Course Syllabus

Independent Study in Idaho

 

ISI Website | indepst@uidaho.edu | 208-885-6641 

PHYS 1111 General Physics I

Sponsoring Institution: University of Idaho

3 Credits 

 

Instructor Information

Course Instructor: Dr. Peter M. Wojcik

  • Email: peterw@uidaho.edu
  • Personal Website: peterwojcik.com
  • You can contact me via the Canvas interface or the email address above. Expect to receive a response in 24-48 hours, Monday-Friday.
  • Copy the ISI office at indepst@uidaho.edu on all communications. 

Hello and Welcome to PHYS 1111!

I am excited to work with you and assist you in achieving your educational goals. My name is Dr. Wojcik, and I will be your instructor for ISI PHYS 1111. Feel free to contact me at any time via Canvas or my email. I can meet with you via a virtual meeting (Zoom) and assist you with homework problems, understanding course material and concepts, and any other help you may need with the course. Send me an email to request a meeting.

 

 

Course Description 

PHYS 111 is the first part of a year-long algebra-based introductory physics sequence. PHYS 111 and 112, together, provide a broad survey of classical and modern physics.

Some of the topics covered in the course:

  • One- and Two-Dimensional Kinematics
  • Forces
  • Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Friction, Drag, Elasticity
  • Uniform Circular Motion and Gravitation
  • Work and Energy
  • Linear Momentum and Collisions
  • Statics and Torque
  • Rotational Motion
  • Fluid Statics and Dynamics
  • Temperature, Kinetic Theory, and Gas Laws
  • Heat and Heat Transfer Methods
  • Thermodynamics
  • Oscillatory Motion and Waves
  • Sound and Hearing

Course Learning Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of the physical phenomena outlined in the Course Description.
  • Approach and solve a variety of physics problems.
  • Understand the scientific method.
  • Apply scientific reasoning and use critical thinking to evaluate arguments.
  • Apply foundational knowledge and models of a natural or physical science to analyze and/or predict physical phenomena.

Required Materials 

Textbook

The textbook you will use for the course is College Physics 2e from OpenStax. The online and pdf versions of the textbook are free!

You have several options to access this book:

Use whichever format you want. Web view is recommended – the responsive design works seamlessly on any device, and it is updated more frequently than print versions of the textbook. Please check the OpenStax College Physics 2e webpage for updates to the textbook.

Student Solutions Manual

The Student Solutions Manual provides solutions to select Problems and Exercises from the OpenStax College Physics 2e textbook.

Go to the OpenStax College Physics 2e Student Resources webpage to download the latest version of the Student Solutions Manual. Create an account with OpenStax to download the Student Solutions Manual (student accounts are free).

OpenStax College Physics 2e Student Resources

Requisite Tools

Computer (Webcam and Microphone Recommended)

  • A webcam and microphone are recommended if you plan on meeting with or seeking help from the instructor.

Non-Programmable Scientific Calculator

  • A handheld, non-programmable, non-graphing scientific calculator with trigonometric functions is preferred.
  • Approved and Recommended Calculators:
    • Texas Instruments: TI-30Xa; TI-30XIIS; TI-36X Pro
    • Casio: Any model on this page, Casio Calculators
    • Any brand/model is acceptable as long as it is non-programmable and non-graphing.
  • You should practice using your calculator when working through post-section questions and homework problems, as you will be using this calculator while taking exams.

Method to Scan Your Written Homework to PDF

  • Homework assignments must be in PDF format to upload via the Canvas interface.
  • Your smartphone can be used as a PDF scanner. Search Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iPhone) for "pdf scanner." There are many free PDF conversion apps available.

Course Rules and Requirements 

Students will be evaluated based on various assessments, including post-section questions, homework assignments, and exams. 

Force Concept Inventory Test

Your first and last assignment is to complete the Force Concept Inventory (FCI) test. Your instructor will email you a link to the FCI test shortly after you sign up for the course.

This test does not count toward your final grade but is required to receive a final grade for the course.

The FCI test has 30 multiple-choice questions, a 30 min time limit, and tests your knowledge of basic concepts in Newtonian physics.

Please read each question carefully and do not choose an answer at random; always make an "educated guess" when you don't know the answer to the question.

The FCI test is taken at the beginning and end of the course and gives instructors a method for measuring the effectiveness of how the material is presented in the course, among other things.

