Overview

This course is an algebra-based, introduction-level physics course.

Requirements

Prerequisites

You must complete the following before taking this course: MATH 109 or FDMAT 112 or (FDMAT 110 and MATH 111).

Required Resources

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 (any generic string would work)
• Spring
• Ball (a tennis ball is fine)
• 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.

Proctored Exams and Assessments

This course will use an online proctoring software called Proctorio. This makes it possible for students to take assessments and exams without a human proctor present. Proctored exams can be accessed like any other exam, once the software has been installed. Exams will be recorded by Proctorio and reviewed by the BYUI Testing Center. Any questionable exams will be forwarded to the instructor for further review.

For step-by-step instructions on Proctorio installation, please refer to this help guide article.

Structure

Course Outcomes 

1. Experience and understand basic physical fundamentals.
2. Develop skills in observation, interpretation, predicting, and questioning.
3. Develop scientific problem solving skills.
4. Develop interpersonal and communication skills.
5. Apply understanding of the physical process to real-world situations.

Major Assignments

The table below is meant to help you see the relevance of each major assignment as it pertains to the course outcomes (CO).

Major Assignment	Description	Course Outcome #
W03 Exam 1	Weeks 02-03	1.2.3.4.5
W05 Exam 2	Weeks 04-05	1.2.3.4.5
W07 Exam 3	Weeks 06-07	1.2.3.4.5
W10 Exam 4	Weeks 08-10	1.2.3.4.5
W12 Exam 5	Weeks 11-12	1.2.3.4.5

Weekly Patterns

The table below displays typical weekly activities, due dates, and activity descriptions. 

Due Date*	Learning Model	Activity Title	Description
Midweek	Prove	Quiz Lab Preparation	Read a portion of the this week's lab document and take a quiz about related concepts.
Midweek	Prove	Assignment	Complete the lab activity and submit the associated lab report.
End of Week	Teach One Another	Discussion	Participate on the discussion of the week
End of Week	Ponder/Prove	Assignment	Complete the Individual Exercises for this week and make your final submission for the problems in Möbius.
End of Week	Ponder/Prove	Assignment	Review your written work for this week's Individual Exercises, make changes as needed, and submit your document.
End of Week	Prove	Quiz	Take a quiz in Möbius regarding this week's content.

*Set your time zone within user preferences so the dates and times for course activities will display correctly for your time zone.

Learning Model

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.

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.

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.

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%

 

Teaching Assistant

This course utilizes a teaching assistant (TA). TA responsibilities may include assisting students with specific assignments and/or grading student work.

Online Support Center

If you need assistance or experience technical difficulties, visit the I-learn help tab located on the left-hand side of your screen to contact the appropriate support center.

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.

University Policies

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office (Links to an external site.) at (208) 496-9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations (Links to an external site.). Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Disability Services Office.

This course includes required synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered with the Disability Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at (208) 496-9219.

Other University Policies

Student Honor and Other Policies

Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:

• Student Honor
  • Academic Honesty
  • Student Conduct
    • Sexual Harassment
• Student with Disabilities
• Complaints and Grievances
• Copyright Notice

Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.

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.” Visit the CES Honor Code to read more.