COLLEGE PHYSICS SYLLABUS

SUMMER 2016
Instructor:

Joric M. Magusara, RN, RPT

Phone:

+63917 - 503 0831

Email:

magusarajoric@gmail.com

Classroom:

Room 101

Office:

Faculty Room, College of Nursing

Teacher Availability:

After class to 1PM. Other times by appointment.

DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT

Physics program is based on standards set forth by the College Board. The purpose of the Science Department
at St. Josephs College of Quezon City is to prepare all students to investigate, analyze, evaluate, and apply the
physical and natural processes of science in the world. In addition, emphasis of the course is on developing an
understanding of concepts; to gain confidence applying several physical concepts at once in order to solve a
problem; and personal experience in scientific inquiry.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
This course, designed primarily for freshman college, is an intensive study of motion, forces, vectors, work, and
energy, Newtonian mechanics, momentum, heat, and electricity. A college physics course differs significantly
from the usual high school course in respect to the textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the
laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort required. Although much of the content will be
presented in class, students will be expected and required to cover additional materials on their own. It will also
include college-level laboratory exercises. Emphasis is placed on a mathematical interpretation of the physical
world.
GOALS OF THE COURSE
1. Execute effective problem solving strategies.
2. Actively use experimentation to assimilate real-life application of physics principles and laws.
3. Apply techniques required for observation and data collection, interpreting the information to form
conclusions.
4. Write detailed analyses of data and observations employing scientific terminology, logic, order,
computer simulations, and graphical analysis computer programs.
5. Demonstrate a comprehensive mathematical approach to solving algebraic interpretations of physics
principles and theories.
6. Correctly interpret force diagrams through vector resolution to enable quick solution.
7. Examine and apply trigonometric functions to solving motion problems in two dimensions.
8. Differentiate between the four fundamental forces that govern the universe.
9. Utilize Newtons three laws of motion to interpret velocity, acceleration and forces as they apply to daily
life.
10. Interpret Keplers Laws of Planetary Motion and Newtons Law of Universal Gravitation to explain the
functional workings of the space program to include satellite navigation, orbital flight, and planetary
exploration.

11. Relate energy, work, and momentum to Newtons laws and their application towards matter.
12. Mathematically explain the relationships that exist between electric fields, electric charges and electric
forces.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING PROCEDURES
Course Content: (See the attached Detailed Course Outline)
First three weeks
Second three weeks
Ch. 1 Introduction to physics
Ch. 6 Motion in two dimensions
Ch. 2 Motion (velocity)
Ch. 8 (partial) Torque
Ch. 3 Motion (acceleration)
Ch. 14 (partial) Simple harmonic motion
Ch. 4 Forces in one dimension
Ch. 7 Gravitation
Ch. 5 Forces in two dimensions
Ch. 9 Momentum
Ch. 10 Work, Power, & Energy
Ch. 11 Conservation of energy
Ch. 12 Thermal energy
Ch. 20 (partial) Static electricity
Ch. 21 (partial) Electric fields
Type and Frequency of Assignments
A textbook chapter is completed about every three weeks
Labs (experiments and reports) are completed about every chapter.
Homework and quizzes are completed for each chapter.
A tests (Seatworks, Quizzes, Boardworks, and Recitations) are given about everyday.
Categories and Approximate Grading Breakdowns
Grades will be based on student performance on tests, quizzes, homework, labs, and class
participation according to the following:
Homework and quizzes will be 20% of your grade
Labs will be 20% of your grade
Chapter tests will be 50% of your grade
The semester final will be 10% of your grade
Grading scale
% Range
94-100
9293
90-91
86-89
84-85

Grade
A+/A
AB+
B
B-

Tests and Quizzes

Labs
Homework and In-Class Assignments

% Range
82-83
78-81
76-77
74-75
72-73
70-71

Grade
C+
C
CD+
D
D-

65%
30%
5%

TEXT
Zitzewitz, Paul W., et al. Physics: Principles and Problems. New York: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2005. Print.

Cutnell & Johnson. Physics 7th Edition

Online Resource: www.wiley.com/college/cutnell
o Scroll down and click on the visit companion sites link under the 7th Edition
o Click on student companion site
o For a direct link, click here
Online Resources:

College Board website: apcentral.collegeboard.com find sample test questions and answers
Online Simulations: phet.colorado.edu
Online tutorials and simulations: www.physicsclassroom.com

Quizzes
One to two quizzes are generally given during each day as a checkpoint for understanding.
Suggestions for Success
Develop short and long term goals for your education, your contribution to society, and your future.
Bring required materials to class and be ready to learn at the start of each class.
Read your textbook. Take good notes. Do all homework on time. Dont fall behind.
Ask questions during class discussion and apply your learning to other life experiences.
Stay organized. Use your 3 ring physics notebook to keep all of your materials in one place.
Study and review a little bit each day. Dont cram for quizzes or tests.
Recognize that this is a difficult course and that you are going to need to invest your time to do well.

