February 6-12 |
Module 3: |
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Week 4 February 13-19 |
Module 4: Homework 4 due Sun. Feb. 19th |
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Week 5 February 20-26 |
Module 5: Discussion #2 due Wed. Feb. 22nd Homework 5 due Sun. Feb. 26th |
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Week 6 Feb 27-March 5 |
Module 6: Homework 6 due Sun. Mar. 5th |
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Week 7 March 6-12 |
Module 7: Discussion #3 due Wed. March 8th Homework 7 due Sun. March 12th |
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Week 8 March 13-19 |
Module 8: [Midterm Exam next week covers Modules 1-8] |
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Week 9 March 20-26 |
Module 9: Discussion #4 due Wed. March 22nd HW 9 & Midterm Exam due Sun. Mar. 26th |
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March 27-April 2 |
SPRING BREAK: No assignments due |
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Week 10 April 3-9 |
Module 10: Discussion #5 due Wed. April 5th Homework 10 due Sun. April 9th |
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Week 11 April 10-16 |
Module 11: Homework 11 due Sun. April 16th |
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Week 12 April 17-23 |
Module 12: Discussion #6 due Wed. April 19th Homework 12 due Sun. April 23rd |
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Week 13 April 24-30 |
Module 13: Homework 13 due Sun. April 30th |
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Week 14 May 1-7 |
Module 14: Discussion #7 due Wed. May 3rd Homework 14 due Sun. May 7th |
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Week 15 May 8-14 |
Module 15: Homework 15 due Sun. May 14th |
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Week 16 May 15-21 |
Module 16: |
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Finals Week May 22-27 |
Final Module [Final Exam covers Modules 9-16] |
Student Accessibility
Merritt College's Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is open and serving students with disabilities remotely throughout the semester. For any student who needs to request academic accommodations, please refer to SAS for assistance as soon as possible.
Confidentiality: I will never discuss a student's disability status or information with, or in front of, others. I will always be mindful of engaging a student about their accommodations or disability to avoid revealing the student as someone with a disability. I will always speak with students privately about their accommodation needs.
Tutoring and Academic Support
Academic support for Merritt College courses are available through the Learning Center.
Tips for Success in Physics 10 Online
Follow this advice to maximize your chance of success in this class.
My goal in grading is to reward two things: (1) the effort you put into this class, and (2) your understanding and knowledge of fundamental physics concepts. For those just wanting to pass this class, I have a good news: my goal is to pass every student who stays engaged with the course to the end of the semester, and the course structure is designed to achieve this goal. But what about those who want to get a B or an A in this class?
Here's what I recommend for those who want to put in the effort:
- First, realize that this online class requires more self-discipline, integrity, and a level of comfort with technology, than face-to-face classes do. Set aside a time to regularly work on the assigned readings, and be proactive in contacting me if you have any issues with Canvas, or any other technologies being used for the class.
- Second, you should make sure your line of communication is open! Most course announcements are made through Canvas announcement. Please check your notification settings to make sure you receive timely notifications and course announcements.
- Lastly, make use of all the resources being made available in the course. To make up for the lack of face-to-face interactions, lecture videos are posted for key topics and exercises, questions may be posed in graded discussions, and peer-graded essay assignments are designed around multimedia learning material.
I believe it is possible not only for everyone in the class to pass but also for everyone to do so with a grade of B or better—all that is needed is for you to have a little bit of self-discipline and to put in a consistent effort.
Preferred Name and Pronouns
Class rosters are typically provided to the instructor with the student’s legal name. I will gladly honor your request to address you by your claimed name and/or (a)gender pronoun. Please advise me of this preference early on in the course so that I may make appropriate changes to my records. You should also be able to edit your own Canvas user profile to indicate preferred pronouns as well, if you wish.
Course Policies
Please read on for the full listing of course policy. If you would rather skip it, that is fine; I will remind you of anything that is important.
- Attendance: This is an online and asynchronous class and face-to-face class attendance is not required. However, please be aware that students who miss assignments due in the few weeks of class may be dropped from class as "no show." Also, the instructor may drop a student if the student misses an excessive number of assignments without excuse.
- Sunday, February 5th is the last day to drop this course without receiving a "W" on your transcript!
- Academic Integrity: Everything you turn in must be your own work. If you use sources other than those provided in the course, please clearly cite it and give credit where it is due. Allowing another student to copy your own work also constitutes academic dishonesty. Please refer to pg. 38-39 of the Merritt College Student Handbook/Catalog for the college policy on academic dishonesty and possible disciplinary measures.
- Honor Code Pledge: You must complete the honor code pledge (accessible in the first Module) to continue in this class. Students who do not maintain their honor code pledge may become ineligible to participate in course or be required to complete activities in a format that allows a greater degree of monitoring by the instructor.
- Schedule Subject to Change: Assignment schedules are subject to change. Any changes will be announced through Canvas, and all efforts will be made to accommodate students.
- Late Assignments: All assignments are due on the date noted. Canvas will accept late submissions on essay or discussion assignments (the instructor reserves the right to grade late submissions in appropriate cases). Satisfactory progress through the course in a timely manner is required to pass the class.
- Allowed/Prohibited Items During Timed Assessments (open book): Certain assessments are timed and are used similarly as "exams" or "quizzes" would be used in face-to-face classes. Following is the description of what you may use and what you may not use during these assessments.
- Allowed: calculators, foreign language dictionaries, any material that is provided in the context of the course (usually through Canvas), and the means used to access the assessment.
- Prohibited: any outside help, including but not limited to: (a) an individual providing help during the exam, other than the instructor, (b) external websites, unless they are used purely for calculation function, and (c) external references, either in digital or paper-bound format, other than those allowed above.
Free Tutoring
Merritt College Learning Center
Do you need help with homework? Friendly tutors are ready to help you, virtually or in person.
The Learning Center's Hours of Operation
Mondays - Thursdays -- 9:00am - 6:00pm -- Virtual or in person
Fridays -- 10:00am - 4:00pm -- Virtual only
In-Person Tutoring
To schedule an in-person tutoring appointment, click here and then meet with your tutor on campus at 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland, CA 94619.
Virtual Tutoring
To schedule an appointment for an online tutoring session, click here and meet with your tutor here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/811864577
¿Necesita ayuda con la tarea? ¡Tutores amables están listos para ayudarle en persona o virtual!
El Centro de Aprendizaje (Learning Center) de la Merritt College Horas de Operación:
Lunes - Jueves: 9:00am - 6:00pm - Virtual o en persona
Viernes - 10:00am - 4:00pm -- Exclusivamente Virtual
Tutores En Persona
Para hacer una cita con un tutor en persona, oprime aquí https://appt.link/merritt-college-tutoring y luego para unirse con su tutor, visítanos en el campus de 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland, CA 94619. Nos encuentra en el edificio L, un piso debajo de la biblioteca.
Tutores Virtual
Para hacer una cita con un tutor virtualment, oprime aqui https://appt.link/merritt-college-tutoring y luego para unirse con su tutor virtualmente, oprime aqui: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/811864577
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|