Post-Section Questions

Each chapter in the College Physics 2e textbook is presented as a module in Canvas.

Individual sections in the module contain a reading assignment from the textbook, videos to assist you with your understanding of the textbook material, and links to additional resources pertaining to that section.

After completing most sections in the modules, you will be given a multiple-choice question to test your knowledge of the previous section; these are the Post-Section Questions and are worth 15% of your final grade.

Homework

You will be given a homework assignment after completing each chapter in OpenStax College Physics 2e.

  • Graded Homework Assignments: 14 (count towards your final grade)
  • Ungraded Homework Assignments: 3 (do not count towards your final grade but are required)

Homework Tips

  • Show all your work in your solutions (including multiple-choice questions, when applicable).
  • Don't skip algebra or other physics-related steps in your solution.
  • Do any necessary algebra first and insert numerical values in the last step.
  • Write neatly and leave plenty of space between problems and in your solutions.
  • Work from the top of the page - down, not from left to right.

Homework Solutions

  • You will be given the solutions to the homework after your instructor has graded your work.
  • Do not share the homework solutions with anyone. If you share the homework solutions, you will fail the course!

Exams

  • Four exams will be given throughout the course and comprise 50% of your total grade.
  • You will not receive your graded exam.

 

Exam Format

Each exam is worth 100 pts and is designed to be completed in 60 minutes, with up to 120 minutes allowed.

  • Questions 1 - 4 (4 pts each)
    • Multiple-Choice
  • Questions 5 - 10 (6 pts each)
    • Short-answer questions consisting of short, one- or two-stage calculations.
  • Questions 11 - 13 (16 pts each)
    • Structured questions consisting of two or more parts with subsequent questions that may be dependent on the previous question(s).

Exam Proctor

PHYS 111 exams require a proctor.

Go to the ISI Exam Proctors page and complete the following steps:

  • Step 1: Find a Proctor
  • Step 2: Contact your Proctor
  • Step 3: Submit a Proctor Request Form

Exam Materials

  • All exams are closed notes and closed book.
  • An equation sheet is provided to you with each exam.
    • Note: The equation sheet provided to you with each exam is the same as the one given to you in the Equation Sheet section of the Getting Started in PHYS 111 module. For that reason, it is recommended you become familiar with it by downloading and having available a copy of the equation sheet while working on post-section questions and homework assignments.
  • Bring the following with you to each exam:
    • A non-programmable, non-graphing scientific calculator (smartphones cannot be used as calculators).
    • Pencil/Pen/Eraser (pencil with eraser suggested).
    • Photo ID and V-Number

Study Guides

Review and complete the Study Guides in preparation for each exam. The Study Guides will be available when you unlock each exam module.

You are not required to complete the study guides; they are designed to give students a foundation for exam preparation and to offer insights into what to expect on the day of the exam, such as the exam format, the topics covered in each question, and the types of questions that may appear on the exam. Note that there is no guarantee that you will see the practice problems from the study guide on the exam!

For each question on the exam, the study guide provides:

  • A list of the relevant topic(s) covered in the question. Review the appropriate Canvas pages, including but not limited to the textbook reading, videos, and additional resources.
  • Practice problems and additional information relevant to the question. Practice the listed problems and review and understand any additional listed information.
  • A notes section to write equations, notes, or other problems relevant to the section(s) covered in the exam question.

Assignment Submission Guidelines

You may submit up to four assignments in one seven-day period. For example, you can submit four homework assignments OR three homework assignments and one exam in one seven-day period.

Grade Information 

Your final grade for the course will be based on the following assessments:

  • Post-Section Questions (15%)
  • Homework (35%)
  • Exams (50%)

Homework assignments and exams will include numerical, algebraic, and multiple-choice problems.

Grading Criteria

A numerical grade for your solutions on homework assignments and exams will be based on the following criteria:

  • Clarity, neatness, and completeness of solution.
  • Evidence of understanding and development in understanding.
  • Application of physical principles.
  • Mathematical approaches.

In summary, show all of your work in your solutions. It is possible to have a correct answer and receive minimal credit, while an incorrect answer that exhibits most of the above grading criteria can receive nearly full credit.