Labs
As per requirements of the College Board, a minimum of 12 college level labs will be performed throughout this
course, and at least 25% of class time will be dedicated to lab work. Labs are intended to provide hands-on
examples of the material covered in class and to familiarize students with formal laboratory practices and
procedures. Formal lab reports will be required for approximately one lab per quarter. Students must keep an
organized portfolio of all labs and lab reports as this is a requirement to receive college credit in some cases. A
separate binder for lab materials is recommended.
Note about academic honesty:
Most in-class lab work will be done with a group, and students are encouraged to communicate and
work with their lab groups to make sure everyone has the appropriate data and understands how to do
the lab. However: unless specifically assigned as a group project, all lab work is expected to be a
students own personal work. Copying or plagiarizing another students graphs, calculations,
and/or written responses is prohibited and will be considered academic dishonesty which will be
addressed according to the student handbook. This includes sharing excel graphs and/or
calculations typed in a word processing program. Each student should be making their own
graphs and typing out their own calculations from scratch. The only copy/pasting allowed is
for raw data.
Below is a sample of labs that will be performed throughout the year. Additional labs and experiments
will be added.
1. Measurement uncertainty:
Students calculate the volume of the maximum sized 6-sided box that will fit into the classroom.
Students must take all measurements with the proper precision and carry through uncertainty
when calculating the volume. Class results are compared.
2. Calculation of acceleration due to gravity:
Students are given a variety of materials and measuring devices and must determine a way to
calculate the acceleration due to gravity. Uncertainty calculations must also be done and the
answer compared to the accepted value. This lab is done just prior to the AP test as a review of
lab skills and kinematics.
3. What is the mass?


4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

As a class, students design a procedure to calculate the mass of an unknown object without the
use of scales or balances. Uncertainty calculations are performed and students compare their
answer to the actual value of the unknown mass.
Turning Point
Using conservation of energy along with circular motion concepts, students find the minimum
distance at which a peg can be placed below a pendulums point of attachment while still having
the string remain taut as it circles the peg.
Ballistic Pendulum Lab
Using the concepts of conservation of momentum and conservation of energy, students predict
the range of a ball launched from a ballistic pendulum (when the pendulum is moved out of the
way). Using uncertainty calculations, students must create a target which encompasses a
reasonable range of values and test whether the ball hits their target.
Simple Harmonic Motion
Using Hookes Law, students calculate the spring constant of a spring. Students then calculate
the spring constant using the period of the oscillating spring. These two values are compared
and must coincide within the calculated uncertainty range.
Harmonics
A tuning fork is attached to a thin string from which various masses are hung. Standing wave
patterns are formed on the string as the tension is changed and used to calculate the linear
density of the string.
Ohms Law
Students wire a simple circuit with a voltmeter and ammeter to collect data and verify Ohms
law. The internal resistances of the voltmeter and ammeter are then explored through additional
measurements.

Safety
Safety in the science classroom is of the utmost importance. Students will be required to read and sign a safety
contract before participating in lab activities. Students not following this contract will be subject to
disciplinary action and may be removed from the activity.
Passes:
Students will be allowed to leave the classroom ONLY with a pass written and signed by the instructor in their
own student agendas.
Absences
Check with your instructor to find out what info you missed or to schedule a test/quiz/lab make-up.
Feel free to use school e-mail to communicate about missed classes.
Tests, quizzes and labs must be made up outside of normal class time.
If you know in advance that you will be absent, you are required to see the instructor before your
absence to collect work, and it will be due on the day you return.
Students who are absent the day before a test will still be required to take the test on the
scheduled day. Students who are absent for more than one day before the test should contact the
teacher for information about the test. Each situation will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Late Work
Homework that has already been reviewed in class will not be accepted for credit. Lab reports will be assessed
a penalty of 10% per day late.
Extra Help

