Physics 104 Fundamental Physics I is a calculus based overview of the fundamentals of classical mechanics. This course is suitable for those interested in further study in the physical sciences and in engineering. Classical mechanics describes the physical phenomena occurring in the real world around us. We study linear and rotational motion of objects, and then consider how forces cause motion, using Newton's laws. We next use conservation of energy and conservation of momentum to describe the motion of objects. Finally we investigate heat transfer and simple harmonic motion. These topics form a basis for future physical science and engineering courses.
Prerequisites: Physics 12 or PHYS 60 with a minimum grade of 60% and Pre-calculus 12 or MATH 60 with a minimum grade of 67%
Corequisite: MATH 100
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 90 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Recognize the role of physics in everyday life
- Show correct use of physics notation, including symbols, units, and vectors
- Apply a variety of problem-solving strategies in familiar and unfamiliar situations
- Recognize the simplifications and assumptions required for a particular model to apply to the real world
- Explain the basic linear, rotational, and oscillatory motion of everyday objects with graphing and algebraic techniques
- Apply Newton’s laws to a variety of first-year level forces problems
- Apply calculus in the study of physics
- Use electronic sensors and computer software in the physics lab in order to measure an object’s various mechanics quantities
- Communicate a written solution to a physics problem in a detailed and logical approach that peers in the physical sciences can readily follow
- Exhibit professional behaviours such as respect for colleagues and peers, punctuality, willingness to think independently, and pride in presentation of work
Teaching and Learning Approach
In class, concepts and formulae will be presented in a variety of methods, including typical black-board notes,
PowerPoint slides, videos, and demonstrations. Students’ questions are encouraged and group discussions
happen on occasion. Problem solving is a major component of this course, so expect often to engage in
attempting a problem prior to the solution being presented on the board. The lab provides opportunities to
develop hands-on skills, to collaborate with peers, to learn methods of scientific investigations, and to confirm
theoretical results.Learning Resources
Required:
L. Samuel, Sanny, and Moebs, University Physics Volume 1, OpenStax, 2016.
Available for free online at: https://openstax.org/details/books/university-physics-volume-1 or for purchase as a
print copy from the college bookstore. Also available for free on iBooks, Kindle, or via the OpenStax app.
Recommended:
Student Solutions Guide to accompany the textbook, available online.
Instructor’s Moodle course page to accompany the course.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Math, units, and measurement
2. 1-D Kinematics
3. Vectors & 3-d kinematics
4. Projectiles and circular motion
5. Test One
6. Forces
7. Forces, and Energy & work & power
8. Conservation of energy
9. Impulse & conservation of linear momentum
10. Rotation kinematics & dynamics
11. Review
12. Rotation dynamics & oscillations
13. Oscillations / Heat
14. Heat / Review
15. Final exam weeksAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
|---|
| Equally weighted assignments (5) | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 | 10% |
| Quizzes (5) | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 | 10% |
| Lab reports (8) | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | 20% |
| Equally weighted tests (2) | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 | 30% |
| Final Exam of entire course content | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.