Introductory Applied Physics Syllabus
Outcomes
- Experience and understand basic physical fundamentals.
- Develop skills in observation, interpretation, predicting, and questioning.
- Develop scientific problem solving skills.
- Develop interpersonal and communication skills.
- Apply understanding of the physical process to real-world situations.
Description
This course is an algebra-based, introduction-level physics course.
Learning Model Architecture
You are expected to prepare for each week by studying the required readings and videos. You will be given many opportunities to learn the materials by teaching one another in your Group Work Exercises. You will ponder and prove what you have learned by taking weekly quizzes and six exams. You are allowed three attempts on each quiz, but only allowed one attempt on exams.
Time Commitment
This is a four-credit course. University policy states that students are expected to spend three to four hours per credit hour per week. Therefore, you should plan on 12–16 hours of work per week on this course. Consider the scripture, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” (Luke 14:28) Create a schedule now showing the blocks of time in a typical week that you plan to dedicate to completing work for this class. Block out a minimum of 12 hours.
Prerequisites
You must complete the following before taking this course: MATH 109 or FDMAT 112 or (FDMAT 110 and MATH 111).
Required Materials
Textbook
This course uses a free online textbook, College Physics, by OpenStax. It is also available as a downloadable PDF.
Lab Materials
The lab activities are an important component of this course for these reasons:
- They help you gain a deeper level of understanding through experiencing physics principles in action.
- Many students in the course intend to apply to medical programs that require a lab component in their undergraduate physics course.
To complete the lab activities, you will need the physical lab materials and smartphone application listed below.
Physical Lab Materials
Purchase the physical lab materials as soon as possible using ONE of the options below.
Lab Materials Option 1
Purchase the PH 105 Kit from the University Store.
Lab Materials Option 2
Obtain the items listed below. For items with links, use them to ensure you purchase the correct items.
- Weight Set
- Flexible Tape Measure
- Plastic Ruler with 3-Hole Punch (You need one with the holes, but you can get this item anywhere.)
- String
- Spring
- Ball
- Thermometer
Smartphone Application for Labs
To complete some labs, you will need access to a smartphone or other device that is compatible with applications. Download the application, “Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite” to the smartphone or device you will use. It is a free application available for Android and iPhones. For labs that require the smartphone application, specific information about its use is provided within the lab instructions found in the course.
Web Camera and Microphone
A web camera and microphone are required for this course.
Grading Policies
The following table shows the grade breakdown for the course.
| Labs | 10% |
| Quizzes | 15% |
| Homework | 15% |
| Group Work Exercises | 7.5% |
| Group Work Participation | 7.5% |
| Exams | 45% |
The standard BYU-Idaho grading scale applies to this class and is as follows:
Grading Scale
| Letter Grade | Percentage Range |
|---|---|
| A | 93.0% – 100% |
| A- | 90.0% – 92.9% |
| B+ | 87.0% – 89.9% |
| B | 83.0% – 86.9% |
| B- | 80.0% – 82.9% |
| C+ | 77.0% – 79.9% |
| C | 73.0% – 76.9% |
| C- | 70.0% – 72.9% |
| D+ | 67.0% – 69.9% |
| D | 63.0% – 66.9% |
| D- | 60.0% – 62.0% |
| F | 00% – 59.9% |
Late Work
As a sign of professionalism and respect, students should complete their work on time. Your instructor has the discretion to accept late work or extend due dates as appropriate for extenuating circumstances.
Online Support Center
If you experience technical difficulties any time during the course, contact the BYU-Idaho Online Support Center before contacting your instructor.
Phone: (208)-496-1411
Email: onlinelearning@byui.edu
Website: http://www.byui.edu/online/online-support-center
Text Messaging: 855-808-7102
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM, MST
Skype: onlinesupportcenterbyui
Live Chat: Available on the Online Support Center Website.
Missing Content
Some browsers block content that does not meet certain security specifications. For this reason, there may be times when content in this course does not display properly. If that occurs, check to see if you must specifically allow the object to be viewed.
If you are unable to resolve missing content issues or you experience other technical difficulties like broken links at any time during the course, contact the Online Support Center before contacting your instructor. (See the information above.)
Copyright
Materials on BYU-I I-Learn and related sites may be protected by US Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code). These materials are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course and may not be retained or further disseminated.
Additional Information
University Policies
Academic honesty is required and any violation with be dealt with according to the University Academic Honesty Policy.
Policy on Sexual Discrimination/Harassment
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an education program or activity that receives federal funds, including Federal loans and grants. Title IX also covers student-to-student sexual harassment. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender based discrimination, please contact the Personnel Office at (208) 496-1130.
Reasonable Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere which reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability that may impair your ability to complete this course successfully, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office, (208) 496-9210. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by this office. If you need assistance or if you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and procedures. You should contact the Personnel Office at (208) 496-1130.
Personal Conduct
All of your correspondence with the teacher or other classmates must be respectful. Writing something disrespectful or “venting” is unprofessional and not becoming of a university student. In addition, it is not in accordance with the Honor Code of BYU-Idaho and you will be subject to discipline accordingly. You are invited to re-read the BYU-I Honor Code and the “Principles of Personal Honor.” http://www.byui.edu/student-honor-office/ces-honor-code