Physics is a challenging subject which builds upon itself. Therefore, I encourage students to see me for extra
help if they begin to fall behind or do not understand a concept covered in class. Students are also encouraged
to work together on problem-solving exercises, which means helping each other to UNDERSTAND the
problem. Copying is considered academic dishonesty and will be addressed accordingly.
Students are expected to be responsible for their own learning and to advocate their needs.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR THE COURSE
Materials Needed for Class (bring these to class every day!)
Student Physics Portfolio. Put section dividers in this binder and have paper for notes, homework, etc. It is
suggested that you maintain this binder in order to keep notes and handouts organized. All homework will need
to be turned in without ragged edges so loose leaf paper is better than spiral notebooks.
Pilot Frixion 0.5 Sign Pen and Pencils. ALL homework and exams must be done in pencil.
Scientific Calculator. A graphing calculator is not required for this course.
A ruler (12 inch) and protractor (thin clear plastic).
Classroom procedures
Students are expected to follow all classroom procedures and to fulfill all of the responsibilities outlined in the
student handbook.
Come to class every day. Be on-time. Bring your textbook and all required materials to class every day.
Enter the classroom in a responsible and respectful manner, sit in your assigned seat, and begin work right away.
Ask for permission to move from your assigned seat or to leave the classroom.
Conduct yourself in a responsible and respectful manner at all times. Listen while your instructor is speaking.
Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak.
Speak in a respectful manner and tone. Think before you speak.
When working with a classmate or in a team, be responsible and respectful by being a good listener and by
working together in a constructive and cooperative manner.
Dont bring food or drink to class. No cell phones, iPods, or other electronic devices in class. They are an
unnecessary distraction for your instructor and for your fellow students.
The bell doesnt dismiss class, your instructor does. Please wait for your instructor to dismiss class at the end of
the period.

Course Pacing
The course has been designed approximately 14 of the 32 chapters in the text. We will cover roughly 1
chapter per 2 weeks, depending on the depth of the material. Students may be expected to cover
additional chapters by self-study as assigned.
Students are expected to be actively responsible for their own learning and to advocate their
needs.
Behavior Expectations
I expect two important things in terms of classroom behavior:
Be Responsible Come to class every day on time and prepared to learn.
Be Respectful Treat others better than you expect to be treated yourself.

Participate in class activities lecture/discussions, labs, group work etc. (no sleeping! no using
phone!!)
Come to class prepared to actively learn
Advocate for your needs (see me if you need help or if you have been absent)
BE NICE!
Follow the rules as set forth in the SJCQC student handbook

Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior:

Verbal warning/ asked to move

After school detention with teacher and student conference
Detention and student conference with parent contact
Office referral and parent/guardian contact
Removal from class and office referral
(Steps may be skipped in extreme cases at teacher discretion

ATTENDANCE / PARTICIPATION POLICY

Any absences from school or class that are not approved in advance by both the parents or guardians and
the school administration shall be treated as unexcused absences. Students will not be allowed to
complete work missed because of unexcused absences.
Any absence, (excluding school approved activities), in excess of ten (5) days per semester, per class, will
result in a loss of credit for that class. Individual cases, for reinstatement of credit, may be reviewed
through an appeal process.
You are solely responsible for any and all work that was covered during your absence. You must ask for
the notes and assignments, turning in any work that was due while you were gone or completing the work
missed within one school day for each absence this includes missed exams. Any late work beyond
the above allowance may be turned in within one weeks time for 50% credit. After this, no credit will be
given. If you are absent the day prior to an exam, you will still be required to take the exam, as exams are
announced in advance. If a student is in school for any portion of the day in which an assignment is due
for this class, regardless of whether or not the student was in attendance for this class, it must still be
turned in, otherwise, it will be considered late, and receive late credit.

You may find Physics to be very different from any course you have ever taken. It is thoughtprovoking and interesting (In MY opinion ) but it requires a good deal of logic, reasoning and
synthesis (putting together multiple skills and ideas to solve a problem.) Simple memorization of
facts is not enough to really learn physics. For many students this new experience can seem
daunting, challenging, and at times frustrating. Please dont worry! I am here to help and I
believe that each one of you can and will succeed!
Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge
- Carl Sagan

TURNITIN.COM
Skutt Catholic High School subscribes to Turnitin.com. Turnitin helps detect potential plagiarism by
comparing student work against 3 massive, continuously updated databases of content. Every Originality
Report provides instructors with the opportunity to help students learn about proper citation and safeguard
their academic integrity. The following information is necessary to utilize turnitin.com for this class:
Class ID: ______________
Join / Enroll Password: _________________
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY
The skills of learning from the work and writings of others, incorporating those ideas into an individual's
own work, and documenting the sources of others' ideas are sometimes difficult to master. The SCHS
faculty is committed to helping students learn and apply those skills with ease. Keys to success in
learning to use the work of others are to learn well and ask questions when uncertainty exists.
OVERT DISHONESTY AND/OR CHEATING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
It is unacceptable for a student to intentionally represent the work of another as his/her own, access or
utilize information inappropriately during an examination, or knowingly obtain and/or provide
information about an assignment or examination to another student.
In addition to the trust lost and tainted reputation earned by those without academic integrity, not to
mention the negative character development involved, consequences will be issued in accordance with the
Skutt Catholic High School Student Handbook.