Grade Distribution
Assessment Type Percentage of Grade
Post-Section Questions 15.0%
Homework 35.0%
Exam 1 12.5%
Exam 2 12.5%
Exam 3 12.5%
Exam 4 12.5%

 

Grade Scale
Letter Grade Percentage
A  85 – 100%
B 70 – 84%
C 55 – 69%
D 40 – 54%
 F < 40%

Course Policies 

Refer to the ISI website's Current Students page for the most current policies and procedures, including information on setting up accounts, student confidentiality, exams, transcripts, course exchanges, refunds, academic integrity, library resources, disability support and other services. 

Accessibility Information for Resources Used in the Course

 

University Policies and Resources

Land Acknowledgement

U of I Moscow is located on the homelands of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce), Palus (Palouse) and Schitsu’umsh (Coeur d’Alene) tribes. We extend gratitude to the indigenous people that call this place home, since time immemorial. U of I recognizes that it is our academic responsibility to build relationships with the indigenous people to ensure integrity of tribal voices.

Professionalism

Copying from another student or any online source/answer manual is plagiarism and is not allowed. Cheating and plagiarism will earn you an F in this course and, potentially, a visit to the dean of students. See Dean of Student's Student Code of Conduct for more information.

Remember: You’re paying to learn, not just get grades.

 

Learning Civility

In any environment in which people gather to learn, it is essential that all members feel as free and safe as possible in their participation. To this end, it is expected that everyone in this course will be treated with mutual respect and civility, with an understanding that all of us (students, instructors, professors, guests, and teaching assistants) will be respectful and civil to one another in discussion, in action, in teaching, and in learning.

Should you feel our classroom interactions do not reflect an environment of civility and respect, you are encouraged to meet with your instructor during office hours to discuss your concern.  Additional resources for expression of concern or requesting support include the Dean of Students office and staff (208-885-6757), the U of I Counseling & Testing Center’s confidential services (208-885-6716), or the Office of Civil Rights and Investigations (208-885-4285).

Disability Access and Reasonable Accommodations

University of Idaho is committed to ensuring an accessible learning environment where course or instructional content are usable by all students and faculty. If you believe that you require disability-related academic adjustments for this class (including pregnancy-related disabilities), please contact Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR) to discuss eligibility. A current accommodation letter from CDAR is required before any modifications, above and beyond what is otherwise available for all other students in this class will be provided. Please be advised that disability-related academic adjustments are not retroactive. CDAR is located at the Bruce Pitman Building, Suite 127. Phone is 208-885-6307 and e-mail is cdar@uidaho.edu.  For a complete listing of services and current business hours visit https://www.uidaho.edu/student-resources/disability-accessibility-resources.

Vandal Food Pantry

The Vandal Food Pantry is a free resource stocked weekly with food, grocery bags, and various hygiene items. Its eight locations across campus are accessible during building hours and open to all. Please take what you need.

Green Dot Safety Program

What's Your Green Dot? It's up to all of us to make a safer campus. Vandal Green Dot is a program that helps students learn about the power of the bystander, how to recognize potentially risky situations, and realistic ways to intervene. Together we can bring down the number of people being hurt by interpersonal violence on our campus. No one has to do everything, but everyone has to do something! Learn more and get involved by visiting UI's Green Dot Safety Program or emailing greendot@uidaho.edu.

Firearms

The University of Idaho bans firearms from its property with only limited exceptions. One exception applies to persons who hold a valid Idaho enhanced concealed carry license, provided those firearms remain concealed at all times. If an enhanced concealed carry license holder's firearm is displayed, other than in necessary self-defense, it is a violation of University policy. Please contact local law enforcement (call 911) to report firearms on University property. University of Idaho leadership remains committed to maintaining a safe work, living and learning environment on campus. We will not tolerate any threatening use of firearms or any other weapons. While authorized license holders may have familiarity and be at ease carrying a loaded firearm, we ask that they be aware that many people are not familiar with handguns and are uncomfortable in their presence.

Other Help and Resources

Student Resources

The University of Idaho provides student support to ensure a successful learning experience.

Library Help

The U of I Library website has many databases that will help you find relevant and reliable books, articles, images, and more. Don't hesitate to contact a librarian for research assistance.

Technology Help

The U of I Student Technology Center provides many technology related services to students.

Writing Support

The U of I Writing Center provides one-on-one assistance to student writers and other members of the campus community.

 

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