Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (Phys 201, Section 02), Fall 2016,  Course Syllabus

Physics 201 provides an introduction to mechanics (how things move and what causes them to move), vibrations and waves, and thermodynamics (how energy flows and work is done).  Properties of materials and fluids will also be covered.  Electricity and magnetism , and optics, will be considered separately in Phys 202, and quantum physics and relativity in Phys 303-304.   Calculus will be used, but not extensively in Phys 201.  Math 171 with grade of C or better is a prerequisite, or placement in Math 172 or higher.  We will cover chapters 1-21 of Randall Knight’s text (4th edition).

Expected outcomes

By the end of the course you should have achieved a sound understanding of kinematics (motion, position, velocity, acceleration), dynamics (force, work, energy),  rotational motion and dynamics, waves and oscillations, fluids, and thermodynamics.  You will learn how to think critically about physical problems by approaching them using a general four-step procedure:  (1) identify an appropriate model or context, (2) visualize the problem, (3) apply physical laws and principles to arrive at a solution, and, finally, (4) assess the result.  By the end of the semester you will be able to analyze a broad range of physical problems that affect us as individuals and the society at large.

General information

Instructor:                  Professor Gary S. Collins, office Webster 554, 335-1354.  
Class hours:               TTh, 14:50-16:05, Webster Physical Sciences 16 (also known as B16).
Office hours:              right after class, by appointment, or whenever my office door is open.
Problem solving sessions (optional):   Tuesdays, 17:00-18:00, Webster 16.
My email:                  mailto:collins@wsu.edu  (include “201 …”  at the beginning of the subject line).
Required text:            Physics for Scientists and Engineers:  A Strategic Approach,
                                Randall Knight (Pearson, 4th edition, 2013, chap 1-21);  any version OK   
                                that includes chapters 1-21; the "fat" version that includes chapters 1-35
                                also can be used next spring in Physics 202).
Blackboard course page:   link from http://learn.wsu.edu  to the course page for Physics-201.   The    
                                blackboard page will have links to course material such as classroom
                                powerpoints, worksheets completed in class, and homework and exam solutions.
MasteringPhysics:      MasteringPhysics (MP) is required for homework. You will connect to it
                                through Blackboard.   there is a special ModifiedMasteringPhysics access
                                kit for WSU; purchase solely from the Bookie, Crimson and Grey, or
                                online from Pearson, or else it may not work!   
                                Enter your WSU student number when you enroll in MasteringPhysics.  
Public home page:      http://www.wsu.edu/~collins/201
Syllabus:                   http://www.wsu.edu/~collins/201/syllabus.pdf  (remember to reload!)    
Schedule:                  http://www.wsu.edu/~collins/201/schedule.pdf  (lecture topics and labs)
Laboratory link:         http://hub.wsu.edu/physlabs/physics-201/
August 23, 2016.   This page is http://www.wsu.edu/~collins/201.  You are visitor  since the last reset. Please send additions and corrections to Gary S. Collins.  Jump to Gary Collins's instruction home page.