NOTE: The Integrity Pledge will be used on major exams and major papers.
Academic Integrity Pledge
In keeping with Skutt Catholics ideals and with the Academic Integrity Code, I pledge that this
work is my own and that I have neither given nor received inappropriate assistance in preparing
it.
Signature: ____________________________________________

ADDITIONAL CLASSROOM PROCEDURAL INFORMATION

Course Outline: The Course Outline will give an overview of the concepts that will be covered during
the course of the school year. Topics will be covered generally in the order listed and the time allotted for
each chapter is approximate. Deviations from the listed outline may be made to meet the needs of the
students.
First Semester Content
Chapter 1: A Physics Toolkit (2 weeks)
Section 1.1: Mathematics and Physics
Introduction to Physics, Scientific Method, Introduction to Problem Solving, SI System, Scientific
Notation, Significant Figures
Section 1.2: Measurement
Precision versus Accuracy
Section 1.3: Graphing Data
Chapter 2: Representing Motion (3 weeks)
Section 2.1: Picturing Motion
Motion diagrams, Particle Model
Section 2.2: Where and When?
Coordinate Systems, Vectors, Scalars, Time Intervals, Displacement
Section 2.3: Position-Time Graphs
Using a Graph
Section 2.4: How Fast?
Velocity, Motion Diagrams
Chapter 3: Accelerated Motion (4 weeks)
Section 3.1: Acceleration
Changing Velocity, Motion Diagrams
Section 3.2: Motion with Constant Acceleration
Position and Constant Acceleration
Section 3.3: Free Fall
Acceleration Due to Gravity
Chapter 4: Forces in One Dimension (4 weeks)
Section 4.1: Force and Motion
Contact Forces, Field Forces, Force and Acceleration, Combining Forces, Newtons First and Second
Laws
Section 4.2: Using Newtons Laws
Scales, Weight, Drag Force, Terminal Velocity
Section 4.3: Interaction Forces
Newtons Third Law, Tension, Normal Force
Chapter 5: Forces in Two Dimensions (4 weeks)
Section 5.1: Vectors
Components of Vectors, Addition of Vectors
Section 5.2: Friction
Static and Kinetic Friction,
Section 5.3: Force and Motion in Two Dimensions
Equilibrium, Motion Along Inclined Planes,

Second Semester Content

Chapter 6: Motion in Two Dimensions (4 weeks)
Section 6.1: Projectile Motion
Projectiles Launched at an Angle, Trajectories
Section 6.2: Circular Motion
Uniform Circular Motion, Centripetal Acceleration
Chapter 8: Rotational Motion (1 week)
Section 8.2: Rotational Dynamics
Torque
Chapter 14: Vibrations and Waves (1 week)
Section 14.1: Periodic Motion-Simple harmonic motion
Chapter 7: Gravitation (3 weeks)
Section 7.1: Planetary Motion and Gravitation
Keplers Laws, Newtons Law of Universal Gravitation, Universal Gravitational Constant (G)
Section 7.2: Using the Law of Universal Gravitation
Orbits of Planets and Satellites, Gravitational Field, Einsteins Theory of Gravity
Chapter 9: Momentum and Its Conservation (2 weeks)
Section 9.1: Impulse and Momentum
Impulse-Momentum Theory, Angular Momentum
Section 9.2: Conservation of Momentum
Two-Particle Collisions, Propulsion in Space, Conservation of Angular Momentum
Chapter 10: Energy, Work, and Simple Machines (2 weeks)
Section 10.1: Energy and Work
Work-Energy Theorem, Calculation Work, Kinetic Energy, Power
Chapter 11: Energy and Its Conservation (3 weeks)
Section 11.1: The Many Forms of Energy
Kinetic Energy, Stored Energy, Gravitational Potential Energy, Elastic Potential Energy
Section 11.2: Conservation of Energy
Conservation of Mechanical Energy, Analyzing Collisions,
Chapter 12: Thermal Energy (1 week)
Section 12.1: Temperature and Thermal Energy
Equilibrium and Thermometry, Celsius and Kelvin, Heat and the Flow of Thermal Energy
Section 12.2: Changes of State and the Laws of Thermodynamics
First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics
Chapter 20: Static Electricity (1 week)
Section 20.2: Electric Forces-Coulombs Law
Chapter 21: Electric Fields (1 week)
Section 21.2: Applications of Electric Fields-Energy and Electric Potential